Our Firm
When you’re facing criminal charges in Fort Lauderdale, your future hangs in the balance. Depending on the alleged crime, you could face life-altering consequences, ranging from losing your career to severing years in prison. You could be labeled a criminal, and a conviction could haunt you. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated team with a proven track record of fighting for clients and securing results. That’s exactly what you get with Meltzer & Bell, P.A.
Our Promise: The 3 Ls and 3 Cs
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Listen, Learn, Litigate: We don’t rush to judgment. We take the time to listen to your story, learn the nuances of your case, and then craft a powerful legal strategy tailored to your needs.
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Creative, Collective, Compassionate: We bring over 100 years of combined experience to the table, former prosecutors who understand how the other side thinks, and a deep commitment to providing compassionate support to our clients and their families.
Unparalleled Experience in Criminal Defense
We have successfully defended thousands of clients in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County and throughout all of South Florida, tackling a wide range of criminal charges – from homicide cases, sexual battery, economic crimes such as money laundering and white-collar crimes, violent crimes, drug crimes, domestic violence, DUI cases, and the specific defenses employed when dealing with breath, blood and urine tests, plus other DUI matters in South Florida.
Our Approach:
- Unwavering Advocacy: We believe in fighting aggressively for your rights and your freedom.
- Personalized Defense Strategies: No two cases are the same. We develop tailored approaches designed to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
- 24/7 Availability: When you’re facing criminal charges, you need immediate support. We’re available around the clock to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Meltzer & Bell is a criminal defense firm in Fort Lauderdale founded by a former Broward County prosecutor and a former Broward County public defender. Meltzer & Bell handles all state and federal criminal charges throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Coral Springs, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Weston, and Wilton Manors.
We’re Ready to Fight for You
Contact Meltzer & Bell today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your situation and explore how our experience and dedication can make a difference in your case.
Steven Bell is a former Broward County public defender who worked in the felony division before leading the juvenile division. He also has years of experience practicing privately in South Florida. Bell graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in advertising, and he earned his Juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Sheppard Broad Law Center in 2004.
Lawrence Meltzer is a former Broward County prosecutor who defends clients in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas of Broward County. Meltzer earned his bachelor’s degree from American University and his Juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Sheppard Broad Law Center. He spent four years working in the Broward County State Attorney’s Office before moving into private criminal defense practice.
Read more about Lawrence Meltzer.
Ari Goldberg had been an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach for three and half years before joining Meltzer & Bell, P.A. Ari graduated from Florida International University College of Law in Miami in 2009 with his Juris Doctorate. Ari was first assigned to the County Court Trial Division while he was at the State Attorney’s Office where he served as the Lead Attorney. His responsibilities included supervising other ASA’s, handling hundreds of cases, and making filing decisions on all DUI’s assigned to his division.
Stephan Dobrinsky was born and raised in South Florida. For his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Maryland where he majored in Philosophy. In 2011, he enrolled at the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. Prior to joining Meltzer & Bell, P.A., Stephan worked as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward County for over three years, dedicating himself to the defense of indigent people charged with crimes.
Read more about Stephan Dobrinsky.
David Goudreau is a Partner at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. He studied Criminology at Florida State University, earning cum laude honors. It was there that he first discovered his passion for the law, working right alongside a local attorney who would later be appointed to the Federal Judiciary.
Read more about David Goudreau.
Whitney Duteau born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Upon graduating in 2010 Whitney began to pursue her law degree at Florida Coastal School Of Law in Jacksonville. She graduated in 2013 with Pro Bono honors for her outstanding dedication to the community. Prior to joining the Meltzer & Bell, P.A. family, Whitney worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the 19th Judicial Circuit (St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, and Indian River counties) for 7 years. During her time at the Public Defender’s office, Whitney provided legal representation to those charged with misdemeanors and felonies.
Read more about Whitney Duteau.
In her 17 years as an assistant public defender, Rachel Newman represented thousands of defendants in county, juvenile and felony courtrooms. In 2016, Rachel was promoted to division chief of the felony division, where she supervised and mentored approximately 30 felony lawyers. Rachel has handled some of the most difficult and high-profile cases in Broward County, having spent the last several years in the major crimes division.
Read more about Rachel Newman.
Paul Bernard is committed to serving his clients by treating them with dignity and respect, by humanizing them to the court and to opposing counsel, and by expeditiously and aggressively assisting them by protecting their legal, civil, and human rights through what is sometimes a daunting and complex legal system.
Howard J. Schumacher serves Of Counsel at Meltzer & Bell, P.A., where is defends people in South Florida against criminal charges. He has practiced in Florida for more than 25 years. His work has included extensive practice in federal appeals, especially the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes Florida.
Read more about Howard J. Schumacher
Carolina King is a Legal Assistant Palm Beach County Division Meltzer & Bell, P.A. She joined the firm in 2017 after having been employed with Olea and Porcella, P.A. since 2008. In addition to her responsibilities as direct assistant to Mr. Goldberg, Carolina manages the Traffic Ticket Defense Department.
Read more about Carolina King.
Anthony Carrera has been a Paralegal at the firm’s Palm Beach County Division, Meltzer & Bell, P.A., for over 4 years. Prior to joining Meltzer & Bell, P.A., Mr. Carrera worked for the Law Offices of Olea and Porcella, P.A. Anthony joined Meltzer and Bell P.A. team in January 2017. HE works as a Legal Assistant within the field of traffic tickets, mailing, and various administrative duties.
Read more about Anthony Carrera.
Beverly Baitsholts is a full-time legal assistant responsible for running our treasure coast divisions with attorneys Whitney Duteau, Esq. and Paul Bernard, Esq. She brings a wealth of knowledge to our treasure coast office and is a vital part of our team.
Read more about Beverly Baitsholts.
Adrienne Theeck came to Meltzer & Bell, P.A. in 2022. She is the chief Legal Assistant and Office Manager for the Fort Lauderdale Offices of Meltzer & Bell, P.A. for Partners Lawrence Meltzer and Stephan Dobrinsky and Attorney Rachel Newman. Meltzer & Bell, P.A, its attorneys and clients are so very privileged to have Adrienne as a member of our firm. She is an invaluable asset and a wonderful person who takes great pride in her work and is immeasurably dedicated to the Firm and our clients.
Read more about Adrienne Theeck.
Attorneys at Meltzer & Bell are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Unlike other firms, you can have real-time access to the firm’s partners, including nights, weekdays and holidays. The attorneys are there to serve the clients at all times because arrests can happen at any moment.
If you have been arrested and accused of a crime in Broward County or the surrounding areas, contact Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys at Meltzer & Bell Call (954) 765-6585 to schedule a free consultation with one of the attorneys.
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