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Fort Lauderdale Felony Defense Lawyer

For a skilled team of attorneys who fight for the rights of defendants in Broward County, Florida, call Meltzer & Bell. We fight for the rights of those accused of any type of crime. By hiring us, you will have access to one of our experienced partners 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

We work had to build the strongest defense possible, so that charges may be reduced or dismissed. Call us today at (954) 228-2789 to schedule a consultation with a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer.

We represent clients in Broward County courts, including in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, Weston, Tamarac, Margate, Coconut Creek and Wilton Manors.

Experienced Attorneys Fighting For You

Both Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell got their starts in Broward County courts. Lawrence Meltzer was an assistant state attorney, prosecuting defendants in the same courts in which he now defends them on charges of DUI, assault, drug possession and more. Steven Bell was in the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, where he worked his way up to leading the juvenile division.

The two attorneys worked on opposite sides, with Meltzer prosecuting Bell’s clients. Both saw the other’s dedication to justice and excellence in representing clients. After spending several years in public service, both represented clients accused of criminal offenses in Broward County and throughout the South Florida region.

They formed Meltzer & Bell in 2013, putting years of experience together for a common goal: To provide the best possible defense for people in Broward County and the surrounding area. Meltzer & Bell represents clients in both state courts, including the 17th Judicial Circuit, and federal courts in the Southern District of Florida, including in the U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

With more than two decades of collective experience in Broward County courts, Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell have the skills to seek the best possible result for you if you are accused of a crime.

Knowledgeable Representation at Every Step of the Process

Being arrested is incredibly distressing. However, it is only the first of a series of events, including multiple hearings, interviews, filings and more. A single misstep in any could make the difference between liberty and imprisonment.

The Constitution guarantees you the right to legal counsel so that you can make informed choices, fully aware of all your legal rights. At Meltzer & Bell, we advise you on all your options and help you understand your best opportunities.

Do not speak to law enforcement officers when you’re a suspect. Everything you say can be twisted by prosecutors into evidence against you. Instead, exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and let us do the talking.

Some proceedings involve matters other than the criminal trial. For instance, a charge for domestic battery will not only involve proceedings on the charges themselves, but also a hearing for a protective order, which will severely impact your life. A DUI charge will mean hearings about whether or not you get to keep your driver’s license.

At Meltzer & Bell, we capably represent you at every step of the way. Don’t try to go this alone. Have a knowledgeable, skilled attorney on your side.

Working for the Best Possible Result

Many people believe that, when you are charged with a crime, you either plead guilty and accept punishment or plead not guilty and be required to prove your innocence. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. There are many options. A lawyer experienced in complex felony charges will help you determine the best option and advocate for it.

Your charges could be dropped well before they ever reach trial. Your lawyer can show the weaknesses in your case to convince the prosecutor to “no file,” meaning they file a document saying there is not evidence to pursue charges, or convince the judge to dismiss the charges for lack of evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

An attorney may also seek to have the charges “nolle prossed.” The charges are dropped, and the arrest record may be expunged. Charges may also be reduced so that a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge.

Finally, your lawyer from Meltzer & Bell can fight the charges in trial, seeking an acquittal. The prosecutor has a high standard to meet — to show that there is no reasonable doubt on any element of that charges. The defense, on the other hand, does not have to prove anything; just show that reasonable doubt exists.

Finding the Best Broward County Felony Attorney to Fight Your Criminal Charges

Criminal charges are a very serious matter, and can have a significant impact on the rest of your life. At Meltzer & Bell, we will do everything in our power to seek to get the charges reduced or dismissed, helping you avoid the worst consequences and get the best possible result. With Meltzer & Bell, you will have more than two decades of experience working for you.

Call a skilled Fort Lauderdale felony defense lawyer at (954) 228-2789 if you face any type of criminal charges in Broward County court, state or federal.