Best Pompano Beach Criminal Lawyers

The Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Pompano Beach, Florida

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of a case. When charged with a crime in Pompano Beach, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side who knows the local courts and laws inside and out. This article takes an in-depth look at some of the top-rated criminal defense lawyers in Pompano Beach to help you make an informed decision when choosing legal representation.

What Makes a Great Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal law is a complex field that requires specialized knowledge and skills. Here are some of the key qualities to look for when hiring a criminal defense attorney in Pompano Beach:

Trial experience – Lawyers who have taken many cases to trial have honed their litigation skills and understand what strategies work best before judges and juries. This is invaluable when fighting criminal charges.
Knowledge of local courts – Understanding the procedures, personalities, and tendencies of prosecutors and judges in Pompano Beach can help lawyers mount the strongest defense.
Negotiation skills – Many criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains, so lawyers need to be artful negotiators to secure favorable deals for their clients.
Resources – Well-resourced lawyers have access to investigators, forensic specialists, and other professionals who can strengthen the defense. Large firms also have more bandwidth to focus on each case.
Compassion – The best lawyers are not just technically proficient but also empathetic advocates who understand the high stakes for clients facing criminal sanctions.

When researching Pompano Beach criminal defense lawyers, look for these indicators of excellence. Now let’s examine some top-rated local attorneys in more detail.

Prominent Criminal Defense Law Firms

There are several large criminal defense firms with multiple offices in South Florida that have strong reputations in the Pompano Beach area:

Coffey Burlington

With 70 attorneys across 7 Florida offices, Coffey Burlington has extensive resources to take on complex criminal cases. They handle both misdemeanors and serious felonies in state and federal court. Their Pompano Beach office has an experienced team including partners Scott Berry, Helen Trainor, and Allison Miller.Coffey Burlington lawyers average over 25 years of experience in criminal litigation. They have a track record of obtaining pretrial diversion, charge reductions, and even dismissals for clients through vigorous pretrial motions practice. The firm is known for thoroughly investigating cases and finding creative legal arguments.

Kelley/Uustal

Kelley/Uustal maintains an office in Fort Lauderdale focusing exclusively on criminal defense in Broward County and surrounding areas like Pompano Beach. Founding partner Scott Kelley is a former state prosecutor who applies insights from both sides of the courtroom.The attorneys at Kelley/Uustal are particularly skilled at identifying improper police procedures that can lead to evidence suppression. They also pursue specialty certifications such as field sobriety testing to challenge DUI charges. The firm takes an aggressive stance in negotiations to get charges dropped or reduced.

Frank & Freedus

With three offices across Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Frank & Freedus has handled over 10,000 criminal cases in South Florida since 1997. Their team includes nationally-recognized lawyers like partners Mark Freedus, J. David Bogenschutz, and Scott Berry.Frank & Freedus attorneys focus on dissecting the prosecution’s case, pinpointing every weakness for exploitation at trial. Their thorough prep work in investigation, research, and motions practice aims to construct the strongest possible defense. The firm also has substantial experience with appeals.

Top Individual Criminal Defense Lawyers

Beyond the major firms, there are also many accomplished solo practitioners and small firm attorneys doing criminal defense work in the Pompano Beach area:

Howard Greitzer

A former state prosecutor in Miami-Dade, Howard Greitzer has successfully defended clients against thousands of felony charges during his 30+ year career. He is a shrewd negotiator who digs into the details and develops creative strategies. Greitzer is also an expert on forensic evidence issues. His office is located in nearby Fort Lauderdale.

Mike Dutko

Mike Dutko is a former sheriff’s officer and public defender known for his aggressive defense approach. Based in Pompano Beach, he handles both misdemeanors and serious crimes like drug trafficking. Dutko is particularly skilled at identifying improper police conduct and getting confessions thrown out. He also has deep relationships with prosecutors and judges locally.

Doug Rudman

A former state prosecutor, Doug Rudman has been practicing criminal defense in Broward County for over 20 years. His Pompano Beach firm specializes in defending DUI and drug possession cases. Rudman is meticulous in reviewing arrest reports, dispatch logs, and video evidence to build the strongest case for his clients. He has a reputation as a zealous litigator.This sampling of top criminal defense lawyers and firms in Pompano Beach illustrates the range of options for legal representation. Now let’s examine some of the most common criminal charges faced in the city and how lawyers defend them.

Strategies for Defending Common Criminal Charges

Pompano Beach has relatively high rates of certain crimes like drug offenses, DUIs, domestic violence, and theft. Here are some of the approaches skilled lawyers use to fight these charges:

Drug Possession

Challenge improper searches that violated 4th Amendment rights, leading to evidence suppression
Dispute chain of custody to raise doubts about integrity of evidence
Argue “constructive possession” rather than actual possession
Negotiate pretrial diversion programs to avoid conviction

DUI

Contest basis for traffic stop to suppress evidence from improper stop (Whren v. United States)
Dispute breathalyzer results through expert testimony about flaws in device or administration
Challenge field sobriety tests for lack of standardization (U.S. v. Horn)
Introduce evidence of medical conditions that could mimic signs of impairment

Domestic Violence

Raise self-defense arguments if client was victim in mutually abusive relationship
Argue lack of intent or premeditation in “heat of passion” cases
Challenge credibility of accusers, e.g. estranged partners in divorce disputes
Advocate for mental health or anger management treatment as alternative to jail time

Theft

Fight shoplifting charges by contesting intent, e.g. absent-mindedness
Raise doubts about identity of perpetrator with alibis, mistaken witness claims
For theft by employees, argue lack of evidence item left workplace rather than misplaced
Negotiate misdemeanor plea deals for first-time offenders to avoid felony conviction

This overview demonstrates the wide range of defenses available. An experienced Pompano Beach criminal attorney knows how to craft the most persuasive arguments to beat the charges.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

Maneuvering a criminal case in Pompano Beach requires intimate familiarity with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors. Consider a few key reasons why hiring a lawyer with extensive experience in the city makes a difference:

Broward County has unique diversion programs like felony pretrial intervention that local lawyers know how to leverage.
The State Attorney’s Office in Broward pursues some charges more aggressively than neighboring counties.
Judges at the North Broward and South Satellite Courthouses have certain tendencies a local lawyer can exploit.
Local rules and procedures differ from other jurisdictions, especially federal court.
Relationships with police, prosecutors, and court staff can aid negotiations.

The legal landscape in Pompano Beach has nuances that outsider lawyers may miss. A smart defendant hires locally.

Assessing Costs of Legal Representation

Paying legal fees is a major concern when facing criminal charges. In Pompano Beach, fees typically range:

$2,000 – $5,000 for misdemeanors – DUI, petty theft, simple assault, etc.
$5,000 – $15,000 for non-violent felonies – Drug possession, burglary, fraud, etc.
$15,000+ for violent felonies – Murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, etc.

However, costs vary widely depending on the lawyer’s experience level, case complexity, trial length, and other factors. Those unable to afford a lawyer may qualify for a public defender.Some lawyers offer flat fees while others bill hourly. Always get fee agreements in writing with clear cost estimates. Beware of lawyers pushing for large upfront retainers.

Choosing the Best Lawyer for Your Case

With such high stakes, those charged with crimes in Pompano Beach need an advocate they can trust. Use this guide to research lawyers’ credentials, experience, and track records. Narrow down the options through free consultations. Consider rapport, as the relationship with your lawyer is crucial.Be wary of lawyers making outlandish claims or guarantees. No one can promise certain outcomes. But an honest, skilled criminal defense attorney can maximize the chances of success.Don’t leave your fate to chance – let one of Pompano Beach’s top criminal lawyers fight for the justice you deserve. The consequences of a conviction are life-changing. With liberty and reputation on the line, your defense matters more than ever.