An arrest for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can feel like a devastating, instant loss of control. In the emotionally charged atmosphere of a domestic dispute, police officers in Broward County are often forced into making rash decisions. This often results in the arrest of the wrong person, or a person who was acting in self-defense.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for domestic violence, the time to act is immediately. You are not just facing a criminal charge; you are facing consequences that will impact your job, your home, your reputation, and your ability to see your children.
You need a formidable advocate to intervene immediately. Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman understands the complexities of domestic violence cases and is dedicated to protecting your rights. With almost twenty years of experience in the South Florida criminal justice system, he knows how to navigate the intricate web of laws that govern these situations.
Time is of the essence. Delays in securing legal representation with a criminal defense attorney can jeopardize your domestic violence case and increase potential penalties. Contact us today for a free consultation with criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Fort Lauderdale, FL
When you’re confronted with domestic violence allegations in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the criminal charges can seem confusing. The Florida criminal justice system has specific definitions and procedures for these types of cases that differ from other offenses.
It’s vital to have a clear understanding of what you are up against. Experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman can explain the nuances of your situation, from the specific offenses you are charged with to the legal definitions that will shape the outcome of your case.
Common Types of Domestic Violence Offenses
Domestic violence is not a single charge but an umbrella term for various offenses committed against a family or household member. The nature of these criminal charges can range from misdemeanors to serious violent crimes, each carrying different penalties. Understanding the specific offense is a key part of your defense in the Fort Lauderdale criminal law system.
These offenses often involve actions that cause fear, physical harm, or emotional distress. While many people think of assault and battery, the scope is much wider.
Common offenses that can be classified as domestic violence include:
- Assault or Aggravated Assault
- Battery or Aggravated Battery
- Stalking or Cyberstalking
- Kidnapping or False Imprisonment
- Violation of a restraining order
What is the Legal Definition of Domestic Violence in Florida?
In Florida, the legal definition of domestic violence is quite specific. It refers to any assault, battery, stalking, kidnapping, or any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one “family or household member” by another. This definition is important because it determines whether a crime is prosecuted under the stricter domestic violence statutes.
The term “family or household member” is also broadly defined. It includes spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or marriage, individuals who live together or have lived together as a family, and parents who have a child in common, regardless of whether they have been married.
Because of these broad definitions, many situations can fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. How the facts of your situation align with the criminal law will directly impact the outcome of your case, making experienced legal guidance essential in the criminal justice system. If you’ve been accused, you absolutely need a criminal defense attorney for your situation.
Circumstances Leading to a Domestic Violence Arrest
An arrest for domestic violence can happen suddenly, often from a heated argument or misunderstanding. Police responding to these calls are trained to arrest if they see signs of physical contact or if someone claims to be a victim, even without visible injuries.
This can result in arrests based on exaggerated or false accusations, and the pressure to resolve cases quickly may lead to charges that don’t reflect what happened. In West Palm Beach and Broward County, law enforcement treats these calls seriously, and arrests can mean immediate jail time.
Common situations leading to domestic violence arrests include:
- Heated verbal arguments reported by neighbors
- Disputes over child custody or property
- Misunderstandings fueled by alcohol or drugs
The Immediate Reality After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The moments and days following a domestic violence arrest are disorienting and stressful. You are suddenly thrust into the criminal justice system and faced with a series of procedures that can have an immediate impact on your freedom and daily life.
From being booked into jail to facing a judge for the first time, every step is critical. This is the point where having a criminal defense attorney in the Fort Lauderdale, FL, becomes not just a good idea, but a necessity to guide you through your rights, responsibilities, and the initial court proceedings.
What Happens When You Are Arrested for Domestic Violence?
When you are arrested for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you will be taken to a local jail for booking. This process involves taking your fingerprints, photograph (mug shot), and personal information. Unlike other criminal charges, you will not be able to post bond immediately. You must be held until you can appear before a judge.
This first appearance hearing typically happens within 24 hours. At this hearing, the judge will review the charges and determine the conditions of your release. One of the most common conditions is a “no contact” order, which legally prohibits you from having any contact with the alleged victim. This can mean you are unable to return to your own home.
This arrest creates a public criminal record, even before you are convicted of anything. This is why it’s so important to act quickly to defend yourself against the criminal charges and minimize the potential for long-term damage, including significant jail time.
Your Rights and Responsibilities Following a Domestic Violence Arrest
After an arrest in Fort Lauderdale, understanding your constitutional rights is your first line of defense. The most important thing you can do is exercise your right to remain silent. You should not discuss the details of the incident with law enforcement without a criminal defense lawyer present. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the criminal justice system.
You also have the right to legal representation. If you are facing criminal charges, you need a criminal defense lawyer. It is your responsibility to seek out a qualified criminal defense lawyer who can begin protecting your interests immediately. A criminal defense lawyer will handle communications with the police and prosecutors and ensure your rights are not violated during the process.
Your key rights upon an arrest include:
- The right to remain silent.
- The right to an attorney.
- Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Navigating Bail and Initial Hearings in Broward County, Florida
In Broward County, FL, domestic violence cases have specific rules regarding bail. After your arrest, you will be held without bond until your first appearance hearing. At this hearing, the judge will address the conditions of your release. A prosecutor will be present to argue the state’s position, which often includes a request for a high bail amount, an electronic monitor and a no-contact order.
Having a criminal defense attorney at this initial hearing is imperative. A criminal defense attorney can argue for a reasonable bail amount or for you to be released on your own recognizance (ROR), which means no bail money is required. They can also address the terms of the no-contact order, which can be extremely disruptive to your life. The goal is to minimize your time in jail and secure your release under the most favorable terms possible.
Your first court appearance involves several key steps that your attorney will help you navigate.
|
Stage of First Appearance |
Purpose |
|
Probable Cause Review |
The judge determines if there was a legal reason for your arrest. |
|
Advisement of Charges |
You are formally told what criminal charges you are facing. |
|
Bail/Bond Determination |
The judge sets the amount of bail and conditions for your release. |
|
No-Contact Order |
The judge will likely issue an order preventing contact with the accuser. |
The Impact on Your Personal Life after a Domestic Violence Charge
The consequences of a domestic violence charge extend far beyond the courtroom. Even if the criminal charges are eventually dropped or you are found not guilty, the accusation alone can cause significant damage to your reputation, career, and family life.
A conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life. Understanding these potential impacts is essential as you decide how to approach your defense. The outcome of your case will directly shape your future, making a strong legal strategy more important than ever.
Effects of a Domestic Violence Charge on Employment
A domestic violence charge can put your career in jeopardy. Many employers conduct background checks, and even a pending charge can be a red flag. A criminal conviction for domestic violence can be even more damaging, potentially leading to termination or making it very difficult to find new employment.
Certain professions, especially those that require state licenses like healthcare, education, or law, have strict rules regarding criminal convictions. A domestic violence conviction could result in the loss of your professional license and your ability to work in your chosen field. The presence of these criminal charges on your criminal record can be a significant barrier.
Potential employment consequences include:
- Difficulty passing background checks for new jobs.
- Termination from your current position.
- Loss or denial of professional licenses.
Seeking legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney is vital to mitigate these risks and protect your livelihood.
Consequences for Family and Relationships
The strain of a domestic violence charge on family and relationships is immediate and intense. A no-contact order, which is standard in these cases, can force you out of your home and prevent you from seeing your children or spouse. This can create immense emotional and logistical challenges for your entire family.
These legal issues can also complicate family law matters, such as divorce or child custody proceedings. A domestic violence allegation can be used against you in family court to argue for restricted or supervised visitation with your children. The potential consequences can permanently alter your relationships.
Navigating this difficult time requires a delicate touch and a firm grasp of criminal law. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your options and work to minimize the disruption to your family life while addressing the criminal allegations head-on. If you’ve been arrested, the first thing to do is call a criminal defense lawyer.
Potential Long-Term Ramifications
A criminal conviction for domestic violence carries consequences that can last a lifetime. Beyond potential jail time and fines, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that cannot be sealed or expunged under Florida law. This record can affect your ability to rent an apartment, obtain loans, or volunteer in your community.
If the offense is classified as a felony charge, the ramifications are even more severe. A felony conviction results in the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote and the right to own a firearm. For non-U.S. citizens, any domestic violence conviction can lead to deportation.
Given these severe and lasting consequences, there is no question that you need a criminal defense attorney for your situation. Protecting your future from these long-term penalties should be your top priority from the moment you are accused.
Why Immediate Action from a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney is Critical
When you are arrested for domestic violence, time is not on your side. The actions you take—or fail to take—in the first few hours and days can dramatically influence the rest of your case. Contacting our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney immediately is the most critical step.
Early intervention allows our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney to get ahead of the prosecution, protect you from making mistakes, and begin crafting a defense strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney’s involvement from the very beginning can make all the difference.
Criminal Defense Attorney Intervening at the Filing Stage
Many people don’t realize that an arrest does not automatically mean formal criminal charges will be filed. After an arrest, your case is sent to the State Attorney’s Office, where a prosecutor reviews the police report and decides whether to file charges. This period is a critical window of opportunity for your attorney to make argument on your behalf and present evidence and mitigating factors to try and convince the prosecution not to file formal charges. If the prosecutor declines to file formal charges the case against you is over.
Our experienced criminal defense attorney can intervene during this filing stage. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can contact the assigned prosecutor, present your side of the story, provide evidence or witness statements, and argue why charges should not be filed. The goal is to get the case dropped before it even begins.
Having our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney advocate for you at this early stage is one of the most effective ways to avoid the stress and expense of a lengthy journey through the criminal justice system. Plus, our criminal defense attorney offers a free consultation to discuss this very strategy.
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer Securing Release and Managing "No Bond" Holds
In Fort Lauderdale, a domestic violence arrest means you will be subject to a “no bond” hold until you see a judge. This can be a frightening experience, leaving you in jail with no immediate path to release. Our skilled criminal lawyer can be your advocate at the key first appearance hearing.
Our attorney’s primary goal is to secure your release from jail under the least restrictive conditions possible. They will argue against a high bond amount and challenge the necessity of certain conditions, like a GPS monitor. If the judge sets a bond you cannot afford, our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer can file a motion for a bond reduction hearing.
Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer can take several actions to secure your release:
- Argue for release on your own recognizance (ROR), which requires no money.
- Present evidence of your ties to the community to show you are not a flight risk.
- Fight for a reasonable bond amount and fair release conditions.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Protecting Your Constitutional Rights
Your constitutional rights are the bedrock of your defense. Our criminal attorney in Fort Lauderdale ensures these rights are protected at every stage. This includes your right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination and your right to be free from illegal searches and seizures. If law enforcement violated your rights, your attorney can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer will meticulously review every detail of your arrest and the investigation to identify any procedural errors or rights violations. This thorough analysis is a key component of building a strong defense and challenging the prosecution’s case against you.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Matthew Glassman Building Your Defense Strategy
When you retain criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman, the process of building your defense strategy begins immediately. Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman understands that every criminal case is unique and requires a personalized approach to fight the criminal charges effectively.
He will work directly with you to understand the facts of your case from your perspective. From there, he will develop a comprehensive defense strategy designed to attack the prosecution’s case at every weak point, with the ultimate goal of achieving a dismissal of charges or a not-guilty verdict.
Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Criminal Defense Lawyer Matthew Glassman
Your initial consultation with Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman is a key first step. To make the most of this meeting, you should come prepared. Gather all the documents related to your arrest, including the police report if you have it, your bond paperwork, and any other court notices.
During this first meeting, you should be ready to provide a detailed and honest account of what happened. Remember that your conversation is protected by attorney-client privilege. The more information Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman has, the better he can begin to formulate a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case.
To prepare for your consultation, try to bring:
- A copy of your arrest affidavit or police report.
- Any paperwork you received upon your release from jail.
- A written timeline of the events leading to your arrest.
This preparation helps criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman assess your situation accurately and advise you on the steps that can lead to the best possible outcome of your case.
Evaluating Evidence and Witnesses
A key part of any strong defense involves a thorough evaluation of the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses. Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman will scrutinize every piece of evidence, from police reports and witness statements to photos and videos, looking for inconsistencies, contradictions, and violations of criminal law.
He will also identify and interview defense witnesses who can provide testimony that supports your side of the story or challenges the accuser’s credibility. In some cases, it may be necessary to hire expert witnesses, such as medical or psychological experts, to provide expert testimony that can counter the prosecution’s narrative.
The evidence evaluation process includes:
- Filing motions to obtain all evidence from the prosecution (discovery).
- Deposing the prosecution’s witnesses to lock in their testimony.
- Analyzing evidence for weaknesses to be used in a criminal trial in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Possible Defenses to Domestic Violence Allegations
Building a strong defense against domestic violence allegations requires a proactive and strategic approach. There are several potential defenses that may apply to your case, depending on the specific facts. Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman has experience defending clients in Broward and Palm Beach counties by exploring every available angle.
The goal of the defense strategy is to create reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s claims. This could involve challenging the credibility of the alleged victim, presenting evidence that contradicts their story, or arguing that your actions were legally justified. Our skilled criminal defense lawyer can significantly alter the outcome of your case.
Common defenses in domestic violence cases include:
- Self-defense or defense of others.
- False or exaggerated allegations.
- Lack of credible evidence to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Understanding Sentencing and Possible Outcomes with a Criminal Defense Attorney
If a criminal conviction cannot be avoided, the focus shifts to sentencing. Our criminal defense attorney’s role is critical during this phase. Criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman will help you understand the potential penalties, which for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale can include jail time, probation, fines, and mandatory counseling programs.
He will then prepare a comprehensive sentencing presentation for the judge, highlighting mitigating factors in your favor. This can include your lack of a prior record, your character, your employment history, and your role in the community. The goal is to persuade the judge to impose the most lenient sentence possible.
Even in the face of a conviction, our experienced attorney can still work to achieve the best possible outcome. This could mean arguing for probation instead of jail time or finding alternatives to a standard sentence, protecting you from the harshest consequences of a criminal conviction.
Plea Bargaining and Diversion Options
In many criminal cases, a trial can be avoided through a plea deal or a diversion program. Our criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to try to reach a favorable resolution that minimizes the penalties and long-term consequences. This is a common practice in criminal law that can positively affect the outcome of your case.
A plea deal might involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence. A diversion program, on the other hand, is an alternative to prosecution. If you successfully complete the program’s requirements, the charges against you may be dropped entirely.
Requirements for a diversion program often include:
- Completing a Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP).
- Community service hours.
- Staying arrest-free for a specified period.
Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can advise you on whether a plea deal or diversion is the right option for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman offers a free consultation. This initial meeting allows you to discuss your case with our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer, understand your rights, and learn how they can help you navigate the criminal justice system without any financial commitment.
The cost of a criminal defense attorney in Broward County, FL, varies widely based on the complexity of the criminal charges, the attorney’s experience, and the law office’s fee structure. This is an important topic to discuss during your initial consultation.
A criminal defense attorney can provide essential legal guidance, develop a strong defense strategy, negotiate plea deals, and protect your rights throughout the legal process. Their expertise is crucial for minimizing potential penalties and navigating the complexities of Florida’s domestic violence laws effectively.
Fort Lauderdale defense lawyers, including criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman, handle a wide range of criminal cases. These can include:
- Drug Crimes (Drug Possession & Drug Trafficking)
- Domestic Violence Accusations
- Assault & Battery
- Theft and Burglary
- Assault and Battery
- Sex Crimes
- Fraud and White Collar Crimes
- Juvenile Offenses
- Traffic Violations
- DWI/DUI Defense
- Weapons Charges
- Homicide/Manslaughter Charges
Are You Searching for a "Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me?" Contact The Law Office of Matthew Glassman for a Free Consultation!
If you or a loved one has been arrested for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale area, and are searching for a “criminal defense attorney near me.” contact The Law Office of Matthew Glassman. The time to act is now, and you need skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman is dedicated to defending the rights of the accused and fighting for the best possible result in every case. Don’t face the power of the government alone.
Contact The Law Office of Matthew Glassman today to schedule a free consultation. During this confidential meeting, you can discuss the details of your case, learn about your legal options, and understand how Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman can build a powerful defense for you. Taking this first step is critical to protecting your freedom and your future.