Fort Lauderdale, Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Misdemeanor and Felony Charges and Juvenile Cases in Fort Lauderdale

Being accused of a crime can be one of the most challenging experiences you may face during your life. A criminal conviction may result in imprisonment, fines, and long-term consequences that could affect areas of your life such as employment, housing, and civil rights. In Fort Lauderdale, the attorney at The Hoffman Firm provides a strong, client-centered defense for people facing criminal charges in both state and federal courts. With a detailed understanding of Florida law and the criminal justice system, our lawyer works to protect each client's rights and pursue the most favorable outcome possible.

Defense Against Violent Crimes

Violent offenses are prosecuted aggressively in Florida, and convictions can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Our attorney defends clients facing a range of violent crime charges, including:

• Assault and Battery: These offenses may involve allegations of physical harm or threats of violence, and they may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies.
• Murder and Manslaughter: Homicide cases are among the most serious charges prosecuted in criminal courts. They will require an effective legal strategy from an experienced attorney who can challenge the evidence in a case and protect a defendant's constitutional rights.
• Domestic Violence: Charges involving allegations of abuse or violence against spouses, partners, or family members can lead to serious penalties. Our lawyer can help clients defend against criminal accusations and address related issues, such as orders of protection.
• Child Abuse and Neglect: These cases may involve allegations made against a parent or other family member, and they could result in dependency proceedings or the loss of child custody.

Representation in Sex Crime Cases

Accusations involving sex crimes can damage a person's reputation, and a conviction may require a person to register as a sex offender. Our attorney can provide an effective defense in cases involving:

• Sexual Battery and Sexual Assault: These cases often address issues related to consent, and a strong defense will require a careful analysis of witness statements, physical evidence, and forensic reports.
• Prostitution and Solicitation: These charges may result from undercover operations or misinterpreted interactions. Our attorney can help protect the rights and reputations of people who have been arrested and charged with prostitution-related offenses.
• Indecent Exposure or Lewd Conduct: These charges may be based on public complaints or mistaken observations, and even though they are typically charged as misdemeanors, they can carry significant penalties.
• Statutory Rape: These cases involve allegations of sexual contact with minors, and they are often prosecuted aggressively under Florida law.

Legal Defense for Drug Crimes

Drug charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies involving large-scale criminal operations. Our lawyer helps clients defend against a variety of drug-related offenses, including:

• Drug Possession: Charges may involve marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, prescription drugs, or other controlled substances. Our attorney will examine whether searches performed by police officers were lawful and whether a person knew that the drugs in question were present.
• Drug Trafficking and Distribution: Cases involving large quantities of drugs may result in mandatory minimum sentences. Our lawyer will investigate the strength of the prosecution's case and explore defense options such as lack of knowledge, entrapment, or insufficient evidence.

DUI Charges and Driving Offenses

Driving under the influence is one of the most commonly prosecuted offenses in Fort Lauderdale. Our attorney can defend against DUI charges, helping clients explore options such as case dismissal, reductions of charges, or participation in diversion programs. Types of DUI charges he handles include:

• First-time and repeat DUI offenses
• Felony DUI involving injury, death, or other factors
• DUI for commercial drivers
• Underage DUI
• Out-of-state DUI arrests

Our lawyer also provides legal help for clients who have been charged with traffic offenses such as reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, fleeing from police, hit-and-run, and street racing.

White Collar and Financial Crimes

White collar crimes may involve allegations of fraud, theft, or deception in business or financial transactions. Our attorney can provide a skilled defense in complex financial crime cases, including:

• Organized Fraud: These charges may involve allegations of systematic schemes to defraud multiple people.
• Identity Theft: Our lawyer can provide representation in cases involving the alleged use of someone else's personal information to obtain money, goods, or services.
• Credit Card Fraud, Computer Crimes, and Money Laundering: These offenses may be prosecuted at the state or federal level, and a defense will require an extensive review of financial records and electronic data.

Property Crimes

Our attorney defends clients against charges involving theft and property damage, including:

• Grand Theft: In cases involving property valued at $750 or more, our lawyer can help defend against a felony conviction.
• Petit Theft: In cases involving shoplifting or the theft of small amounts of money or property, our attorney can help defend against misdemeanor charges.
• Criminal Mischief: Allegations of vandalism or other intentional property damage may result in fines, restitution, or jail time.

Representation in Federal Criminal Cases

Federal charges are often the result of lengthy investigations by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or ATF. Our lawyer defends clients in federal court and handles cases involving:

• Federal Drug Crimes: Our attorney can address allegations involving drug trafficking, manufacturing, conspiracy, and offenses that cross state lines.
• Federal Weapons Offenses: Our lawyer can address charges of firearm possession by prohibited persons, firearms trafficking, and enhancements based on the alleged use of weapons in connection with other federal crimes.

Additional Criminal Defense Services

Our attorney also assists with a broad range of other criminal matters and related legal issues, including:

• Resisting Arrest: These charges may be challenged based on an officer's conduct or a lack of probable cause.
• Disorderly Conduct: Our lawyer can help address criminal charges related to public arguments, intoxication, or verbal confrontations.
• Criminal Trespassing: Our attorney can defend against charges involving unauthorized entry onto private, public, or restricted property.
• Juvenile Defense: Our lawyer represents minors facing criminal charges, working to avoid detention and pursue rehabilitation-focused solutions.
• Expungement and Record Sealing: For eligible clients, our attorney can petition to have past criminal records sealed or expunged to reduce the long-term impact of an arrest or charge.
• Extradition: Our lawyer handles cases involving warrants from other states or countries and advises clients on how to respond to extradition requests.
• Probation Termination: Our attorney helps clients request early termination of probation when they have complied with all conditions and demonstrated rehabilitation.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale, FL Criminal Defense Attorney

When dealing with criminal charges and related legal issues such as probation or expungement, it is essential to work with an experienced attorney who can protect your rights and guide you through the justice system. To set up a free consultation, contact the Fort Lauderdale misdemeanor and felony defense lawyer at The Hoffman Firm by calling 954-524-4474.