Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hollywood, Florida

Strategic Criminal Defense for Hollywood, Florida, Cases

When an arrest happens in Hollywood, it often comes without warning. One moment you’re enjoying time near Hollywood Beach, meeting friends in a nightlife district, or driving through a busy corridor, and the next, you’re facing handcuffs, questioning, and the frightening uncertainty of what comes next. As criminal defense lawyers serving Hollywood, FL, residents trust, we understand how fast these situations unfold and how overwhelming they feel in the moment. Fear, confusion, and urgency are natural reactions when your freedom, reputation, or career suddenly feels at risk.

At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we step in quickly to bring clarity and control back to an otherwise chaotic situation. Our team focuses exclusively on criminal defense, and we approach every case with urgency, precision, and strategy. Drawing on our background as former prosecutors, we know how charges are built and where they often fall apart. That insight allows us to act quickly, protect your rights from the start, and begin shaping a defense tailored to the facts of your case rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you or someone you love has been arrested in Hollywood, Florida, you don’t have to navigate this alone. We are available 24/7 and offer free consultations so you can understand your options without added pressure. Our goal is simple: to stand between you and the full force of the criminal justice system, providing experienced, accessible, and aggressive representation when you need it most.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with a Hollywood, Florida, criminal lawyer.

Criminal Charges in Hollywood, FL, Can Escalate Quickly — We Step In Early

In Hollywood, arrests often happen in fast-moving, high-visibility areas. We regularly see charges arise from incidents near Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, where heavy foot traffic, alcohol, and misunderstandings can quickly draw police attention. Others begin in Downtown Hollywood, where nightlife, special events, and crowds increase the chances of confrontations or police stops. Traffic stops along Interstate 95 or US-441 also commonly lead to arrests for DUI, drug offenses, or outstanding warrants, often turning what feels like a routine stop into a life-altering moment.

What many people don’t realize is how quickly a “minor” charge can spiral. A simple misdemeanor can escalate into harsher penalties if statements are misunderstood, evidence goes unchallenged, or deadlines are missed. Prosecutors may add charges, seek higher bonds, or pursue enhanced penalties before you’ve had a chance to explain your side. Waiting to involve a defense attorney in Hollywood, Florida, can mean lost opportunities to influence how the case is charged or whether it’s filed at all.

That’s why early legal intervention matters. When we step in promptly, we can begin protecting your rights immediately, communicate with law enforcement and prosecutors on your behalf, and pursue pre-file investigation strategies aimed at limiting damage before the case gains momentum. Acting early allows us to challenge weak evidence, preserve favorable facts, and position your case for a favorable outcome before the stakes get even higher.

Local Law Enforcement and Courts That Handle Hollywood Criminal Cases

If you’ve been arrested in Hollywood, Florida, it helps to understand who is involved and where your case goes next. Knowing which agencies handle arrests and which courts process charges can reduce confusion and make an overwhelming situation feel more manageable.

Law Enforcement Agencies Involved in Arrests

Criminal cases in Hollywood typically begin with one or more local law enforcement agencies, depending on where and how the arrest occurred.

Hollywood Police Department

The Hollywood Police Department is responsible for most arrests within city limits. 

Officers are assigned to specialized divisions, including:

• Patrol Services Division: First responders handling traffic stops, disturbances, and on-scene arrests
• Criminal Investigations Division: Detectives who investigate alleged crimes and gather evidence
• Special Operations Division: Units focused on targeted enforcement and higher-risk situations

Broward County Sheriff’s Office

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) may also be involved, particularly when arrests occur outside city limits or involve broader county operations. 

BSO provides:

• Road patrol services in unincorporated areas
• K-9 units for searches and drug-related investigations
• Specialized units, such as SWAT for high-risk situations

Where Criminal Cases Are Handled

After an arrest, your case is routed through the Broward County court system. The court location depends on the type and severity of the charge.

• South Regional Courthouse
  • Handles traffic offenses and many misdemeanor cases originating in Hollywood
• Broward County Courthouse
  • Handles felony charges and more serious criminal matters

Why Local Experience in Broward County Matters

Each police department and courthouse has its own procedures, expectations, and prosecutorial tendencies. 

Working with attorneys who regularly handle cases in Broward County allows for:

• Anticipating how specific agencies investigate and charge cases
• Navigating local court rules and filing requirements efficiently
• Avoiding procedural mistakes that can delay or damage a defense

That familiarity helps us guide clients through the process with clarity so they’re not left guessing what comes next or who is making decisions about their case.

Common Criminal Charges We Defend in Hollywood, Florida

If you’re facing charges and need a criminal lawyer near Hollywood, it’s easy to feel isolated or assume you’ve done something uniquely wrong. In reality, many arrests in this area stem from everyday situations involving tourism, nightlife, traffic enforcement, or misunderstandings that escalate quickly. Our role is to help you understand what you’re up against and to remind you that you are not alone in this process.

Below are some of the most common criminal charges we defend for clients in Hollywood and throughout Broward County.

Property Crimes

Property-related offenses are among the most frequently charged crimes in Hollywood, particularly in retail areas and tourist corridors.

• Theft and shoplifting: The most common property crimes in the area, often involving retail stores or alleged “petty” theft that can still carry serious consequences
• Motor vehicle theft: Charges ranging from unlawful use to grand theft auto
• Burglary: Allegations involving entering a structure or vehicle with intent, even when no force was used

Drug Crimes

Drug arrests occur across South Florida and often involve searches, traffic stops, or undercover operations.

• Possession: Including small quantities that can still result in criminal records or jail time
• Sale or trafficking: More serious felony charges with enhanced penalties
• Prescription fraud: Allegations involving forged prescriptions or misuse of controlled substances

DUI and Traffic-Related Crimes

Hollywood’s nightlife, beach areas, and busy roadways make DUI enforcement a top priority for law enforcement.

• DUI arrests near nightlife and beach areas: Often tied to sobriety checkpoints or late-night traffic stops
• Out-of-state drivers and tourists: Visitors unfamiliar with Florida laws who are suddenly facing criminal charges far from home

Fraud and White-Collar Offenses

These charges often involve complex investigations and can carry long-term financial and professional consequences.

• Identity theft: Allegations involving personal or financial information
• Credit card fraud: Including unauthorized use or possession of card information

Violent Crimes

While less common than property crimes, violent crime allegations are taken very seriously and move quickly through the court system.

• Assault: Charges that can arise from heated arguments or confrontations
• Domestic violence: Highly sensitive cases that may involve immediate arrest and no-contact orders

No matter the charge, the stakes are real, and the impact on your life can be immediate. We approach every case with the understanding that there is more to the story than what appears in a police report, and we work to build a defense that reflects your circumstances, your goals, and your future.

Former Prosecutors Defending Hollywood Criminal Cases

When you’re facing criminal charges, who is defending you matters. At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., our founders bring a powerful advantage to every Hollywood case: both are former prosecutors who understand how criminal cases are built from the inside.

Why a Former Prosecutor’s Perspective Matters

Before defending clients, we spent years on the prosecution side of the courtroom. 

That experience gives us insight that many general practice firms simply don’t have, including how prosecutors:

• Evaluate evidence and decide whether charges should be filed
• Identify leverage points in early-stage cases
• Prioritize certain charges over others
• Prepare cases for negotiation or trial

This perspective allows us to act proactively, often before the prosecution’s strategy fully takes shape.

No two cases are the same, and neither should their defenses be. 

Rather than applying cookie-cutter solutions, we build custom defense strategies based on:

• The facts of your case
• The law enforcement agency involved
• The prosecutor assigned to the file
• The courtroom and judge handling the matter

That level of customization helps expose weaknesses early and positions your case for the strongest possible outcome.

While many cases resolve through negotiation, effective negotiation requires real leverage. Prosecutors know when a defense team is unwilling to go to trial and when one is fully prepared.

Our approach includes:

• Preparing every case as if it will be tried before a judge or jury
• Negotiating from a position of strength, not fear
• Being fully ready to take your case to court if a fair resolution isn’t offered

For clients in Hollywood, Florida, this means your defense is not passive. You’re represented by attorneys who understand both sides of the criminal justice system and who use that knowledge to protect your rights, your record, and your future.

Serving Hollywood, FL, from Our Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Office

If you’ve been arrested in Hollywood, you don’t need to search far for experienced legal help. Our Fort Lauderdale office is minutes away, allowing us to respond quickly and handle Hollywood-area cases with the local insight they require.

We serve Hollywood clients from our Fort Lauderdale office, located at:

110 Tower

110 S.E. 6th St., Suite 1715

Fort Lauderdale 33301

This close proximity allows us to move fast after an arrest, whether that means advising you before questioning, appearing in court, or communicating with prosecutors early in the process.

Because Hollywood criminal cases are handled within the Broward County court system, local experience matters. 

We routinely represent clients in Broward County courts and understand:

• How local prosecutors evaluate and file charges
• Court-specific procedures and expectations
• The practical realities of negotiating and litigating cases in this jurisdiction

That familiarity helps us guide clients through each stage of the case efficiently and with confidence.

From the moment of arrest through final resolution, our approach is hands-on and consistent. 

Clients working with our firm benefit from:

• Exclusive focus on criminal defense — no distractions, no divided attention
• Thousands of cases handled across South Florida
• Personal attention and direct access to an attorney
• Flexible payment plans designed to reduce financial stress
• A trusted reputation, with recognition from Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and The National Trial Lawyers

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Hollywood, Florida, help is available. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to answer questions, explain your options, and step in when it matters most.

Contact us to speak with a criminal defense attorney serving Hollywood, FL. Early guidance can make a meaningful difference, and we’re ready when you need us.