Criminal Defense Attorney Fort Lauderdale

The short answer

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.

Key facts at a glance

Third degree felony	Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine
Second degree felony	Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
First degree felony	Up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
First degree misdemeanor	Up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine
Second degree misdemeanor	Up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
Where cases are heard	Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, and federal court in the Southern District of Florida

Maximum penalties under § 775.082, Fla. Stat. and § 775.083, Fla. Stat.. Mandatory minimums and sentencing guidelines can change the real exposure in a specific case.

What does a criminal defense attorney do?

A criminal defense attorney stands between you and the State from the moment you become a suspect. That means stopping police questioning, getting you released on reasonable bond, reviewing every report, video and lab result, filing motions to throw out illegal evidence, negotiating with prosecutors and taking your case to trial when that is the better path.

In many cases the most important work happens early. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and statements made without a lawyer often become the State's strongest proof. Calling a defense attorney before you are charged can sometimes keep a case from being filed at all.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?

Florida misdemeanors carry up to one year in county jail. Felonies carry more than one year in state prison and are ranked as third degree, second degree, first degree, life and capital felonies. A felony conviction can also cost you the right to vote, the right to own a firearm and access to many jobs and professional licenses.

The charge on your arrest paperwork is not always the charge the State Attorney files. Prosecutors can add counts, reduce counts or upgrade a misdemeanor to a felony after reviewing the evidence. An experienced attorney can push back on overcharging before it becomes the official case.

Charged or under investigation in Broward County? Get a free, confidential consultation.

Call 954-892-1277 or request a call back

What happens after an arrest in Broward County?

First appearance. Within 24 hours of arrest, a judge reviews probable cause and sets release conditions such as bond or a no-contact order.
Filing decision. The Broward State Attorney's Office decides which charges to file, reduce or drop.
Arraignment. You enter a plea, usually not guilty, and the case is assigned to a judge.
Discovery. Your attorney receives the State's evidence and, in Florida, can take sworn depositions of the State's witnesses.
Motions and negotiation. Motions to suppress or dismiss are filed and plea offers are evaluated.
Trial or resolution. The case ends in dismissal, a negotiated resolution, a diversion program or a jury verdict.

What defenses can be used in a criminal case?

Every case is different, but common defenses include an illegal traffic stop or search, statements taken in violation of your Miranda rights, mistaken identity, lack of intent, insufficient evidence, unreliable witnesses and self-defense, including immunity under Florida's Stand Your Ground law in § 776.032, Fla. Stat..

Daniel Rosenberg also looks for ways to resolve a case without a conviction, such as pretrial intervention, deferred prosecution or a withhold of adjudication, which can protect your record and your future.

Representing clients charged in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Davie, Plantation and every other Broward County city.

Why choose Daniel Rosenberg?

Experience. A member of the Florida Bar since 2006, defending clients in Broward County and federal courts.
Direct access. When you call, you will often speak directly with Daniel himself.
Local. Office at 802 NE 20th Ave in Fort Lauderdale, minutes from the Broward County Courthouse.
Every resource. Success is never guaranteed, but every available resource goes into your defense.

Frequently asked questions

Should I talk to the police if I am innocent?

No. Politely decline to answer questions and ask for a lawyer. Police are allowed to use anything you say against you, and innocent people are often hurt by statements that are misunderstood or taken out of context.

How soon should I call a criminal defense lawyer?

As soon as you learn you are under investigation or immediately after an arrest. Early representation can affect bond, whether charges are filed and what evidence is preserved.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Yes. A misdemeanor conviction in Florida can mean jail, probation, fines and a permanent criminal record. A lawyer can often negotiate diversion, a dismissal or a withhold of adjudication that keeps a conviction off your record.

Can the victim drop the charges in Florida?

No. Only the State Attorney decides whether to file or drop charges. A victim's wishes matter, but the prosecutor can continue a case even if the victim does not want to proceed.

Does Daniel Rosenberg handle federal criminal cases?

Yes. The firm represents clients facing charges in Broward County and in federal court, including investigations by federal agencies.

What does the free consultation include?

You can explain your situation, ask questions and get an honest assessment of your options. In many cases you will speak directly with Daniel Rosenberg.

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Florida law referenced: § 775.082, § 775.083, § 776.032, Florida Statutes (2025).

Last updated November 8, 2026. This page provides general information about Florida law and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Laws change, so contact an attorney about your specific situation.