Charged With a Crime?

In the time immediately following a criminal charge, it is absolutely vital that you do not hesitate to secure the necessary aggressive legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. By working with someone who truly understands this area of the law, you can breathe easier knowing that you will not have to face this situation alone. Too many firms are content to run their clients through a legal machine, but we simply do not operate in this manner. We believe that success lies in the details and we are therefore devoted to ensuring that our clients receive nothing less than our absolute best effort.

Cases We Represent

If you choose to work with our legal team at Hager & Schwartz, you can breathe easier knowing that we will go the distance to help you combat the charges being held against you. With years of experience, our legal team is intimate with this area of the law and will do everything in our power to ensure that our clients are given the high-quality legal assistance they deserve in combating the charges held against them. We are able to help their clients in many different areas of criminal law, including (but not limited to) the following:

Arrested While on Vacation
Many people travel to Florida for the weather and beautiful beaches. A vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare, however, if you were arrested for a crime. As Florida may not be your home state, it is important to contact a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney to learn about the charges and penalties.

Assault / Battery
Although assault and battery are grouped as one crime, they are actually two separate charged. If you threatened someone with physical violence, it is referred to as assault. If you physically harmed someone in any way, it is battery.

Bench Warrants
Bench warrants are issued for those who failed to appear at their court hearing. If you have missed a court appearance, you could be subject to arrest at any time and without your prior knowledge.

Disorderly Conduct / Disorderly Intoxication
Although being arrested for disorderly conduct may not seem like a serious issue, it can lead to harsh consequences. These cases can be subjective and seem like you are only exercising your freedom of speech, but end up with jail time.

Domestic Violence
Any type of physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional abuse towards a family member or dating partner is classified as domestic violence. In heated situations, accusations can be made that are not true. If this is your case, contacting a skilled legal professional is your best option.

Driving with a Suspended License
If you have been accused of driving while your license was suspended, you may be facing misdemeanor charges. With each conviction, the penalties will increase with a third conviction resulting in a felony charge.

Drug Crimes
Drug violations are a prevalent crime in the Fort Lauderdale area. Possession, trafficking, cultivation, and sale can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. If you were accused of any crime involving drugs, contact an attorney from our legal team as soon as possible.

DUI Defense
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense because you may lose your driving privileges and have to spend time in jail. When you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, you may be asked to perform a field sobriety test or submit to chemical testing. Refusal can lead to an automatic license suspension.

Felonies / Misdemeanors
In Florida, crime that can be charged as felonies include: sex crimes, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, kidnapping, and some types of DUI. Examples of misdemeanors include: petty theft, driving on a suspended license, and marijuana possession.

Florida Statutes
If you have been accused of a crime, it is imperative that you understand the laws and statutes applicable to your case. You can learn about the penalties you may be facing as well as the best way to defend yourself.

Juvenile Crimes
If your child was accused of a crime, it is important to do everything in your power to protect them. As a conviction can have a damaging effect on their education opportunities and employment advances, a criminal lawyer for strong legal defense.

Leaving the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident, or "hit and run," is serious offense in Florida. Under law, a driver is required to stay at the accident and exchange information. In an injury occurred, they are also responsible for getting them medical help.

Manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter is also known as a heat of passion crime. This means that the act was not premeditated with malice aforethought. Involuntary manslaughter means that the individual did not mean to kill but was the result of recklessness or through the commission of another crime.

Murder
Murder is one of the most serious violent crimes you can be charged with. Depending on how serious your charged and whether premeditation was involved, it could be classified as first, second, or third degree murder. A criminal defense lawyer will fight tirelessly to get your charges reduced.

Probation Violations
If you were charged with violating the terms of your probation, you could be facing intensified penalties. By failing to report to your probation officer, being charged with another crime, or violating a restraining order, you could be sent to jail for the remainder of your sentence.

Resisting Arrest
Resisting arrest is a serious crime as it can involve assault or battery against a law enforcement officer. Even if no violence was involved, arguing with the police could constitute resisting without violence.

Sealing / Expungements
If you have made a mistake in your past, there could be options available to you to change your criminal record. Although not available to everyone, a criminal defense lawyer could assist you in getting your record sealed or expunged.

Theft Crimes
Theft crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors of felonies, depending on the amount that was stolen or any other aggravating factors. Petty theft, identity theft, embezzlement, robbery, and fraud are all examples of crimes that can be prosecuted as theft.

Weapons Charges
Crimes involving firearms can result in time in jail or prison. Examples include: unlawful discharge, battery involving a deadly weapon, and unlawful possession. By speaking to a criminal defense attorney, you could get the strong defense you need to get your case dismissed.

White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes received their name from the fact that they are mostly committed in a business environment. Brank fraud, bribery, insider trading, extortion, and embezzlement can all result in a conviction and heavy penalties.

Why hire us?

If you have been arrested for any crime, speak with our firm as soon as possible. Not only could we get your charges reduced, but we may be able to get your entire case dismissed. As former state prosecutors, we have experience on both sides of the court room, which could be an invaluable benefit to you. We are professional, hard-working, and have the qualifications you can trust: we are members of The American Bar Association, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, among others. If you entrust us with your case, you can expect complete care and dedication throughout the entire process. Our first priority is always the best interests of our clients. But don't take our word for it! Take a look at the results we have achieved and form your own opinion. Satisfied? Then take the first step toward your defense by contacting our firm today! We are prepared to provide you with hard-hitting defense.