Criminal Defense Lawyers in Broward County, FL

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 600 criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Broward County, Florida. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria. In addition, a smaller emphasis is placed on subjective criteria such as: peer endorsements, user reviews, case results, profile completion, and activity on our platform.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida who are ready to help.

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Broward County, FL

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Broward County, FL
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Broward County, FL Legal Resources
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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Broward County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Broward County, FL

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers in Broward County, Florida, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Broward County, Florida. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal defense (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–12 out of 250

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Broward County, FL Criminal Defense Legal Resources

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Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (BACDL) - The Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (BACDL) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in criminal defense practice in Broward County, Florida. With a focus on legal education, networking, and advocacy, the association provides resources and support for defense attorneys to enhance their skills and contribute to the fair administration of justice within the local criminal justice system.

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) - The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) was founded in 1988. Since its creation, FACDL has continued to promote excellence in the practice of criminal law and protect the rights of the accused. Its members includes public and private criminal justice attorneys serving the needs of the criminal defense bar in Florida. The FACDL offers attorneys listings for criminal defense attorneys on their website.

The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section - The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section is a division of The Florida Bar that focuses on improving the practice of criminal law in the state of Florida. This organization is dedicated to promoting high standards of professionalism, competence, and integrity among criminal law practitioners. It provides education, resources, and networking opportunities for its members, including attorneys, judges, and law students interested in criminal law. The section also works to enhance the administration of justice and support the development of sound public policy related to criminal law. Additionally, the section actively participates in legislative processes by reviewing and proposing changes to criminal law legislation.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Trial Law - The field of criminal law as a specialty practice area for certification was originally established in 1987. The Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education (BLSE) of The Florida Bar governs the rules and policies for each of the certification areas. An attorney who is a member in good standing and has met the requirements for certification may be issued an appropriate certificate identifying the lawyer as either "Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law" or "Board Certified in Criminal Appellate Law."

Criminal Appellate Law - The standards for board certification in criminal appellate law can be found in Rule 6-8. The purpose of the standards is to identify those lawyers who practice criminal law and have the special knowledge, skills, and proficiency, as well as the character, ethics, and reputation for professionalism, to be properly identified to the public as a board-certified in appellate law. Also, the certification is awarded by the Florida Board of Legal Specialization and Education (BLSE).

Juvenile Law - Learn more about how attorneys can become Board Certification in Juvenile Law in Florida. The minimum standards for juvenile law certification are explained in Rule 6-29.3. Task requirements include handling of at least 10 fully adjudicated trials or appellate proceedings arising from petitions for dependency, termination of parental rights, or delinquency, of which occurred during the five years immediately preceding application.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Broward County Government and Court Resources

Broward County Public Defender's Office
Broward County State Attorney's Office
Broward County Clerk of Courts
Broward County Departments
Federal Courts in Broward County, FL

Broward County Public Defender's Office

Broward County Public Defender's Office - The Broward County Public Defender's Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, provides legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. The office covers various areas including criminal defense and juvenile cases. Committed to justice, the office ensures that the rights of the accused are protected. With a team of dedicated legal professionals, the office manages a significant number of cases each year. Its mission is to offer high-quality legal defense and uphold the principles of justice and equity.

Broward County Public Defender's Office
201 SE 6th St Suite 665
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-831-8650

Broward County State Attorney's Office

Broward County State Attorney's Office - The Broward County State Attorney's Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, prosecutes criminal cases and supports crime victims. It includes specialized divisions for various types of crimes. The office is committed to ensuring justice and enhancing public safety through diligent legal efforts. With a team of dedicated legal professionals, it handles a significant number of cases annually, striving to serve the community and maintain the rule of law.

Broward County State Attorney's Office
201 SE 6th St Suite 665
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-831-6955

Broward County Clerk of Courts

Broward County Clerk of Courts - The Broward County Clerk of Courts provides a wide range of services including case searches, marriage licenses, passport applications, and traffic fine payments. The office also offers electronic services such as eFiling and access to certified court documents. With a commitment to improving accessibility and convenience, the Clerk's office strives to assist the public both online and in-person. The Clerk's website serves as a hub for accessing court services and forms without needing to visit a courthouse.

Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th St Suite 665
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-831-6565

Broward County Departments

Broward County Departments - Broward County agencies oversee public services like transportation, environmental protection, and law enforcement. They function under the guidance of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, aiming to enhance community quality of life through efficient service management. Their initiatives prioritize environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Federal Courts in Broward County, FL

U.S. District Court - Southern District of Florida - The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, created in 1847, has jurisdiction over the southernmost portion of the state, including major metropolitan areas such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Known for its high-profile caseload, the court addresses a wide range of federal matters including international crime, immigration, financial fraud, and civil rights litigation. With multiple courthouse locations and a large number of judges, it plays a key role in the administration of justice in one of the nation's most dynamic regions.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Broward County, FL

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Broward County, FL

Jeffrey Mark Harris

Steve Rossi

Robert David Malove

Lawrence Michael Meltzer

Bruce Lee Udolf

Joseph Robert Fasone

Susan Lawson

David Johnathon Joffe

Sean Michael Clayton

Greg McNeill Lauer

Howard Scott Hecker

Manuel A. Serra-Jovenich