Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defense for the Criminally Accused in Broward County

Have you been arrested or charged with a crime? If so, choosing the right lawyer could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. As former prosecutors with decades of legal experience, our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Whether you were arrested for DUI, a drug offense, theft, or any other crime, we can help. Our firm is available to clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we'll be there for you when you need us most.

When looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to retain the services of someone who has courtroom experience, maintains open communication, is familiar with the local courts, and understands criminal law. At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., our team has been practicing law for decades. We have handled numerous cases – both as former prosecutors and as defense attorneys – and are comfortable presenting arguments in front of judges and juries. While we seek to resolve matters before trial, we prepare for each case as if it will be litigated.

We are committed to keeping our clients updated and informed about their cases. Understanding how personal a criminal matter is, we ensure that our clients are involved in the decision-making concerning the progress of their cases. When you hire us, you can trust that you will be working with a team that genuinely cares about protecting your best interests and will fight aggressively for you.

Schedule a free consultation by calling (954) 840-8713 or submitting an online contact form.

Fighting Misdemeanor & Felony Charges in Fort Lauderdale

When facing criminal charges, hiring an attorney immediately is vital. Broward County is a tough jurisdiction when it comes to criminal prosecution. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys are ready to get started on your case right away. We will be by your side through every step of the legal process.

We provide top-quality legal representation for a range of misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

• Assault and battery: Although typically referred to together, assault and battery are actually separate offenses. In Florida, assault involves threatening to cause injury to another. Battery, on the other hand, involves actually physically contacting someone or causing bodily harm to them.
• Disorderly conduct: This offense is a second-degree misdemeanor that occurs when someone engages in fighting or behavior that disrupts the peace and quiet or others or upset public decency.
• Domestic violence: Domestic violence occurs when a person commits a crime against their family or household member.
• Elder abuse: A person may be accused of committing an offense if they allegedly harmed, neglected, or exploited an elderly or disabled adult.
• Federal crimes: These offenses involve prohibited conduct that violates federal laws or crosses state lines or country borders.
• Fraud: Fraud crimes involve the use of deception to obtain something of value. A range of offenses falls under this term, including bribery, credit/debit card fraud, identity theft, and forgery.
• Juvenile crimes: If a person under 18 years of age allegedly commits an offense, their case will be handled by the juvenile justice system. The processes differ from those occurring in adult courts.
• Murder: Murder is the unlawful killing of another. Florida law enumerates three degrees of this offense, with first-degree being the most serious.
• Manslaughter: Manslaughter is the killing of someone else without lawful justification. Under Florida law, the offense can be committed by an “act, procurement, or culpable negligence of another.”
• Hit and run: Leaving the scene of an accident without fulfilling lawful duties (hit and run) can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. The level depends on whether only property damage was caused or someone else was injured or killed due to the accident.
• Sex crimes: Various offenses are considered sex crimes. They include, but are not limited to, prostitution, rape, sexual battery, child molestation, and child pornography. In some cases, a conviction can result in a requirement to register as a sex offender.
• White collar crimes: Typically, these crimes occur in business or government settings; however, anyone can be charged with them. Offenses include, but are not limited to, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, identity theft, money laundering, insider trading, and tax evasion.
• Weapons charges: Florida law enumerates several types of weapons offenses, such as brandishing a firearm, discharging a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a gun, and unlawful sale of firearms.

Additionally, we help those who have a criminal conviction on their record seek expungement. This legal vehicle essentially clears the criminal information from public access. Expunging an offense can open opportunities that were once closed because of the conviction.

The Sooner You Call, the Sooner We Can Get Started on Your Defense

Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers have dedicated their careers to advocating for those trying to navigate the criminal justice system. We know law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and judges, and we use our insight to challenge the other side. Our goal is to seek the best possible results for clients, whether that means a reduction in charges and penalties or a case dismissal.

When your life is being turned upside down, it may seem like things will never be the same. We’re here to tell you that all hope is not lost. The first step in protecting your rights and freedom is gaining the help of legal professionals you can trust. When you hire our firm, we will begin exploring every angle of your case, disputing the evidence, and preparing your defense.

Hager & Schwartz, P.A. serves clients throughout Broward County, FL. We are available days, nights, and weekends, contact us at (954) 840-8713 today to request your free consultation..