Being arrested in Broward County, FL is one of the most frightening experiences a person can face. Whether you were stopped at a traffic checkpoint in Pompano Beach, detained after an altercation in Hollywood, or charged following an investigation in Fort Lauderdale, the decisions you make in the hours and days after your arrest will significantly impact the outcome of your case.
If you or someone you love has been arrested in South Florida, understanding your rights and knowing what steps to take immediately can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman has been defending people charged with crimes across Broward County for almost two decades, and this guide is designed to walk you through exactly what you need to know.
The Broward County criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A., represents individuals facing criminal charges throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, Florida. If you need a Broward County criminal defense lawyer, call (954) 908-3399 for a free consultation, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
The moment you are placed under arrest, your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent goes into effect. This is not just legal advice — it is your most powerful protection. Anything you say to law enforcement can and will be used against you in court. This applies whether you are being questioned at the scene, transported to the Broward County Main Jail, or sitting in an interrogation room.
Do not try to explain yourself. Do not attempt to talk your way out of the situation. Politely but clearly state: “I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney.” Then stop talking.
Now there can be exceptions—such as in a stand your ground situation– where you were the victim of a crime but forced to defend yourself. For example: If you were the victim of a violent crime and forced to defend yourself it is important to let the officers know that you were standing your ground and or defending yourself. That you were in imminent fear that the aggressor was going to cause you injury or serious bodily harm and that it was necessary for you to defend yourself and in doing so you acted reasonably to protect yourself from injury or serious bodily harm and or death. That should be made crystal clear. You were in fear and scared. The aggressor was about to or had already started to attack you. That It was necessary to defend yourself. And in doing so you acted reasonably.
At that point, before any detailed questioning from law enforcement, especially if you are being detained, it is best to request an attorney to be present before an in-depth statement is procured. Your attorney can prevent law enforcement from asking questions designed to trick or deceive you into making an incriminating statement. Your attorney, on your behalf, can also proffer to law enforcement a detailed account of what happened and why you were forced to defend yourself. If an arrest was not made but an investigation is ongoing, your attorney can set up a date and time for a detective to take a statement from you where the attorney would be present to ensure your rights are protected.
Generally speaking, Law enforcement officers are trained to build rapport and encourage suspects to speak. Even casual, seemingly harmless comments can be taken out of context and used as evidence. More often than not, the only words you should say when questioned by law enforcement are those invoking your rights.
Step 2: Do Not Resist Arrest — Even If You Believe You Are Innocent
Resisting arrest in Florida — even if the underlying arrest is unlawful — can result in additional criminal charges under Florida Statute § 843.02. A charge of resisting an officer without violence is a first-degree misdemeanor. Resisting with violence is a third-degree felony.
If you believe your arrest was unlawful, that argument belongs in a courtroom — not on the street. Comply calmly, document everything you can remember afterward, and let your criminal defense lawyer fight the battle where it counts.
Step 3: Contact a Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
This is the most important step you will take. The sooner you have a Broward County criminal defense attorney working on your behalf, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
Here is why early intervention matters so much:
- Evidence preservation: Surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence can disappear quickly. Your attorney can move to preserve critical evidence before it is lost.
- Bond hearings: In Florida, your first appearance hearing typically occurs within 24 hours of your arrest. Having legal representation at this hearing can result in a lower bond or release on your own recognizance.
- Avoiding self-incrimination: Once your attorney is involved, all communication from prosecutors and law enforcement must go through them — protecting you from making statements that could harm your case.
Step 4: Understand How the Broward County Criminal Court Process Works
Many people are completely unfamiliar with the Florida criminal justice system until they are facing charges themselves. Here is a general overview of what to expect after an arrest in Broward County:
Arrest and Booking
After your arrest in Broward County, FL, you will be most likely transported to the Broward County Main Jail at 555 SE 1st Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. There, you will be booked — fingerprinted, photographed, and processed into the system. Your personal belongings will be taken and held.
First Appearance Hearing
Within 24 hours of your arrest, a judge will review your case at a First Appearance Hearing. This is not a trial. The judge will determine whether there was probable cause for your arrest and will set your bond. Your criminal defense lawyer can argue aggressively at this hearing for a reduced bond or conditions of release.
Arraignment
At your arraignment, you will formally enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In most criminal cases, your Broward County criminal defense attorney will enter a not guilty plea at this stage to preserve your options while the defense investigates your case.
Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery
This is where a skilled criminal defense lawyer does some of their most important work. Your Broward County criminal defense lawyer will file discovery requests to obtain all evidence the prosecution intends to use against you — police reports, witness statements, lab results, body camera footage, and more. Based on that evidence, your lawyer may file pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the constitutionality of the stop or search.
Trial or Plea Negotiation
Many criminal cases in Broward County are resolved through plea negotiations before reaching trial. A knowledgeable Broward County criminal defense lawyer will evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s evidence and advise you on whether accepting a plea deal or going to trial is in your best interest. If your case goes to trial, a criminal defense attorney will present your defense before a judge or jury.
Step 5: Know What Charges Are Commonly Filed in Broward County
Understanding the nature of your charges is critical to building a strong defense. Our Broward County criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Matthew Glassman handles a wide range of criminal matters throughout Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County, including:
DUI and Traffic Crimes
Florida takes DUI charges seriously. A first-offense DUI can result in up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, license suspension, and mandatory community service. Repeat offenses carry significantly harsher penalties. Learn more from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Drug Charges
Florida’s drug laws range from misdemeanor possession of cannabis to serious felony trafficking charges. The penalties for drug trafficking in Florida can be severe, including mandatory minimum prison sentences depending on the substance and amount involved.
Domestic Violence
Being charged with domestic violence in Broward County carries consequences that extend far beyond criminal penalties. A conviction can affect your child custody rights, your ability to possess a firearm, your immigration status, and your employment. These cases require a criminal defense attorney who understands the full scope of what is at stake.
Weapons and Firearm Offenses
Florida’s “10-20-Life” law imposes mandatory minimum sentences for crimes involving firearms. If you are charged with a gun-related offense, retaining an experienced Broward County criminal defense attorney immediately is essential.
Theft, Burglary, and Robbery
The line between misdemeanor theft and felony grand theft in Florida is $750. Burglary and robbery charges carry even more serious consequences, including potential prison time.
Assault and Battery
Florida distinguishes between simple assault, aggravated assault, simple battery, and aggravated battery. These charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the circumstances involved.
Step 6: Understand Your Rights During a Police Encounter in Florida
Many people do not fully understand their constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement. Here is what you need to know:
- You have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions beyond providing your name when lawfully detained. See Miranda v. Arizona.
- You have the right to refuse a search. If an officer asks to search your vehicle, home, or belongings without a warrant, you may calmly refuse. However, if they have a warrant or probable cause, the search will proceed regardless.
- You have the right to an attorney. Once you request an attorney, all questioning must stop until your attorney is present.
- You have the right to know why you are being arrested. Law enforcement must inform you of the charges against you.
Knowing these rights is important — but exercising them correctly, without creating additional legal problems, is where having a Broward County criminal defense attorney becomes invaluable.
Why Hiring a Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyer Makes a Difference
The criminal justice system is not designed to be navigated alone. Prosecutors have years of courtroom experience, investigators working on their behalf, and the full weight of the state behind them. Representing yourself — known as proceeding pro se — puts you at an enormous disadvantage.
A dedicated criminal defense lawyer does far more than show up to court:
- Investigates your case independently to uncover evidence the prosecution may be downplaying or ignoring
- Challenges the legality of stops, searches, and arrests to potentially suppress key evidence
- Negotiates with prosecutors to seek reduced charges, diversion programs, or probation in place of incarceration
- Prepares a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case
- Advocates for you at every stage — from bond hearings through trial and, if necessary, sentencing
Matthew Glassman began his career in the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, where he spent a decade learning how the prosecution builds its cases. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2005 and has since built a reputation as a relentless advocate for people facing criminal charges throughout South Florida. He holds a 10.0 Avvo rating and has earned over 280 five-star Google reviews from clients he has represented across Broward County.
Criminal Defense Attorney Serving All of Broward County, Florida
The Law Office of Matthew Glassman represents clients throughout Broward County, including:
- Fort Lauderdale — the county seat and home of the Broward County Courthouse, where Matthew Glassman has spent over 20 years appearing before local judges and building the courtroom experience that gives his clients a meaningful advantage
- Hollywood — Florida’s fifth-largest city, with its own busy municipal court and a wide range of criminal cases stemming from its bustling nightlife, beach corridor, and proximity to Hard Rock Stadium
- Pompano Beach — a city where I-95 corridor traffic stops frequently escalate into drug possession, trafficking, and weapons charges that carry serious mandatory minimum sentences under Florida law
- Miramar — one of Broward County’s fastest-growing cities, with a diverse population and an increasing volume of criminal cases that demand a defense attorney who understands both the local courts and the full weight of what a conviction can mean for a family’s future
- Coral Springs — a family-focused community in northwest Broward County where residents facing misdemeanor or felony charges deserve the same aggressive defense as anyone in the county seat
- Plantation — a thriving mid-county city where drug charges, DUI stops along Broward Boulevard, and domestic violence cases are among the most common criminal matters handled in local courts
- Davie — home to a large student population near Nova Southeastern University, where drug possession and assault charges can derail a young person’s future without the right legal representation
- Deerfield Beach — a coastal community along the northern edge of Broward County where traffic stops on I-95 frequently lead to drug and weapons charges that require immediate legal attention
- Hallandale Beach — a city bordering Miami-Dade County where gambling-adjacent businesses and heavy tourist traffic can create unique criminal law situations requiring a knowledgeable Broward County criminal defense attorney
- Weston — one of Broward’s most affluent planned communities, where white-collar crime, DUI charges, and domestic disputes can carry life-altering professional and personal consequences
- Lauderhill — a densely populated city in central Broward County where residents facing charges ranging from theft to violent crimes need a criminal defense lawyer who knows the local courts inside and out
- Tamarac — a northwest Broward community with a large senior population where exploitation, fraud, and domestic charges are taken seriously by local prosecutors and demand skilled legal defense
- Margate — a working-class city where drug offenses, battery charges, and probation violations are frequently prosecuted aggressively, making early intervention by a criminal defense lawyer critical
- Coconut Creek — the “Butterfly Capital of the World” and a growing city where first-time offenders facing drug or DUI charges may qualify for diversion programs that can keep a conviction off their record
- North Lauderdale — a tight-knit community in northwest Broward County where residents arrested on any criminal charge deserve experienced, personalized representation from a local criminal defense attorney who will fight for the best possible outcome
No matter where in Broward County your charges originated, attorney Matthew Glassman knows the local courts, the local prosecutors, and the local judicial culture — all of which are critical to building an effective defense strategy.
What to Look for When Searching "Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me" in Broward County
If you have been searching for a criminal defense lawyer near me in South Florida, you are not alone. Thousands of people are arrested in Broward County every year, and many of them turn to Google in the immediate aftermath of an arrest or upon receiving notice of criminal charges.
Here is what you should look for when evaluating a criminal defense attorney in the Fort Lauderdale area:
- Local courthouse experience — Does the criminal defense attorney regularly appear in Broward County courts?
- Criminal defense focus — Is criminal defense the attorney’s primary practice?
- Transparency — Does the criminal defense attorney clearly explain your options, the risks, and the realistic outcomes?
- Accessibility — Can you reach your criminal defense attorney directly, especially in a crisis?
- Track record — Does the criminal defense attorney have verifiable client reviews and peer recognition?
The Law Office of Matthew Glassman meets each of these standards. You can call (954) 908-3399 at any hour, seven days a week, for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Broward County, Florida
Stay calm, do not resist, and invoke your right to remain silent. State clearly that you want an attorney and do not answer any questions until your criminal defense lawyer is present. Contact the Law Office of Matthew Glassman as soon as you are permitted to make a phone call.
The timeline varies depending on the severity of the charges, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanors may be resolved in a few months. Felony cases can take anywhere from six months to over a year. Your attorney will keep you informed throughout the process.
Yes. Charges can be dropped by the prosecutor, dismissed by a judge, or reduced through plea negotiations. Common grounds for dismissal include lack of evidence, constitutional violations during the arrest or search, and procedural errors. An experienced Broward County criminal defense attorney will assess your case for every possible dismissal argument.
In Florida, misdemeanors are divided into first-degree (up to one year in jail) and second-degree (up to 60 days in jail) offenses. Felonies range from third-degree (up to five years in prison) to first-degree (up to 30 years) to life felonies (up to life in prison) and capital felonies (life in prison or the death penalty). The degree of the charge has a direct impact on the defense strategy.
Not necessarily. Many criminal cases — particularly first offenses and nonviolent crimes — can result in probation, community service, diversion programs, or fines rather than incarceration. Your criminal defense lawyer will work to pursue every available alternative to jail time.
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and the charges involved. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman offers a free initial consultation so you can discuss your situation, understand your options, and learn about fees with no obligation.
Attorney-client privilege means that everything you tell your attorney is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your permission. This protection allows you to speak openly and honestly with your lawyer so they can build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.
Yes. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman represents clients throughout all of Broward County, regardless of which municipality the charges originated in.
Diversion programs allow certain first-time offenders to complete requirements — such as community service, counseling, or restitution — in exchange for having their charges reduced or dismissed. Florida’s Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program is one example. Eligibility depends on the nature of the charges and your criminal history. A skilled Broward County criminal defense attorney can advise you on whether diversion is an option in your case.
How do I contact Broward County criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman for a free consultation?
Call (954) 908-3399 at any time, day or night. You can also get in touch with our criminal defense attorney by submitting a contact form. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman is located at 600 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 103, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315.