Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, nightlife, and year-round sunshine attract millions of visitors annually. From spring breakers to business travelers, tourists flock to Broward County to enjoy everything South Florida has to offer. But what happens when a vacation takes an unexpected turn—when a night out results in an arrest, or a misunderstanding with law enforcement leads to criminal charges?
If you find yourself facing criminal charges in Broward County, whether you’re a local resident or an out-of-town visitor, your choice of legal representation can profoundly impact the outcome of your case. Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys recognize this is where the “local advantage” is essential.
Understanding the 17th Judicial Circuit Court
Broward County’s criminal cases are prosecuted through the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, one of the largest judicial circuits in Florida and the second-largest in the state. The main courthouse is located at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale, with additional locations in Deerfield Beach and Plantation. This circuit handles everything from misdemeanor offenses in County Court to serious felonies in Circuit Court.
The volume and complexity of cases moving through this system is staggering. With a population exceeding 1.9 million residents and millions of visitors each year, Broward County’s courts process tens of thousands of criminal cases annually. Each case moves through a complex procedural framework governed by Florida Statutes and the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.
The Critical Role of the State Attorney’s Office
At the heart of every criminal prosecution in Broward County is the Office of the State Attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit, currently led by State Attorney Harold F. Pryor. This office employs over 460 staff members, including approximately 213 assistant state attorneys (prosecutors) who handle the day-to-day prosecution of criminal cases.
The State Attorney’s Office isn’t a monolithic entity—it’s comprised of specialized divisions and units tailored to different types of crimes. There are prosecutors who focus exclusively on DUIs, domestic violence cases, drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and violent felonies. Each division has its own approach, priorities, and internal policies that can significantly affect how cases are handled.
Why Local Knowledge Matters: The Prosecutor Factor
When you hire a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney with deep roots in the 17th Circuit, you’re not just hiring legal knowledge—you’re hiring relationships, reputation, and institutional memory. Here’s why that matters:
1. Understanding Prosecutorial Tendencies
Experienced local defense attorneys know the individual prosecutors. They understand who is more likely to negotiate, who takes a hardline stance on certain offenses, and who responds better to particular types of evidence or arguments. This isn’t about personal friendships—it’s about professional experience and pattern recognition that develops over years of practice.
A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney who regularly appears in the 17th Circuit knows which prosecutors are newly assigned to a division and still learning the ropes, and which are seasoned veterans with decades of experience. This knowledge allows for more strategic case planning and more effective negotiations.
2. Familiarity with Internal SAO Policies
The Broward State Attorney’s Office has internal guidelines for plea negotiations, diversion programs, and charging decisions that aren’t published or widely known outside the legal community. A local attorney understands which cases might qualify for pretrial intervention programs, which offenses the SAO is currently prioritizing for enforcement, and how policy shifts under new leadership affect case outcomes.
For example, different State Attorneys may have varying approaches to prosecuting first-time offenders, drug possession cases, or specific types of violent crimes. An attorney who’s been practicing in Fort Lauderdale through these changes brings invaluable historical perspective.
3. Credibility and Professional Reputation
Reputation matters in criminal defense. When a respected Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney makes a representation to the court or to opposing counsel, their word carries weight. Prosecutors know which attorneys have track records of honesty, thorough preparation, and aggressive but ethical advocacy.
This credibility can make the difference in critical moments—when asking for a continuance, negotiating a plea deal, or making an argument for reduced charges. An out-of-town attorney, no matter how skilled, starts without this established trust.
The Judge Factor: Knowing the Bench
Beyond prosecutors, local knowledge extends to the judiciary. The 17th Judicial Circuit includes dozens of circuit and county judges, each with their own judicial philosophy, courtroom procedures, and pet peeves.
Understanding Individual Judges
A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney who practices regularly in the 17th Circuit knows:
- Which judges are strict about punctuality and courtroom decorum
- Which judges prefer detailed written motions versus oral arguments
- How different judges approach bond hearings, suppression motions, and sentencing
- Which judges have particular expertise or interest in certain areas of law
- How judges typically rule on common pretrial motions
This knowledge isn’t just helpful—it can be case-altering. For instance, knowing that a particular judge is receptive to evidence-based arguments about substance abuse treatment can inform whether to push for drug court versus traditional prosecution. Understanding a judge’s approach to Fourth Amendment issues can determine whether to file a motion to suppress evidence.
Courthouse Culture and Procedures
Every courthouse has its own culture and unwritten rules. The 17th Circuit has specific local procedures for everything from filing motions to scheduling hearings to handling emergency bond matters. According to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130, arrested individuals must be brought before a judicial officer within 24 hours for a first appearance—but how those hearings are conducted, what information judges expect, and how to effectively advocate at first appearance varies by jurisdiction.
A local Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney navigates these procedures seamlessly because they’re second nature. They know which clerk’s office to contact for expedited matters, how to properly notice a motion in the 17th Circuit, and what documentation judges expect at various stages of proceedings.
The Out-of-Town Visitor: When Local Representation Matters Most
If you’re arrested while visiting Fort Lauderdale—whether for vacation, business, or family—hiring a local Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney becomes even more critical. Here’s why:
1. You Can’t Just Leave
Many visitors make the dangerous assumption that they can return home and deal with charges later—or worse, ignore them altogether. This is a serious mistake. Criminal charges filed in Broward County don’t disappear when you cross the county line. Under Florida law, charges must be resolved in the jurisdiction where the alleged offense occurred.
If you fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. That warrant doesn’t expire. You could be arrested years later during a traffic stop in your home state, or when returning to Florida. Some states will extradite defendants back to Florida to face charges. The consequences of ignoring Florida criminal charges can follow you indefinitely — and leaving without answering for the pending charges can make it harder for your defense lawyer to argue mitigating circumstances.
2. Florida Law Applies—Not Your Home State’s
Visitors are sometimes shocked to learn they’ve violated Florida law for conduct that’s legal in their home state. Common examples include:
- Marijuana possession: Even if you have a valid medical marijuana card from another state, possessing cannabis in Florida can result in criminal charges under current Florida law.
- Weapons violations: Your concealed carry permit from another state may not be recognized in Florida. Possessing a firearm without proper Florida authorization can lead to serious weapons charges.
- Open container laws: Many states allow alcohol consumption in certain public spaces. Florida has strict restrictions that often surprise visitors.
“I didn’t know that was illegal here” is not a legal defense. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can explain Florida’s laws, how they differ from your home state, and how those differences affect your case strategy.
3. The Challenge of Long-Distance Legal Proceedings
Criminal cases require multiple court appearances—arraignments, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and potentially trial. Flying back to Fort Lauderdale repeatedly is expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to your life.
An experienced local attorney can often handle many court appearances on your behalf through proper legal authorization, minimizing your need to return to Florida. They can file motions to appear specially or by telephone where appropriate under the rules. This is far more difficult for an out-of-state attorney who may also need to travel for your case.
4. Understanding the Tourist Enforcement Reality
Law enforcement in tourist-heavy areas like Fort Lauderdale deals with high volumes of visitors, particularly during peak seasons like spring break. While this doesn’t mean tourists are unfairly targeted, it does mean that certain offenses—public intoxication, disorderly conduct, trespassing, retail theft, and drug possession—are commonly charged against visitors.
A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney understands how these cases are typically prosecuted and what defenses are most effective. They know whether the State Attorney’s Office has special initiatives targeting tourist-related crimes and how to navigate those prosecution strategies.
The Practical Advantages: Time, Efficiency, and Cost
Beyond relationships and local knowledge, hiring a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney offers practical advantages:
Immediate Availability
When you’re arrested in Broward County, you need immediate legal help—particularly at critical early stages like first appearance hearings where bond is set. A local attorney can typically reach you within hours, visit you in custody at the Broward County Jail, and appear at your first appearance to argue for reasonable bond or release conditions.
An out-of-town attorney faces logistical challenges that can delay representation during these crucial early hours.
Access to Local Resources
Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys have established relationships with local expert witnesses, investigators, bail bondsmen, and treatment providers. Need a toxicology expert for a DUI case? Know which private investigators have experience gathering evidence in Broward County? A local attorney has these resources at their fingertips.
Understanding Local Law Enforcement
Different law enforcement agencies operate in Broward County—Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Broward Sheriff’s Office, and various municipal police departments. Each has its own protocols for arrests, evidence collection, and report writing. Local defense attorneys understand these agencies’ practices, common issues with their investigations, and how to challenge improper procedures.
Real-World Impact: Case Outcomes That Matter
The local advantage isn’t theoretical—it has real-world impact on case outcomes:
- Diversion Programs: Broward County offers various pretrial diversion programs for eligible defendants, including Pretrial Intervention (PTI) for felonies and similar programs for misdemeanors. Qualification requirements and acceptance procedures are handled through the State Attorney’s Office. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney who regularly works with these programs knows how to present your case for acceptance and what documentation prosecutors require.
- Negotiated Resolutions: The vast majority of criminal cases are resolved through plea negotiations rather than trial. Effective negotiation requires understanding what the State Attorney’s Office considers acceptable resolutions for different types of cases, which facts strengthen your negotiating position, and how to frame arguments persuasively to individual prosecutors.
- Pretrial Motions: Filing successful pretrial motions—to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or exclude statements—requires understanding not just Florida law but how individual judges in the 17th Circuit interpret and apply that law. Local attorneys know which arguments resonate with which judges and how to tailor their motion practice accordingly.
- Trial Strategy: If your case proceeds to trial, a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney brings invaluable knowledge about voir dire (jury selection) in Broward County, how local juries tend to view certain types of cases, and how to present your defense effectively to a Fort Lauderdale jury.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
People facing criminal charges—particularly visitors—often make critical mistakes that damage their cases. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can help you avoid:
- Speaking to Law Enforcement Without Counsel: Anything you say can be used against you. Local attorneys understand what information Broward County law enforcement typically seeks and how to protect your rights during any interactions.
- Missing Court Dates: Even if you’ve returned home, missing scheduled court appearances can result in arrest warrants and bond forfeiture. A local attorney tracks your court dates and often can appear on your behalf for many proceedings.
- Inadequate Evidence Preservation: Time is critical for gathering evidence—surveillance video is often deleted after 30-60 days, witnesses’ memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can immediately begin investigating your case and preserving crucial evidence.
- Accepting Unfavorable Plea Offers: Without local knowledge, it’s difficult to assess whether a prosecutor’s offer is reasonable. An experienced local attorney knows what similar cases typically resolve for and whether you’re being offered a fair resolution.
At The Ansara Law Firm, our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense team brings decades of combined experience practicing in the 17th Judicial Circuit. We’ve built professional relationships with prosecutors throughout the State Attorney’s Office and appear regularly before judges at all courthouse locations.
We understand Broward County’s criminal justice system because we’re part of it every day. We know the local procedures, the court personnel, and the unwritten rules that govern how cases actually move through the system. Whether you’re a Fort Lauderdale resident or a visitor facing unexpected charges, we provide the local advantage that can make a critical difference in your case outcome.
Our experience includes handling cases for out-of-town clients arrested in Fort Lauderdale, helping them navigate Florida’s criminal justice system while minimizing their need to return repeatedly. We understand the unique challenges visitors face and how to address them effectively.
Bottom line: criminal charges are serious, whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, whether you live in Fort Lauderdale or were visiting for vacation. The criminal justice system is complex, and the stakes are high—your freedom, your reputation, your future employment, and your criminal record are all on the line.
When your freedom is at stake, local experience matters. Trust a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney who knows the system, knows the players, and knows how to win.
Call Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Ansara at (954) 761-4011. Serving Broward County.
Additional Resources:
Know Your Rights if You Are Arrested or Approached by Law Enforcement in Florida, Florida ACLU
More Blog Entries:
Understanding Plea Bargains in Fort Lauderdale Criminal Cases