1. Kenneth Padowitz, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 35+ years trial experience including 300+ jury trials and 35 first-degree murder trials
Practice Areas: Murder, drug trafficking, fraud, white-collar crimes, DUI, sex crimes, Stand Your Ground defense, federal crimes
Background: Kenneth Padowitz, P.A. exclusively practices Criminal Defense and Appellate law, and is recognized in the national legal community as a provider of strategic and aggressive representation to those accused of crimes and facing trial, at both the State and Federal level. Seasoned trial lawyers at the core, they specialize in high profile and high-stakes criminal defense cases, including allegations of fraud and white collar crimes along with various cases of drug trafficking, murder and other violent offenses that may or may not require expertise in Florida’s Stand Your Ground self-defense laws. Kenneth Padowitz has been a trial lawyer for thirty-five years in Fort Lauderdale. Throughout his career, Kenneth Padowitz has tried over 300 jury trials and 35 First Degree Murder Trials. AV Preeminent Rating issued by Martindale-Hubbell for ten years in a row. Super Lawyers has awarded Broward criminal lawyer, Kenneth Padowitz, recognition and inclusion in Super Lawyers. U.S. News and World Report has awarded recognition and inclusion in Lawyers and Law Firms.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (serves Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach)
Contact: (954) 761-3888 | https://www.lauderdalecriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Confidential consultation available; contact day or night
2. The Ansara Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense serving South Florida with extensive federal and Florida statute knowledge
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft, white-collar crimes, domestic violence, juvenile crimes, internet crimes
Background: Accusations of criminal conduct can upend your life, affecting everything from your finances to freedoms. Whether you have never previously been accused of a crime, have numerous prior convictions or are facing serious criminal charges, The Ansara Law Firm, headed by Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Ansara, is committed to helping you obtain a favorable outcome. The principle focus is serving clients throughout South Florida, including Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, to defend against accusations of state or federal crimes. Armed with extensive knowledge of federal and Florida statutes, case law and trial experience, they provide clients with meticulous, aggressive representation. Clients are well-informed on case progression and receive prudent, thoughtful legal advice and guidance. The criminal defense lawyers will vigorously and aggressively defend clients against accusations of sex crimes. Defendants in these cases need an attorney with extensive experience and skill.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (serves Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach)
Contact: (954) 761-4011 | https://www.ansaralaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with AV Preeminent peer-review rating and 20+ years defending clients
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, appeals, juvenile offenses
Background: When your freedom is at stake, you can be confident that the team at Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A., in Fort Lauderdale, has the experience and knowledge you need to fight the charges. Your freedom comes first. Whether your case involves misdemeanors, felonies, white collar crime charges or appeals, Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A., in Fort Lauderdale is the law firm to call. Mr. Schwartzreich practices throughout the state, but concentrates on serving clients in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach counties. Defense attorney Eric Schwartzreich understands the toll an arrest can take on all that you have worked hard for. That’s why he aggressively pursues the facts and circumstances surrounding your investigation. Mr. Schwartzreich is a passionate trial lawyer who has defended and won many cases in court. In his more than two decades of defending clients, he has built a well-respected track record in the courtroom for his accessibility and devotion to his clients. He is recognized by his legal peers for his commitment to high-quality legal services and ethics, attorney Schwartzreich is AV Preeminent peer-review rated through Martindale-Hubbell.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (serves Broward, Dade, Palm Beach)
Contact: (954) 525-8000 | After-hours: (954) 873-8228 | https://www.floridalawyerdefenseteam.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Rossen Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor leadership and 1000+ charges dropped
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, assault, federal crimes, Baker Act, Marchman Act
Background: At Rossen Law Firm, the attorneys aren’t just legal minds, they’re your defenders, blending heart with hard-won skill. The Fort Lauderdale defense team, led by a former prosecutor, brings decades of experience to every case, from DUIs to federal charges. They’ve helped get over 1000 charges dropped and have had over 1000 court victories. Facing criminal charges in South Florida, like a DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, assault, or drug offenses, can turn your world upside down. The weight of what’s at stake feels overwhelming: your freedom, your reputation, your tomorrow. At Rossen Law Firm, they see you, hear you, and are here to stand with you through this. One of the common mistakes people make is hiring the cheapest lawyer they can find, thinking that all attorneys are the same. Others choose someone without real courtroom experience or proven results in cases like theirs. At Rossen Law Firm, they’ve handled over 3,000 cases and know that choosing the right defense attorney early can make or break your future.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (serves South Florida)
Contact: (754) 206-6200 | https://www.rossenlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Appointment available online or by phone
5. Law Office of Michael B. Cohen
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Assistant Attorney General and Assistant U.S. Attorney experience
Practice Areas: Drug trafficking, DUI, homicide, robbery, burglary, federal crimes, fraud
Background: Prior to his appointment as an Assistant Attorney General and Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael B. Cohen began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County Florida where he learned the basic parameters of how to charge and ultimately based upon this experience defend a criminal case. As a criminal lawyer he has effectively defended clients throughout numerous criminal trials, including those where prosecution by the government has alleged charges of murder, fraud, drug trafficking and additional sophisticated federal cases in addition to charges by the state. Additionally, The Law Office of Michael B. Cohen handles all criminal matters filed as state prosecutions throughout the State of Florida with an emphasis within the tri-county Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County areas. Among these crimes are Drug & Alcohol Cases relating to the possession, manufacture and trafficking of heroin, cocaine and marijuana, as well as all other drugs. Throughout the years, working on both sides of the legal spectrum, the law firm has secured many relationships with members of the prosecution and law enforcement community, as well as agents of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (serves Dade, Broward, Palm Beach)
Contact: (954) 928-0059 | https://www.southflalaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Florida
Felony Classifications
Florida classifies felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony: Includes first-degree murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
Life Felony: Includes sexual battery on a child under 12. Penalty is up to life imprisonment.
First Degree Felony: Includes aggravated battery, burglary with assault, and trafficking in certain drugs. Penalty is up to 30 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Second Degree Felony: Includes aggravated assault, sale of controlled substances, and robbery. Penalty is up to 15 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Third Degree Felony: Includes grand theft over $750, possession of controlled substances, and tampering with evidence. Penalty is up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
First Degree Misdemeanor: Includes DUI (first offense), petit theft, simple battery, and possession of marijuana (under 20 grams). Maximum 1 year jail and $1,000 fine.
Second Degree Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and petit theft (second degree). Maximum 60 days jail and $500 fine.
Sealing and Expungement
Sealing: Available for charges that resulted in dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi. Sealed records are hidden from public view but accessible to law enforcement and certain employers.
Expungement: Available for sealed records after a waiting period. Expunged records are physically destroyed.
Limitations: Only one sealing or expungement per lifetime. Certain offenses (sex crimes, domestic violence, stalking) are not eligible.
DUI Laws
Florida DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense carries up to 6 months jail (9 months if BAC .15%+), $500-$1,000 fine ($1,000-$2,000 if BAC .15%+), 6-month to 1-year license revocation, 50 hours community service, and DUI school. Second offense within 5 years carries mandatory 10 days jail, $1,000-$2,000 fine, 5-year license revocation, and ignition interlock. Third offense within 10 years is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison, $2,000-$5,000 fine, and 10-year license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Fort Lauderdale?
Criminal cases in Fort Lauderdale are handled by the Broward County court system. The Broward County Courthouse is located at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Misdemeanor cases are heard in Broward County Court. Felony cases are heard in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Broward Division. Having a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors in the 17th Judicial Circuit provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is Florida’s Stand Your Ground law?
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law (F.S. 776.012-776.013) provides that a person who is in a place where they have a right to be has no duty to retreat before using force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or a forcible felony. This is different from traditional self-defense, which may require a duty to retreat before using force. A successful Stand Your Ground defense results in immunity from prosecution. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether Stand Your Ground applies to your case.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Florida?
Florida has strict drug laws with penalties based on substance and quantity. Possession of marijuana (under 20 grams) is a first degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year jail. Possession of marijuana (over 20 grams) is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison. Possession of cocaine, heroin, or other Schedule I-II substances is a third degree felony with up to 5 years prison. Trafficking charges apply at certain weight thresholds with mandatory minimum sentences. Drug court and diversion programs may be available for eligible offenders. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for alternative sentencing.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in Broward County?
A DUI charge in Broward County carries serious consequences. First offense carries up to 6 months jail, $500-$1,000 fine, 6-month to 1-year license revocation, 50 hours community service, and DUI school. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher or minor in vehicle. Effective October 1, 2025, refusing a breath test for the first time will be a criminal misdemeanor. Florida has an implied consent law with administrative license suspension for refusal. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results, and handle both the administrative and criminal proceedings.
Can I get my Florida criminal record sealed or expunged?
Florida allows sealing of certain criminal records where charges were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or were nolle prossed. Expungement is available after sealing. To qualify, you must have no prior sealing or expungement (one per lifetime), no adjudication of guilt on the charge, and not be currently charged with another offense. Certain offenses are not eligible, including sex crimes, domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, and certain violent crimes. The effect of sealing is that records are hidden from most background checks but accessible to law enforcement and certain employers. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and guide you through the process.