Last updated November 2025
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation in Broward County, the clock is already ticking. The State Attorney’s Office is reviewing reports, 911 audio, and body-cam footage. You need a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney who understands the local courts—and how to win in them.
From your first appearance in front of a judge to trial (if it gets that far), your lawyer’s strategy, experience, and urgency can make the difference between freedom and a permanent criminal record.
👨⚖️ What Does a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
A criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale represents people accused of crimes under Florida law—from misdemeanors like disorderly conduct and petit theft to serious felonies like drug trafficking, aggravated battery, or burglary.
Your attorney should:
📋 Investigate the case — review reports, video, 911 calls, and witness statements
🔍 Challenge illegal police actions — unlawful stops, searches, or interrogations
✍️ File motions — to dismiss weak charges or suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
🤝 Negotiate with prosecutors — to reduce or drop charges, or secure diversion
⚖️ Defend you in court — at hearings, trial, and sentencing if necessary
Most importantly, your lawyer should guide you with clear, honest advice from day one.
⚠️ What Happens After an Arrest in Broward County?
After an arrest in Broward County, you will usually:
Be booked into the Broward County Jail
Appear for a first appearance / bond hearing within 24 hours
Face formal charges once the State Attorney’s Office reviews the case
Attend an arraignment, where you enter a plea
The State may already be building its case before you ever see a judge.
But here’s the key: you can build your defense faster. Early legal action can lead to:
✅ Pre-filing diversion or “no-file” decisions
✅ Reduced charges (for example, felony to misdemeanor)
✅ Better bond conditions or release on recognizance
✅ Faster dismissals when evidence is weak
📍 Why Local Experience in Fort Lauderdale Matters
Criminal practice is local. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney should know:
How Broward judges handle bond, pleas, and sentencing
How the State Attorney’s Office evaluates different charges
The unwritten norms in domestic violence, DUI, drug, and theft divisions
Which diversion or treatment options are realistic in Broward
That local familiarity helps your lawyer anticipate the State’s moves and craft the most effective strategy for DUI, drug charges, theft/fraud, battery/assault, and more.
For specific charges, see:
🛡️ Why Hire Michael White, P.A.?
Attorney Michael White is a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of criminal cases across Broward County. Today, he uses that experience to defend clients accused of:
DUI and traffic-related crimes
Drug possession, sale, and trafficking
Theft, fraud, and grand theft
Domestic violence, battery, and assault
Weapons offenses and resisting arrest
Clients choose Michael White, P.A. because we provide:
✅ Strategic pre-trial defense — not just “wait for the next court date”
✅ Local courtroom familiarity — we know how Broward cases are really handled
✅ Transparent communication — clear expectations, not vague reassurances
✅ Aggressive negotiation backed by trial readiness — we prepare as if your case will go to trial
When you hire Michael White, you don’t just get legal knowledge—you get a tactical advantage built on experience inside Broward courtrooms.
🧭 What Working With Our Firm Looks Like
From the moment you contact us, we focus on:
Immediate risk assessment — bond status, no-contact orders, and exposure
Evidence triage — police reports, video, and witness lists
Early contact with the State Attorney’s Office — to push for no-file, reduction, or diversion
Defense roadmap — clear steps for you (treatment, classes, documented mitigation)
Long-term strategy — protecting your ability to seal or expunge your record whenever possible
📞 Facing Charges in Fort Lauderdale?
Don’t wait for your next court date to get serious about your defense. The earlier you get a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney involved, the more options you have.
📲 Call Michael White, P.A. at (954) 270-0769 or request a free case review.
We’ll review your case, explain your options, and outline a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense
📄 Do I need a criminal defense attorney for a misdemeanor?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor in Florida can result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent record. An experienced attorney may help avoid a conviction, protect your record, or negotiate diversion.
⚖️ How soon should I contact a criminal defense attorney?
Immediately. The earlier you hire an attorney, the better chance you have to intervene before formal charges are filed, preserve evidence, and control the narrative.
🧑⚖️ Can a Fort Lauderdale defense attorney get my charges dropped?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the facts, your attorney may challenge the stop or arrest, attack weak evidence, present mitigation, or negotiate with the State Attorney’s Office for dismissal or diversion.
🕔 What if I already have a public defender?
You can hire private counsel at any time. Many clients move to private representation for more communication, more time spent on their case, and a proactive pre-filing or pre-trial strategy.
📂 Will a criminal conviction stay on my record?
Yes—unless the case is dismissed or you receive a withhold of adjudication and later qualify to seal or expunge the record. We always look for resolutions that protect your ability to clean up your record later.