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The Bill of Rights contains many amendments pertaining to the rights of a person accused of a crime. When the government charges a person of a crime, the accused is at risk of having his or her liberty taken away. As the founders believed liberty to be of the utmost importance, they placed several vital protections in place, including the right to be tried by a jury, the right to remain silent, and the right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures.

One of the most important constitutional rights is the right to be represented by legal counsel. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Broward County, either in the 17th Judicial Circuit or in the federal Southern District of Florida, you have a right to an attorney to advise you, represent you, and protect those rights.

Asserting your right to legal counsel is not just vital, it’s imperative that you opt for the most competent representation available. At Meltzer & Bell, we are seasoned defense attorneys who commenced our careers in Broward County courts as prosecutors and public defenders, thereby gaining unique insights and perspectives. We stand prepared, resilient, and dedicated to advocating fiercely for your rights.

Facing any charge in the Broward County courts—whether in state jurisdictions like the 17th Judicial Circuit or federal forums such as the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Florida—can be intimidating. Nonetheless, with Meltzer & Bell by your side, you are assured of experienced, relentless, and focused legal representation. Contact us at (954) 765-6585 to arrange a consultation; let’s discuss your case, chart the best course of action, and start building a robust defense strategy.

Strategically located in Fort Lauderdale, we extend our legal services across the county, representing clients in locales including Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Miramar, Pompano Beach, Weston, Davie, Plantation, and Wilton Manors. Wherever you are in Broward County, Meltzer & Bell is your steadfast ally, committed to securing your rights and safeguarding your future.


Types of Charges Heard in Broward County Courts

The act must be expressly prohibited for the government to accuse a person of a crime. Florida law contains most criminal charges in Title XLVI of Florida Statutes Annotated, although other laws regarding crimes are throughout the law. In addition, the U.S. Congress can create criminal offenses heard in federal courts.

Some of the types of offenses include:

  • Controlled Substance Charges: The law, both state and federal, prohibits even the mere possession of several substances, with mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking.
  • Cannabis Offenses: In Florida, marijuana is deemed legal solely for individuals who have procured a Medical Marijuana Use Authorization, as Chapter 381 of Florida Statutes stipulates. This legislation encompasses regulations pertaining to a user registry, caregiver possession, and designated treatment centers for acquiring consumable marijuana.
  • Violent Offenses: The law prohibits many forms of violence against others, including assault, battery, robbery, and false imprisonment.
  • White Collar Offenses: Economic crimes are those in which the accused allegedly used deception to illegally obtain property or benefits. They include fraud, identity theft, and other crimes.
  • Domestic Abuse: Acts of violence against a loved one, including family members and people with whom the accused has a romantic relationship, may result in domestic violence charges, resulting in protective orders even without conviction.
  • Sex Crimes: Offenses deemed to be sexually motivated carry very heavy consequences, including registration as a sex offender.
  • Drunk Driving: It is a criminal offense to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are many issues on top of the criminal charges themselves, including license suspension, for which an attorney can help.
  • Weapons Offenses: Under certain circumstances, it is illegal for a person to bear arms. These circumstances can involve the type of weapon and whether the accused has been convicted of a felony or domestic violence offense.
  • Prostitution: It is illegal for a person to solicit sex of money, offer sex for money or be in the business of selling sex.
  • Juvenile Charges:  Special procedures apply to young people accused of breaking the law. However, the consequences are still significant. Juveniles have a right to an attorney.

Issues a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You With

The criminal process is a confusing one, and many issues may arise. Sometimes, they involve specific circumstances of the accused or issues that a person is seeking to address that do not involve merely defending a person against charges. Some of these might be:

  • If you have a previous arrest or faced charges and are seeking to have records of this expunged or sealed;
  • If you are a first-time offender and seeking any leniency;

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Broward County, FL

For any criminal accusation or any criminal matter in Broward County, you can turn to the dedicated attorneys at Meltzer & Bell. We are skilled at representing those facing criminal charges in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area in state and federal courts.

Call us today at (954) 765-6585 to schedule a free consultation. We can help you understand the pending charges, the best defenses to fight the charges, and the best ways to avoid the typical punishment.


This article was last updated on Thursday, September 28, 2023.

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