The cops are called. Lights and sirens are activated. The cuff clasps clink shut around your wrists. The feeling of sadness and helplessness ensue. You’ve been arrested in Broward County, FL. Now you’re being whisked away to the Broward County main jail. The jail bars slam closed behind you. You are now scared and alone, isolated from the outside world. What happens next? What should you do?
The answer is simple. Hire an experienced Broward County criminal defense attorney.
Getting arrested in Broward County, FL, is a scary proposition. Don’t go at it alone. The jail is scarier than a dentist’s office and far less forgiving. Most people aren’t a fan of Fort Lauderdale’s biggest riverfront hotel (The Broward County Main Jail). I hear that both the food and accommodations are terrible. In an effort to ease minds and remind people that the Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A. is there for you when you are in jam. Broward County criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman can get started defending you right away.
Aftermath of Being Arrested in Broward County, Florida
Now let’s take a look at the immediate aftermath of a Broward County arrest.
In all likelihood (depending on the time you were arrested and actually booked into the jail) you will see a first appearance judge or magistrate judge the following morning. This is commonly referred to as your “magistrate hearing.” Why is this hearing important? At this hearing the Judge will (If you were arrested for an offense that qualifies for release) set a bond, release you on your own recognizance (ROR) or place you on pretrial release. Certain violent charges or charges that are known as Punishable By Life Offenses are not immediately eligible for bond/release.
On charges that require the Court to release, the magistrate Judge will consider certain factors such as your ties to the community, your past criminal history (if any) the facts of your case, victim input and your financial means to secure a monetary bond. The Court has discretion to issue you BOTH a monetary bond as well as place you on pretrial release if they so choose. Pretrial release has several levels ranging from standard (lenient) to Level 1 (lockdown). The Court can also add the caveat that you wear a GPS monitor so that your whereabouts can be tracked. The three primary release options have been listed below:
- Monetary Bond
- Pretrial Release
- ROR
Reasons to Hire a Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney
Did I mention you should hire a Broward County criminal defense attorney? You want a Broward County criminal defense attorney at your magistrate hearing fighting for YOU. You have a right to have your criminal defense attorney present at your magistrate hearing. That means your criminal defense attorney can argue for beneficial release terms. Terms you can afford. Your Broward County criminal defense attorney can make arguments against there being probable cause to hold you in jail in the first place. Your Broward County criminal defense attorney can also talk to your family, friends and witnesses ahead of time to be able to relay important information to the Court on your behalf. Information that can lower the cost of your bond. Information that may lessen the restrictions of pretrial release. Your Broward County criminal defense attorney can also call witnesses. Your Broward County criminal defense attorney can argue for a lower bond or less restrictive release terms. Also, your Broward County criminal defense attorney can reach out to the prosecutor right away, in advance of your hearing, to try and negotiate the terms of your release. This means you and your family may be able to have some piece of mind. That potentially your family can get a head start on the bond process. This could lead to your bond getting posted quicker which in turn could lead to you getting released from jail faster.
Common Types of Arrests in Broward County, Florida
If you have been arrested in Broward County, Florida, contact our Broward County criminal defense lawyer today. In Broward County, Florida, common types of arrests include drug-related offenses like possession, possession with intent to sell, and trafficking; violent crimes such as battery, sexual assault, and domestic violence; and property crimes like theft, burglary, and shoplifting. Additionally, driving under the influence (DUI) and traffic offenses are also frequent.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of common types of arrests in Broward County, Florida:
Drug Arrests in Broward County, Florida:
- Possession: Having illicit drugs on one’s person or exercising control over them.
- Possession with Intent to Sell: Having drugs with the intention of distributing them.
- Drug Trafficking: Possessing large quantities of drugs with the intent to sell.
- Manufacturing: Producing or creating controlled substances.
Violent Crimes in Broward County, Florida:
- Battery: Physical assault.
- Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual acts.
- Domestic Violence: Violence within a household or intimate relationship.
- Aggravated Assault: Assault with the intent to cause serious bodily harm.
- Homicide: Taking a human life.
Property Crimes in Broward County, Florida:
- Theft: Taking property belonging to others.
- Burglary: Unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime.
- Shoplifting: Stealing merchandise from a store.
- Larceny: Stealing property.
Other Common Arrests in Broward County, Florida:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Traffic Violations: Including speeding, reckless driving, and failing to stop at a traffic signal.
- Disorderly Conduct: Disrupting public peace.
- Vandalism: Damaging property.
- Petit Larceny: Theft of property worth less than a certain amount.
- Criminal Mischief: Intentionally damaging property.
- Weapons Violations: Carrying or possessing prohibited weapons.
Contact Our Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Free Consultation!
If you are arrested in Broward County, FL, contact the Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A right away. Broward County criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman will do all that he can to try and get you out of jail on terms that are favorable to you and your loved ones. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A. offers a free consultation with experienced Broward County criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman to discuss your case.
About Our Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney
Broward County criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his criminal defense practice. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2005, he honed his legal skills during a decade-long stint at the Broward County Public Defender’s Office. Boasting an Avvo rating of 10.0 and a stellar Google 5.0 star rating, criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman is highly regarded by his clients.
Criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman’s practice areas include domestic violence, DUI citations, traffic violations, firearms and weapons charges, sex crimes, drug charges, theft, and murder/homicide charges. His dedication to providing top-notch legal defense representation and his track record of fighting hard for his clients make him a go-to criminal defense attorney for individuals facing challenging legal issues in Broward County, Florida.
