Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney

Charged with a Crime? We Are Here to Help

If you were arrested or under investigation for a criminal offense in Florida, you could be faced with penalties such as incarceration, fines, and more if convicted. Fortunately, an arrest or investigation is not a conviction. It is important to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who will fight to defend you. At The Hoffman Firm, we are committed to zealous advocacy and ensuring we put in every effort possible to obtain the best case resolution.

Our attorney Evan Hoffman is a former prosecutor who has handled various criminal charged in both state and federal courts across Southern California. Attorney Hoffman can review your case, go over your legal options, and help you execute the best plan of action for your situation moving forward.

Encounters with law enforcement in any capacity can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. Whether you find yourself being investigated for a criminal offense or allegedly committing a crime, it can be difficult to determine how to best protect your rights.

Were you arrested for a criminal offense? Speak with our  Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer at The Hoffman Firm today at 305-249-0090 or contact us online now.

Our Criminal Defense Legal Services

Attorney Hoffman has been serving clients in South Florida since 1998, covering a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases, as well as traffic tickets. He understands how daunting it can be to be arrested or accused of a crime. Whether you were arrested or are currently under investigation for a crime, you can trust our firm to fight for you.

Our firm can assist you with the following criminal matters:

• First-time offenses
• Pretrial intervention
• Drug crimes
• Marijuana charges
• Theft crimes
• White collar crime
• Violent crimes
• Resisting arrest
• False imprisonment
• Juvenile offenses
• Firearm and weapons offenses
• Domestic violence
• Sex crimes
• Asset forfeiture
• Disorderly conduct
• Violation of probation
• Federal defense
• Sealing records and expungement
• Criminal appeals
• Extraditions
• Florida sentencing enhancements
• Obstruction of justice
• Warrants
• Failure to appear
• Bail bond
• Restoration of civil rights
• Conditions of pretrial release
• Early termination of probation
• First appearance or magistrate hearings
• DUI defense
• Traffic tickets

Potential Consequences of a Criminal Offense in Florida

In Florida, criminal offenses can lead to serious consequences that affect various aspects of a person’s life. The penalties for a criminal conviction depend on the severity of the crime (misdemeanor or felony) and other factors, such as prior offenses or aggravating circumstances. 

Common consequences include:

• Fines and Restitution: Convictions can result in substantial fines, and offenders may be required to compensate victims for damages or losses.
• Probation: Instead of jail time, an individual may be sentenced to probation, which involves supervision and conditions like regular reporting, drug testing, and counseling.
• Jail or Prison Time: Jail sentences are typically associated with misdemeanors, while felony convictions can lead to years of imprisonment, ranging from a few years to life, or even the death penalty for the most severe offenses.
• Criminal Record: A conviction leads to a permanent criminal record, which can hinder employment opportunities, professional licensing, and personal relationships.
• Loss of Civil Rights: Certain convictions can result in the loss of rights like voting, gun ownership, and jury duty participation.
• Driver’s License Suspension: Convictions for offenses like DUI or drug-related crimes can result in the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
• Sex Offender Registration: Certain offenses, like sexual crimes, require offenders to register as sex offenders, which includes reporting to authorities and following residency restrictions.
• Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation or denial of naturalization based on criminal convictions, particularly for serious offenses.
• Damage to Reputation and Personal Life: A criminal conviction can lead to social stigma, strained family relationships, and challenges in rebuilding one's reputation.

Understanding the potential consequences of criminal charges is crucial. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can provide legal counsel to help minimize penalties and protect the rights of those facing criminal charges in Florida.

The Criminal Defense Process in Florida

The criminal defense process in Florida involves several stages, each of which requires careful attention. From arrest to trial (and sometimes appeal), we can help you make informed decisions about your case. 

Here’s an overview of the criminal defense process:

1. Arrest and Initial Appearance

After an arrest, the first step in the criminal justice process is the initial appearance before a judge. This is where the court will inform you of the charges, explain your rights, and decide whether to grant bail. If you are facing serious charges, the judge may deny bail or set a high bail amount to ensure you return to court. At this stage, having a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney present is important to advocate for a fair bail amount and provide guidance on how to proceed.

2. Pretrial Investigation

Once the charges are known, our attorney will begin a thorough investigation of the case. This includes reviewing the police report, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

3. Pretrial Motions

Your attorney may file various pretrial motions to challenge the evidence, request that certain evidence be excluded from trial, or have charges reduced or dismissed altogether. These motions can address issues such as illegal searches and seizures, violations of your rights during the arrest, or the suppression of unreliable evidence.

4. Plea Bargaining

In many cases, a plea bargain may be offered by the prosecution. This is an agreement where you may plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. While this may be a viable option in some cases, it’s important to have a criminal defense attorney assess whether accepting a plea bargain is in your best interest. Sometimes, we may be able to negotiate a better deal or even get the case dismissed altogether.

5. Trial

If a plea bargain isn’t reached, your case will go to trial. During trial, both the prosecution and defense will present their cases, and the judge or jury will decide whether you are guilty or not guilty. Our criminal defense attorney will challenge the prosecution's evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence that supports your innocence or reduces your level of responsibility. The goal is to create doubt in the minds of the judge or jury regarding your guilt. If a not guilty verdict is reached, the charges will be dropped.

6. Sentencing

If you are convicted, sentencing will occur, which could involve fines, probation, community service, or incarceration. We may advocate for a less severe sentence, request alternatives to jail, or seek the possibility of reduced sentencing based on mitigating factors.

7. Appeals

If you are convicted and believe that legal errors were made during your trial, an appeal may be filed to challenge the verdict. An appeal may involve issues such as the exclusion of evidence, errors in jury instructions, or misconduct during the trial. The appellate court will review the case and decide if a new trial or other action is warranted.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Steps to Take if You Are Arrested in Florida

If you are arrested in Florida, it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Here are steps to take after an arrest:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to speak with law enforcement without an attorney present. Politely decline to answer questions and ask for an attorney.
2. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney: Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner your lawyer is involved, the better your chances of protecting your rights.
3. Do Not Discuss the Case with Others: Avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney. Anything you say could potentially be used against you in court.
4. Follow Legal Advice: Listen to your attorney’s advice and trust their guidance as you navigate the legal process.

Why Choose Us?

Evan Hoffman of The Hoffman Firm brings over 17 years of experience in complex criminal trials, having spent the first part of his career as a state prosecutor before transitioning to criminal defense. Starting in 1998 as an Assistant State Prosecutor in Broward County, Hoffman handled more than 100 jury trials and 120 non-jury trials, giving him invaluable insight into the prosecution’s tactics. 

This extensive experience in both misdemeanor and felony cases, including DUI, possession of controlled substances, and battery, has shaped his ability to craft strong defenses for individuals facing criminal charges. With his deep understanding of how the prosecution builds its case, Hoffman founded The Hoffman Firm to use that knowledge to protect his clients’ rights and fight for the best possible outcomes.

Whether you’re facing charges in Miami-Dade County or surrounding areas, you can trust that The Hoffman Firm will offer dedicated, knowledgeable, and strategic representation.

Contact our firm online today or call our office at 305-249-0090 to schedule a free, initial consultation.