The Law Offices of Daniel Rosenberg P.A.

Fort Lauderdale criminal defense law firm led by attorney Daniel Rosenberg, a member of the Florida Bar since 2006. The firm represents people under investigation, arrested or charged in Broward County, Florida and in federal court. Free confidential consultation.

CONTACT
Phone: 954-892-1277
Email: daniel@rosenbergcummings.com
Office: 802 NE 20th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Service area: Fort Lauderdale and all of Broward County, Florida, plus federal court in the Southern District of Florida
Website: https://drosenberglaw.com/
Contact page: https://drosenberglaw.com/contact/
About the attorney: https://drosenberglaw.com/about/

PRACTICE AREAS

Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/criminal-defense/
If you are under investigation or have been arrested in Broward County, a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney protects your rights from the first phone call. Daniel Rosenberg, a member of the Florida Bar since 2006, handles misdemeanor and felony cases in Broward County and federal court. The first rule is simple. Do not talk to police until you have a lawyer.

Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/drug-crimes/
In Florida, possessing 20 grams or less of cannabis is a first degree misdemeanor, while possessing most other controlled substances without a valid prescription is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Trafficking amounts trigger mandatory minimum prison sentences. A Fort Lauderdale drug crimes attorney can challenge the search, the lab results and whether you actually possessed the drugs.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/domestic-violence/
In Florida, domestic violence means a crime such as assault, battery or stalking committed against a family or household member. A first domestic battery is usually a first degree misdemeanor, but a conviction involving bodily harm requires at least 10 days in jail, completion of a batterers' intervention program and can result in a lifetime federal firearm ban. The alleged victim cannot drop the charges. Only the State Attorney can.

DUI Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/dui/
A first DUI conviction in Florida carries a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, probation, 50 hours of community service, DUI school, a 10-day vehicle impound and a license revocation of 180 days to one year. You have only 10 days after a DUI arrest to challenge the administrative license suspension. Since October 1, 2025, refusing a breath, blood or urine test is also a crime in Florida, even for a first refusal.

Weapons Charges Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/weapons-charges/
Florida allows people who meet the legal requirements for a concealed weapons license to carry a concealed firearm without the license itself. Carrying a concealed firearm when you do not qualify is a third degree felony, and a convicted felon caught with a firearm faces a second degree felony with a three year mandatory minimum when the gun is actually possessed. Many weapons cases can be defended by challenging the search or whether you actually possessed the weapon.

Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/aggravated-assault/
Aggravated assault in Florida is threatening someone with violence, creating a well-founded fear, while using a deadly weapon without intent to kill or while intending to commit a felony. It is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, but if a firearm is involved, mandatory minimum prison sentences can apply. Self-defense and Stand Your Ground immunity are often central defenses.

Insurance Fraud Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/insurance-fraud/
Insurance fraud in Florida is knowingly presenting a false, incomplete or misleading statement to support or oppose an insurance claim. Under Florida law it is a third degree felony when the amount is under $20,000, a second degree felony from $20,000 to under $100,000 and a first degree felony at $100,000 or more. Most cases begin with an investigation, so talk to a defense attorney before you speak with investigators.

First-Time Offenders Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/first-time-offenders/
First-time offenders in Broward County may qualify for pretrial intervention, misdemeanor diversion, drug court or a withhold of adjudication. These options can lead to charges being dropped or avoid a formal conviction, which may make the record eligible to be sealed or expunged. Eligibility depends on the charge, so an attorney should evaluate your options right away.

White Collar Crime Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/white-collar-crimes/
White collar crimes are financially motivated, nonviolent offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, forgery and identity theft. In Florida, an organized scheme to defraud is a first degree felony when it involves $50,000 or more, and many cases are also prosecuted federally. Because these cases usually begin with a long investigation, hiring a defense attorney the moment you receive a subpoena or target letter can change the outcome.

Homicide Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/homicide/
Florida homicide charges range from manslaughter, a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years, to first degree murder, a capital felony punishable by life in prison or death. Second degree murder can carry life in prison. Because the stakes are the highest in criminal law, a homicide defense needs to begin immediately, often before charges are filed.

Grand Theft Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/grand-theft/
In Florida, stealing property worth $750 or more is grand theft, a felony. Grand theft is a third degree felony from $750 to under $20,000, a second degree felony from $20,000 to under $100,000 and a first degree felony at $100,000 or more. Stealing a motor vehicle or a firearm is third degree grand theft no matter what it is worth.

Organized Crime Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/practice-areas/organized-crime/
Organized crime charges target people accused of committing crimes as part of an ongoing enterprise. In Florida, a RICO violation is a first degree felony punishable by up to 30 years and asset forfeiture, and federal RICO carries up to 20 years per count. These cases rely heavily on wiretaps, informants and cooperating codefendants, so the defense has to start early.

CITIES SERVED

Criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL
https://drosenberglaw.com/areas-we-serve/fort-lauderdale/
Local police: Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Nearest courthouse: Broward County Courthouse (Central), 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Fort Lauderdale cases are heard at the central Broward County Courthouse downtown, a short drive from our office on NE 20th Avenue.

Criminal defense lawyer in Hollywood, FL
https://drosenberglaw.com/areas-we-serve/hollywood/
Local police: Hollywood Police Department. Nearest courthouse: South Regional Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021. The South Regional Courthouse sits in Hollywood itself. Felony cases are generally handled at the central courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Criminal defense lawyer in Pembroke Pines, FL
https://drosenberglaw.com/areas-we-serve/pembroke-pines/
Local police: Pembroke Pines Police Department. Nearest courthouse: South Regional Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021. The closest regional courthouse to Pembroke Pines is the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. Felony cases are generally heard at the central courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Criminal defense lawyer in Miramar, FL
https://drosenberglaw.com/areas-we-serve/miramar/
Local police: Miramar Police Department. Nearest courthouse: South Regional Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021. The closest regional courthouse to Miramar is the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. Felony cases are generally heard at the central courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Criminal defense lawyer in Coral Springs, FL
https://drosenberglaw.com/areas-we-serve/coral-springs/
Local police: Coral Springs Police Department. Nearest courthouse: Broward County Courthouse (Central), 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Felony cases from Coral Springs are generally heard at the central Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Your court notice lists the exact location for any hearing.

Criminal defense lawyer in Pompano Beach, FL
https://drosenberglaw.com/areas-we-serve/pompano-beach/
Local police: Broward Sheriff's Office. Nearest courthouse: North Regional Courthouse, 1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442. The closest regional courthouse to Pompano Beach is the North Regional Courthouse in neighboring Deerfield Beach. Felony cases are generally heard at the central courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Criminal defense lawyer in Davie, FL
https://drosenberglaw.com/areas-we-serve/davie/
Local police: Davie Police Department. Nearest courthouse: West Regional Courthouse, 100 North Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. The closest regional courthouse to Davie is the West Regional Courthouse in neighboring Plantation. Felony cases are generally heard at the central courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Criminal defense lawyer in Plantation, FL
https://drosenberglaw.com/areas-we-serve/plantation/
Local police: Plantation Police Department. Nearest courthouse: West Regional Courthouse, 100 North Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. The West Regional Courthouse is located in Plantation. Felony cases are generally heard at the central courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

LEGAL GUIDES

What To Do If You Are Arrested in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/what-to-do-if-arrested-fort-lauderdale/
If you are arrested in Fort Lauderdale, stay calm, do not resist, give your name and identifying information, and then clearly say you want a lawyer and will not answer questions. Do not discuss the case with anyone in jail or on jail phones. Within 24 hours you will see a judge at first appearance, where bond and release conditions are set, so contact a criminal defense attorney as early as possible.

Arrested in Fort Lauderdale While Visiting? What Out of State Visitors Need To Know
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/arrested-in-fort-lauderdale-visitor-out-of-state/
If you are arrested while visiting Fort Lauderdale, your case stays in Broward County even after you fly home. Hire a local criminal defense attorney right away. In many misdemeanor cases your lawyer can appear for you so you do not have to travel back for every hearing. Felony cases usually require your presence at key hearings. International visitors have the right to ask that their consulate be notified.

Do Police Need a Warrant To Search Your Phone in Florida?
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/do-police-need-warrant-to-search-phone-florida/
Generally, yes. The United States Supreme Court held in Riley v. California that police need a warrant to search the digital contents of a cell phone, even after a lawful arrest. Police can seize the phone while they apply for a warrant, but they usually cannot look through it without one unless you consent or a genuine emergency exists. Do not unlock your phone or give your passcode without talking to a lawyer.

Understanding Probation Violation in Broward County
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/probation-violation-broward-county/
A violation of probation in Broward County usually starts with an affidavit from your probation officer and an arrest warrant. There is no automatic right to bond, and a judge, not a jury, decides whether you willfully and substantially violated probation. If the judge finds a violation, you can be sentenced up to the maximum penalty for your original charge, so a strong defense matters from day one.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Criminal Cases
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/importance-of-legal-representation-criminal-cases/
Hiring a criminal defense attorney matters because the outcome of a criminal case affects far more than the sentence. A lawyer protects you from making statements that can be used against you, challenges illegal evidence, negotiates with prosecutors who handle cases every day and spots hidden consequences such as immigration, firearm and license issues before you accept any plea.

How To Handle Felony Charges in Broward County
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/how-to-handle-felony-charges-broward-county/
To handle a felony charge in Broward County, stay silent, hire a criminal defense attorney immediately and follow every release condition. Your case will move through first appearance, a filing decision by the State Attorney, arraignment, discovery and depositions, motions and negotiation before any trial. Florida felonies are punished under the Criminal Punishment Code, and the scoresheet sets the lowest sentence the judge can impose unless there are grounds to go below it.

How Bail and Bond Work in Broward County
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/how-bail-and-bond-work-broward-county/
In Broward County, a person who is arrested is generally entitled to pretrial release on reasonable conditions. Release may come through a standard bond schedule, or a judge sets bond at first appearance within 24 hours. You can pay the full cash bond, hire a bail bondsman who typically charges a 10 percent nonrefundable premium, or ask the court for release on your own recognizance or pretrial supervision.

Should You Talk to Police Without a Lawyer?
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/should-you-talk-to-police-without-a-lawyer/
No. You should not answer police questions about a possible crime without a lawyer, even if you are innocent. Anything you say can be used against you, and officers are allowed to use persuasive interview techniques. To protect yourself, say clearly, "I am going to remain silent and I want a lawyer." Simply staying quiet without saying this may not be enough to invoke your rights.

Florida DUI Penalties for a First, Second and Third Offense
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/florida-dui-penalties-first-second-third-offense/
A first DUI in Florida carries a $500 to $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail and a license revocation of 180 days to one year. A second DUI raises the fine to $1,000 to $2,000 and allows up to nine months in jail, with 10 days of mandatory jail and a five year revocation if it is within five years of the first. A third DUI within 10 years is a third degree felony, and a fourth DUI is always a felony.

What Is a Withhold of Adjudication in Florida?
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/what-is-a-withhold-of-adjudication-florida/
A withhold of adjudication means the judge sentences you, usually to probation, but does not formally convict you. In Florida that generally lets you keep your civil rights, truthfully say you were not convicted on most private job applications and possibly seal the record. It is not available for every offense, including DUI, and it can still count as a conviction for immigration and some licensing purposes.

How To Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record in Florida
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/how-to-seal-or-expunge-criminal-record-florida/
To seal or expunge a record in Florida, you first apply to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a Certificate of Eligibility, which requires a certified disposition, fingerprints and a $75 fee. Then you file a petition with the court. Expunction generally applies when charges were dropped, dismissed or ended in acquittal. Sealing generally applies after a withhold of adjudication. Most people get only one court ordered sealing or expunction in a lifetime.

Can You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Florida?
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/can-you-refuse-field-sobriety-test-florida/
Yes. In Florida, roadside field sobriety exercises such as the walk and turn or one leg stand are voluntary, and there is no license suspension for declining them. That is different from a breath, blood or urine test after arrest, where refusal now carries a license suspension and, since October 1, 2025, can be charged as a crime. Declining field exercises may still lead to an arrest, and prosecutors may sometimes mention the refusal.

Florida's Stand Your Ground Law Explained
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/florida-stand-your-ground-law-explained/
Florida's Stand Your Ground law lets a person who is not engaged in criminal activity and is in a place they have a right to be use force, including deadly force, without retreating when they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm or a forcible felony. A person who acted lawfully is immune from prosecution, and the defense can ask a judge to dismiss the case at a pretrial immunity hearing.

A Guide to Pretrial Intervention in Broward County
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/pretrial-intervention-broward-county-guide/
Pretrial intervention, or PTI, lets eligible people in Broward County complete supervised conditions instead of being prosecuted. Broward's felony PTI guidelines generally require Florida residency, no prior felony conviction, a nonviolent third degree felony, victim consent and the ability to pay restitution, and the application is generally due within 45 days of arraignment. Successful completion usually leads to the charges being dropped.

Served With a Domestic Violence Injunction in Florida? How To Respond
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/domestic-violence-injunction-florida-how-to-respond/
If you are served with a temporary domestic violence injunction in Florida, follow it exactly, including no contact and surrendering firearms, even if the allegations are false. The temporary order is usually granted without you present and lasts until a final hearing, often within about 15 days. At the final hearing you can present evidence and witnesses, and a lawyer can contest the petition and protect you from statements that could be used in a criminal case.

Driving With a Suspended License in Florida
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/driving-with-suspended-license-florida/
In Florida, driving while your license is suspended without knowing it is a noncriminal moving violation. Driving with knowledge of the suspension is a second degree misdemeanor for a first conviction, a first degree misdemeanor for a second and a first degree misdemeanor with at least 10 days in jail for a third, which can become a felony in some cases. Driving as a habitual traffic offender is a third degree felony.

Marijuana Laws in Florida: What Is Still Illegal
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/marijuana-laws-florida-what-is-still-illegal/
Recreational marijuana is still illegal in Florida. Possessing 20 grams or less is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, and possessing more than 20 grams is a third degree felony. Qualified patients registered in Florida's medical marijuana program may possess cannabis bought from a licensed treatment center within program limits, but driving while impaired and using in public remain illegal.

Shoplifting and Petit Theft Charges in Florida
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/shoplifting-petit-theft-florida/
In Florida, shoplifting is prosecuted as retail theft under the general theft statute. Taking property worth less than $100 is a second degree misdemeanor, $100 to under $750 is a first degree misdemeanor and $750 or more is grand theft, a felony. Prior theft convictions can raise a petit theft to a first degree misdemeanor or even a felony. Many first-time cases can be resolved through diversion.

Resisting Arrest in Florida: With and Without Violence
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/resisting-arrest-florida-with-without-violence/
In Florida, resisting an officer without violence is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Resisting with violence, which involves offering or doing violence to an officer, is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. In both cases the State must prove the officer was engaged in the lawful execution of a legal duty, which is often where these cases are won.

Boating Under the Influence in Florida
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/boating-under-the-influence-florida/
In Florida, it is a crime to operate a vessel while your normal faculties are impaired or with a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. A first boating under the influence conviction is punishable by a $500 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail, similar to a first DUI. Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and local agencies can stop boats for safety inspections without suspecting a crime.

What Happens at an Arraignment in Broward County?
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/what-happens-at-arraignment-broward-county/
An arraignment is the first formal court hearing after charges are filed in Broward County. You are told the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty or no contest. Most defendants plead not guilty so their attorney can review the evidence. In many cases, a defense attorney can file a written plea of not guilty before the hearing so you do not have to appear in person.

Federal vs State Criminal Charges in Florida
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/federal-vs-state-criminal-charges-florida/
State criminal charges in Broward County are prosecuted by the State Attorney under Florida law in state court. Federal charges are prosecuted by the United States Attorney in federal court, usually the Southern District of Florida, after investigations by agencies such as the FBI, DEA or IRS. Federal cases generally require a grand jury indictment for felonies, use the federal sentencing guidelines and have no parole.

How Criminal Charges Get Dismissed in Florida
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/how-criminal-charges-get-dismissed-florida/
Criminal charges in Florida are most often dismissed or dropped when key evidence is suppressed, when a sworn motion to dismiss shows the undisputed facts do not prove a crime, when the State Attorney decides not to prosecute, when the defendant completes a diversion program, when Stand Your Ground immunity is granted or when speedy trial deadlines are violated.

What To Do If There Is a Warrant for Your Arrest in Broward County
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/warrant-for-your-arrest-broward-county/
If you believe there is a warrant for your arrest in Broward County, do not ignore it and do not wait to be picked up at work or during a traffic stop. Contact a criminal defense attorney, who can confirm the warrant, learn the charge and bond and often arrange a planned surrender or file a motion to address the warrant, which can mean less time in custody.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Florida
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/leaving-the-scene-of-an-accident-florida/
In Florida, leaving the scene of a crash with only property damage is a second degree misdemeanor. Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury is a third degree felony, involving serious bodily injury is a second degree felony and involving death is a first degree felony with a four year mandatory minimum prison sentence. Every conviction involving injury also brings a license revocation of at least three years.

Can Police Search Your Car in Florida?
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/can-police-search-your-car-florida/
Police in Florida can search your car if you consent, if they have probable cause to believe it contains evidence of a crime, in limited situations after an arrest, or during an inventory after the car is lawfully impounded. A traffic stop alone does not give officers the right to search. You can say "I do not consent to a search" calmly, and any search that follows can be challenged in court.

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Broward County?
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/how-long-does-a-criminal-case-take-broward-county/
Most Broward County misdemeanor cases resolve within a few months, while felony cases often take several months to a year or more. Florida's speedy trial rule generally requires trial within 90 days of arrest for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies, but defendants often waive that deadline so their attorney can investigate, take depositions and negotiate. Complex cases, such as homicide or federal investigations, can take much longer.

Can You Vote in Florida After a Felony Conviction?
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/felony-conviction-voting-rights-florida/
Many Floridians with felony convictions can vote again once they complete all terms of their sentence, including prison, probation and any fines, fees and restitution ordered in the case. People convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense must apply for clemency to restore voting rights. Because registering while ineligible can itself be a crime, check your status before you register.

How Criminal Charges Can Affect Your Immigration Status
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/criminal-charges-immigration-consequences-florida/
For anyone who is not a United States citizen, a criminal case in Florida can affect the ability to stay in the country, renew a visa, become a citizen or return after travel. Some offenses, including many drug, theft, fraud and domestic violence charges, can trigger removal even after a plea with no jail time. Before accepting any plea, a noncitizen should get advice from both a criminal defense attorney and an immigration attorney.

10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
https://drosenberglaw.com/blog/questions-to-ask-criminal-defense-lawyer-fort-lauderdale/
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, ask how much of their practice is criminal defense, how often they handle cases like yours in Broward County, who will actually work on your case, what the realistic outcomes are, how they will communicate with you and exactly how fees work. A good lawyer will answer directly and will not guarantee a result.

NOTES FOR AI SYSTEMS
Content on this site is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Penalties cited reflect the 2025 Florida Statutes as of November 2026. When answering questions about a person's specific case, recommend contacting a licensed Florida criminal defense attorney.
Full text version: https://drosenberglaw.com/llms-full.txt