First Time Offender Lawyer Fort Lauderdale

The short answer

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.

Key facts at a glance

Pretrial intervention (PTI)	Diversion program under § 948.08, Fla. Stat. that can end in dropped charges
Broward felony PTI	Generally for nonviolent third degree felonies with victim consent
PTI timing	Applications are generally due within 45 days of arraignment
Withhold of adjudication	Avoids a formal conviction for many offenses, but not DUI
Record sealing	Possible after a withhold under § 943.059, Fla. Stat.
Expungement	Possible after dismissal under § 943.0585, Fla. Stat.

Broward PTI generally excludes DUI, weapons offenses, sale or delivery of drugs and charges with large unpaid losses.

What is pretrial intervention in Broward County?

Pretrial intervention is a supervised program run with the State Attorney's Office. Instead of prosecuting, the State pauses the case while you complete conditions such as counseling, community service, restitution and staying out of trouble. Successful completion usually leads to the charges being dropped.

Broward's felony PTI guidelines generally require Florida residency, no prior felony conviction, a nonviolent third degree felony and the victim's consent. The application window is short, so do not wait.

What is a withhold of adjudication?

A withhold of adjudication means the judge does not formally convict you even though you completed probation or another sentence. For many offenses, a withhold lets you truthfully say you were not convicted on most applications and can make the record eligible for sealing. Florida does not allow a withhold for DUI and limits withholds for certain felonies.

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

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Can I seal or expunge my record after a first arrest?

Often, yes. If charges were dropped or dismissed, you may qualify for expungement, which destroys the record. If you received a withhold of adjudication, you may qualify for sealing, which hides it from most public view. Florida generally allows only one sealing or expungement in a lifetime, and some offenses can never be sealed.

Why does a first-time offender need a lawyer?

Diversion is not automatic. Prosecutors decide who gets it, and the way the case is charged can make you eligible or ineligible. An attorney can advocate for diversion, negotiate the conditions and make sure you avoid mistakes that could cost you the opportunity.

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

Will a first offense go on my record?

The arrest creates a record, but you may be able to avoid a conviction through diversion or a withhold and later seal or expunge the record.

Do first-time offenders go to jail in Florida?

Many first-time offenders avoid jail, especially for nonviolent offenses. Some offenses carry mandatory jail even on a first conviction.

Who is eligible for PTI in Broward County?

Typically people with no prior felony convictions charged with nonviolent third degree felonies, with victim consent and the ability to pay restitution.

What happens if I complete PTI?

Successful completion usually results in the charges being dropped, which can open the door to expungement.

Can I get PTI for a DUI in Broward?

Broward's felony PTI guidelines exclude DUI. Other negotiated outcomes may still be available.

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Florida law referenced: § 943.059, § 943.0585, § 948.08, 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.