Partners On Call 24/7 (954) 765-6585
Partners On Call 24/7 (954) 765-6585

Visitor Arrests

From the beautiful beaches to the nightlife, Broward County has much to offer visitors. That is why Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas have become an international destination for tourism, including Spring Break.

However, the laws of the State of Florida and the federal government apply to everyone here. Many visitors are arrested in the area or otherwise find themselves the subject of a criminal investigation or complaint. When that happens, the visitor is subject to the same penalties. He or she cannot merely leave and hope it goes away. There is a good chance it will follow him or her home.

Fort Lauderdale Defense Lawyer for Visitors

If you were arrested while visiting the Fort Lauderdale area, including Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, the Everglades or any other nearby location, your best bet is to hire a local attorney to handle the matter. Additionally, a local lawyer can help you with warrants for your arrest, citations or any other matter. You may not even need to return to the area.

At Meltzer & Bell, we are experienced in representing clients who do not live in the area. We will seek the best possible, quickest and easiest result for you. Don’t risk the results of trying to leave criminal charges behind. Resolve the matter, and hire a skilled Fort Lauderdale lawyer for visitors to help you.

Call (954) 765-6585 today to schedule a free consultation. You can also call us if a loved one is in jail in Broward County or South Florida.


Information Center for Fort Lauderdale Visitor Arrests


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Charges That Tourists Face in South Florida

All laws of Florida apply in Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Weston and Coral Springs. They apply whether or not the accused knew the laws existed, and whether or not they applied in their home state.

For instance, many people come from states or countries where marijuana is legal for medicinal or recreational purposes. Even if you have valid permission from a doctor, though, you can still face charges for cannabis possession. Your concealed carry license for your handgun may not be recognized in this state, and you could face weapons charges.

Common charges for visitors to Fort Lauderdale and Broward County include:

  • DUI
  • Drug Possession
  • Lewd Acts
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Fake ID Charges
  • Minor in Possession of Alcohol

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Consequences of a Broward County Arrest

Any arrest in Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding areas results in criminal proceedings in Broward County. You cannot go back home and handle the matter in courts there. If you are sentenced to jail or prison, it must be served in Florida.

Some penalties will definitely follow you home. For instance, Florida is part of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. If your privilege to drive is suspended due to a DUI charge here, the state will report it to the DMV or other relevant agency in your home state, and your driving privileges may be suspended there, too.

Students in town on Spring Break risk losing federal financial aid and Pell Grants for a criminal conviction, especially one that pertains to drugs. Your school may also suspend or expel you.


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Skipping Town After an Arrest

After you are arrested, you may be released on bond and given a court date for your next appearance. If you receive an sort of citation, it will also list a court date. If you do not appear or otherwise resolve the matter before that court date, the judge will sign a warrant for your arrest. The warrant can show up in background searches. It will not expire, and you may be arrested any time you are in Florida.

In certain cases, the state of Florida may seek to extradite you from your home or wherever you are and bring you back to Fort Lauderdale to face charges.


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Resources for Fort Lauderdale Tourist Arrests

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau: The Bureau is an agency charged with promoting tourism for the Fort Lauderdale area and assisting visitors.

Broward County Arrest Search: On this site, maintained by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, users can search to see if a loved one visiting Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding areas was arrested, and for what.


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Finding the Best Attorney for Your Vacation Arrest in Broward County

At Meltzer & Bell, we will seek to handle all matters back in Fort Lauderdale for our out-of-town clients. There’s a chance you may never have to return, depending on the details of the case. Call a skilled Fort Lauderdale defense lawyer today at (954) 765-6585 to schedule a free phone consultation.

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