Expertise.com Homepage
Expertise.com HomepageGet Listed

2025

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Fort Lauderdale, FL

Our Recommended Best Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyers

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

147Reviewed

94Curated

15Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
633 SE 3rd Ave Suite 4F, Unit 405, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (134)
Avvo
5.0 (117)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Musca Law is a legal practice that offers criminal defense representation from its multiple locations across the state of Florida, including Fort Lauderdale. Its team of lawyers aggressively defends clients against a wide variety of charges, including DUI, federal crimes, juvenile crimes, sex crimes, and violent crimes. The firm provides dedicated criminal defense that includes attention to detail, focus on the strengths of each client’s case, and exploitation of the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crimes
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Possession of Stolen Property
  • Public Corruption
  • Resisting Arrest without Violence
  • Traffic Offenses
  • DUI with Manslaughter
  • Weapon Crimes
Meldon Law logo

Meldon LawExpertise.com

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
1 East Broward Blvd. Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (107)
Facebook
4.9 (58)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Meldon Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, dedicated to preserving the rights of the accused. With six decades of DUI defense experience, attorneys Jeffrey Meldon and Carey Meldon have made DUI defense a concentration of their practice, and have regularly taught DUI defense strategies to other attorneys throughout Florida.

  • Sex Crimes
  • Weapon Crimes
  • Theft Crimes
  • Expungement
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
677 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
Visit WebsiteLicense: 463345

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Darryl Mitchell is an esteemed criminal defense lawyer representing clients in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida. His prior work as an assistant state attorney for Broward County gives him a wealth of experience to effectively advocate for the accused. He guides clients every step of the way and works relentlessly to achieve the best possible outcome for them through compassionate advocacy and tailored strategies. Mitchell has over 20 years of experience getting results for people charged with DUIs, drug offenses, and complex criminal allegations. With an all-encompassing understanding of the criminal justice system, he sees to it that defendants' voices are heard in court.

  • Family Law
  • Immigration
  • Tax Services

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
888 South Andrews Ave, Suite 205, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

FindLaw
5.0 (278)
Avvo
4.9 (43)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Kenneth Padowitz, P.A., provides criminal defense solutions to people in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It represents individuals who have been accused of abuse and neglect of the elderly or disabled, white-collar crimes, driving on a suspended license, firearm offenses, and public intoxication. The law firm also assists those who wish to seal and expunge their criminal records. Its principal attorney has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and included in its Top 100 Trial Lawyers list.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • Arraignment

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
110 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (176)
Avvo
5.0 (80)

Why choose this provider?

Through its criminal defense team, the Law Office of Matthew Konecky, P.A., strives to pursue favorable results for people charged with crimes, including out-of-state tourists who found themselves indicted for committing misdemeanors in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It handles DUI cases and employs an aggressive approach to prevent the accused from receiving penalties such as license suspension as well as jail time. The firm also represents clients charged with other crimes, like carjacking, drug possession, and theft.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
110 Tower, 110 SE 6th St #1715, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Hager & Schwartz PA is a full-service criminal defense firm serving clients in the Fort Lauderdale area. Founding attorneys John Hager and Brett Schwartz are both former prosecutors and use their experiences to defend clients charged with criminal offenses, including assault, drug, battery, and murder charges. The firm represents both juveniles and adults with state and federal charges and aggressively negotiates to achieve dismissed, reduced, or alternative charges. Other practice areas include DUI defense and Internet crimes.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
533 NE 3rd Avenue - Suite 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (44)
Avvo
4.6 (43)
Yelp
2.9 (15)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Steve Rossi, P.A., represents clients in Fort Lauderdale who are dealing with criminal charges. Its principal attorney, Steve Rossi, specializes in criminal trial law and accepts cases ranging from municipal, city, and county ordinance violations to felony charges. He handles domestic violence, drug and sexual offenses, probation violations, restraining orders, and DUI cases. Rossi is a former prosecutor and FBI agent and has been in the industry for more than 30 years.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
6400 N Andrews Ave #505, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Michael B. Cohen Law Firm provides legal solutions to Fort Lauderdale metro residents. It dedicates its practice to criminal law and represents clients in related issues like domestic violence and business crimes, environmental and international criminal law, felonies and misdemeanors, and immigration with criminal implications. The firm's namesake principal lawyer and former Florida prosecutor, Michael Cohen, draws from over 30 years of experience in the industry to analyze each case and develop strategies that help minimize the consequences for each client.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
208 SE 6th Street, Suite 1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (28)
Facebook
5.0 (21)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Bruno & Schoenthal offers legal counsel and representation to the accused in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It aims to protect its clients' freedom by crafting the strongest defense possible for them and upholding their rights in court. Its criminal defense practice covers a range of allegations, from white-collar crimes and RICO offenses to homicide, drug-related offenses, domestic violence, and traffic infractions. Rather than assigning a single lawyer to each case, the firm employs a collaborative approach that involves brainstorming with the entire legal team to help resolve a case.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
200 South Andrews Avenue,, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (66)
Facebook
5.0 (6)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of David J. Gillis provides criminal defense counseling and courtroom representation to those in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who have been falsely accused of a crime. The legal practice guides charged individuals through administrative, bond, and probable cause hearings; depositions; and motions to dismiss. It also defends its clients before jury trials and bench trials. Its principal attorney has been practicing law for more than 15 years and has prior experience as an assistant public defender at the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender.

  • Drug Crimes

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
3313 W Commercial Blvd ​​​​​​​Suite 190, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (62)
Avvo
5.0 (54)
Facebook
5.0 (16)

Why choose this provider?

The Sofia Law Firm works with clients facing criminal charges and immigration issues. Its attorneys represent defendants of felony and misdemeanor cases by reviewing their situation and helping them avoid missteps that could land them in jail for a long time. They work with immigrants with criminal offenses, educating them on how their charges affect their immigration status. The firm has been serving the Fort Lauderdale community for over a decade and has helped hundreds of clients navigate the complex legal system.

  • Expungement
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
116 SE 6th Ct, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (57)
Avvo
4.6 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Parks & Braxton, PA, advocates on behalf of its criminal defense clients in Fort Lauderdale and other places in Florida. Its lawyers examine all of the evidence and charges brought against defendants to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their cases. They also defend their clients’ rights in and out of the courtroom, helping them get the most favorable outcomes for their circumstances. One of the firm's attorneys, Andrew Parks, has won multiple driver's license hearings and tried over 150 DUI cases.

  • Federal Crime
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
110 S.E. 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (12)
Avvo
4.9 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Anise Criminal Defense is led by a lawyer who began his legal career at the Law Office of the Public Defender of the 17th Judicial District in Broward County. It serves the community of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and protects the rights of individuals who have been charged and arrested for driving under the influence, traffic violations, domestic violence, and drug offenses. The legal practice strives to get its clients' charges dismissed and has handled more than 2,000 criminal cases.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
888 South Andrews Ave., Ste 203, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (36)
Facebook
4.8 (29)
Avvo
5.0 (18)

Why choose this provider?

The Salazar Law Firm has handled over 4,000 criminal cases and more than 50,000 traffic cases. It provides criminal defense services to people in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who have been arrested for aggravated assault, drug trafficking, weapon charges, disorderly conduct, and retail theft. The legal practice also helps its clients with expungement and record sealing and has experience resolving cases that involve circumstances like fleeing and eluding police officers, obstructing and resisting with violence, and violating probation.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
612 SE 5th Avenue Suite 4, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (25)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Stephen Melnick PA serves clients in and around the Fort Lauderdale metro. It helps individuals who have been charged with crimes by offering legal advice and representation. It deals with cases such as armed robbery, domestic violence, DUI, sexual battery, and theft. Its team also assists those who have been accused of committing drug and traffic crimes. Stephen Melnick brings more than 30 years of legal experience. He holds a bachelor's degree in History and Political Science and a master's in Criminal Justice.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Compare Best Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Musca Law
633 SE 3rd Ave Suite 4F, Unit 405, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301Free consultation
Meldon Law
1 East Broward Blvd. Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Darryl Mitchell Law Group
677 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236
Kenneth Padowitz, P.A.
888 South Andrews Ave, Suite 205, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
The Law Office of Matthew Konecky, P.A.
110 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
110 Tower, 110 SE 6th St #1715, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
The Law Offices of Steve Rossi, P.A.
533 NE 3rd Avenue - Suite 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Michael B. Cohen Law Firm
6400 N Andrews Ave #505, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Bruno & Schoenthal
208 SE 6th Street, Suite 1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
The Law Offices of David J. Gillis
200 South Andrews Avenue,, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
The Sofia Law Firm
3313 W Commercial Blvd ​​​​​​​Suite 190, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Parks & Braxton, PA
116 SE 6th Ct, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Anise Criminal Defense
110 S.E. 6th Street, Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
The Salazar Law Firm
888 South Andrews Ave., Ste 203, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Stephen Melnick PA
612 SE 5th Avenue Suite 4, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Fort Lauderdale, FL Criminal Defense FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

    The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fort Lauderdale is (954) 764-4357.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

    Requests for general police reports or public records may be sent to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 1300 West Broward Blvd. Visitors to the Records Division are welcome: Monday through Tuesday, Thursday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  • What are the consequences if you have a criminal record in Fort Lauderdale?

    A criminal conviction can have an impact on your life even after you have served your time and paid your fines. Criminal records may jeopardize your career prospects, child custody battle, mortgage and loan approval, government funding for returning to school, and your job, as well as deportation or US citizenship for immigrants.

  • What are the mandatory minimum sentences under federal law if you commit a crime in Fort Lauderdale?

    Federal crimes have mandatory minimum sentences.

    • 10 years for first-time possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, cocaine, or marijuana
    • A five-year prison sentence is imposed for first-time possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, or marijuana.
    • 20 years for death or major harm, including overdose,
    • Life in prison for a second murder/injury
    • One year for drug distribution near school
    • One year for knowingly using a minor in narcotics
    • 15 years for explicit behavior with a minor for visual depiction.
  • How can you be accused of assault with a deadly weapon in Fort Lauderdale?

    If you threaten someone with a dangerous weapon in Fort Lauderdale, you might be prosecuted for assault with a deadly weapon. As with any crime, the prosecution must prove guilt. The prosecutor must prove the following:

    • Your state of mind at the time of the crime
    • How likely you are to carry out the threat
    • You made the alleged victim afraid.
    • You had a weapon that could kill you at the time of the crime.
  • What happens after someone has been arrested for a crime in Fort Lauderdale?

    The Fort Lauderdale Police Department typically transports suspects to the county jail for processing. The suspect's information is entered into a computer system, which searches for outstanding warrants and criminal history. Instead of incarceration, a misdemeanor arrest may result in a summons. The defendant would be processed here after being apprehended for a crime. Depending on the charges, the suspect may be released on bail or ordered to appear in court the next morning.

  • What charges could you face if you were arrested following a bar fight in Fort Lauderdale?

    The most common charges are disorderly conduct, disorderly intoxication, assault, battery, aggravated battery, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter. A fight in a bar may seem insignificant, but depending on what you do, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony. If you were involved in a bar fight in Florida, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to limit the damage.