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Criminal Defense Representation Serving Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney

Direct attorney representation for weapon charges, domestic violence, drug charges, and DUI cases in Fort Lauderdale. Free, confidential consultation.

Fort Lauderdale is in Broward County, not Miami-Dade, so cases are heard under the 17th Judicial Circuit at the Broward County Courthouse rather than Miami-Dade's Gerstein Justice Building.

Call (305) 774-7000 Request Consultation

★★★★★4.9 / 5.0

100+ Verified Client Reviews

Florida Bar Member Since 1989

37+

Years of Practice

Florida Bar member since 1989

1989

Florida Bar Licensed

University of Miami School of Law

State & Federal

Court Admission

SDFL (1991), MDFL (2001)

PLEA

Law Enforcement Counsel

Professional Law Enforcement Association since 1997

Quick Answers

Common Fort Lauderdale Questions

Who investigates and arrests for criminal charges in Fort Lauderdale?+

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is an independent municipal agency headquartered at 1300 W. Broward Boulevard, with more than 700 sworn and non-sworn personnel and patrol organized into three geographic districts. The Broward County Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated Broward and the cities that contract with it. Fort Lauderdale police work with regional and federal law enforcement on larger investigations.

Who runs DUI enforcement along Las Olas and the beach corridor?+

Las Olas Boulevard, the A1A beach corridor, and Himmarshee Village hold much of Fort Lauderdale's nightlife in a compact, walkable area. Three agencies, Fort Lauderdale Police, the Broward Sheriff's Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol, run DUI enforcement there, especially around spring break, boat shows, and other event weekends. Whether a stop had reasonable, articulable suspicion and whether field sobriety testing followed standardized protocol are the questions a defense starts with.

What happens immediately after a domestic violence arrest in Fort Lauderdale?+

Florida law requires that anyone arrested for a crime of domestic violence be held in custody until a first appearance hearing. That hearing happens within 24 hours of arrest, with no bond schedule available before it. In Broward County these cases go through a specialized division of the 17th Judicial Circuit at the Broward County Courthouse. The Broward State Attorney's Office decides whether to file formal charges, not the alleged victim, so a prosecution can proceed with or without the alleged victim's cooperation.

Does the firm handle Broward County cases from its Coral Gables office?+

Yes. The firm handles criminal defense matters throughout Broward County, and the filing location determines the court, wherever the client lives. Consultations can be scheduled at the Coral Gables office, and the case work happens at the courthouse where the matter is pending, which for a Fort Lauderdale arrest is the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street.

Is a Spanish-language interpreter available for my hearing in Fort Lauderdale?+

Yes. A certified Spanish-language interpreter can be requested for any hearing at no cost. Kaylee, the firm's office assistant, handles Spanish-language intake directly for clients who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish.

Where is my Fort Lauderdale criminal case heard?+

A case that starts with an arrest by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department is heard in Broward's 17th Judicial Circuit at the Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street. That includes the first appearance within 24 hours of arrest and every later hearing.

Local Police and Courts

Fort Lauderdale at a Glance

These are the agencies and the court that handle a Fort Lauderdale criminal case.

Municipal police

Fort Lauderdale Police Department

Headquartered at 1300 W. Broward Boulevard in a new three-story building, with more than 700 sworn and non-sworn personnel. Patrol is organized into three geographic districts.

County agency

Broward Sheriff's Office

Covers unincorporated Broward County and the cities that contract with it, apart from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

Where cases are heard

Broward County Courthouse

Criminal cases from a Fort Lauderdale arrest are heard at the Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, under the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Checked against the City of Fort Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale Police Department websites in October 2026.

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense Representation in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has its own police department, and its criminal cases are heard in Broward's 17th Judicial Circuit, a separate court system from Miami-Dade. The firm defends Fort Lauderdale clients in these areas.

WEAPON CHARGES

Firearm Possession and 10-20-Life

A firearm arrest in Fort Lauderdale is made by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and charged in the 17th Judicial Circuit at the Broward County Courthouse. A 10-20-Life enhancement adds a mandatory minimum, and a federal charge can follow. See our full Weapon Charges Defense page for the complete framework.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Assault, Battery, and Injunctions

Florida law keeps a person in custody until first appearance after a domestic violence arrest, and Broward hears these cases in a specialized court division. The arrest report comes from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The full Domestic Violence Criminal Defense page covers the complete framework.

DRUG CHARGES

Possession, Sale, and Trafficking

Drug charges from a Fort Lauderdale arrest are filed under Chapter 893. The weight involved decides whether a mandatory minimum trafficking sentence applies. Details are on the Drug Charges Defense page.

DUI DEFENSE

DUI and Traffic Defense

A DUI stop by Fort Lauderdale police is heard at the Broward County Courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street, and the license suspension runs on a 10-day clock. More detail is on the Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer page.

Case Approach

How a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Case Gets Built

A Fort Lauderdale criminal case begins with the agency that made the arrest and the Broward court that will hear it. Knowing both early shapes the defense.

A Different Court System Than Miami-Dade

Fort Lauderdale is in Broward County, which sits in the 17th Judicial Circuit and not Miami-Dade's 11th. Broward is the second-largest judicial circuit in Florida, with judges, a courthouse at 201 SE 6th Street, and case procedures that differ from Miami-Dade's. The Florida criminal statutes apply the same way, but a client here needs a lawyer who knows Broward's court and not just Florida law in general.

Nightlife and Event Weekends

Fort Lauderdale's nightlife sits in a compact, walkable stretch that draws locals and a large tourist crowd. DUI enforcement there involves more than one agency, especially during spring break, boat shows, and other event weekends. Out-of-state visitors face these charges too, and the circumstances of the stop and whether field sobriety testing followed the standard protocol are where a defense can begin.

Nearly 30 Years Representing Law Enforcement

Since 1997, Andre has served the Professional Law Enforcement Association, first as General Counsel through 2007 and as Associate General Counsel since. Nearly three decades on that side of the arrest report give him a working knowledge of how South Florida agencies investigate, arrest, and build a case.

Related Practice Areas

Related Legal Matters

A Fort Lauderdale arrest can touch related defense areas, and an injury can bring a personal injury claim.

Fort Lauderdale DUI Defense

DUI and traffic cases from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department stops, heard at the Broward County Courthouse.

Learn More →

Weapon Charges Defense

Firearm cases from Fort Lauderdale arrests and the 10-20-Life framework.

Learn More →

Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence cases from Fort Lauderdale arrests, under HB 277.

Learn More →

Premises Liability

Personal injury representation in Fort Lauderdale.

Learn More →

The outcome of a Fort Lauderdale criminal case depends on the particular charge, the applicable mandatory minimums, and how the evidence is reviewed early in the case, and that requires a real review, not a guess. The first consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to retain.

Locations We Serve

Criminal Defense Representation Across South Florida

Local courthouses, arresting agencies, and case timelines vary by city. See detailed information for the areas below, or see the firm's full Areas We Serve page.

Miami Coral Gables Aventura North Miami Hialeah Doral Miami Beach Key Biscayne Coconut Grove Pinecrest Cutler Bay South Miami Homestead Redland Kendall Palmetto Bay North Miami Beach Hollywood

Speak With Andre

Direct attorney access at (305) 774-7000

The outcome of a Fort Lauderdale criminal case depends on the charge, the applicable mandatory minimums, and how quickly a defense gets built. The first consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to retain.

Call (305) 774-7000 Request Confidential Consultation

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

Verified Google reviews from clients represented by the firm across Miami-Dade and South Florida. See our full client testimonials page for more.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sandra Eiranova 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend this criminal defense attorney Andre A. Rouviere for his exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and patience in handling my cousin’s case. From our very first interaction, he made me feel comfortable, safe, and confident that my cousin’s case was in capable hands.
He took the time to listen carefully, explain the process, answer our questions, and address our concerns with patience and respect. His professionalism, dedication, and thorough approach gave me peace of mind during what could have been a very stressful experience.
What impressed me most was the trust and confidence he inspired from the very beginning. I truly felt that we were being treated with care, respect, and genuine concern, rather than simply being another case.
Finding an attorney, you can trust is extremely important, especially when dealing with a criminal matter, and I am grateful for the experience we had with him. I would absolutely recommend his services to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, professional, and trustworthy criminal defense attorney.
The Law Office of Andre A. Rouviere in Coral Gables, Florida, is truly outstanding.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pilar Aviles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Andre Rouviere has assisted me now twice! I am very grateful for the diligent efforts he made to help us out both times. Andre communicated clearly and helped us navigate throughout the legal process so we understood everything throughout. I will always call him whenever I need help again in the future and cannot recommend him enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eddy's Dogs aka Eddy's K9 Rescue 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely recommend this law firm. They handled my case and I was amazed at the attention and information I got. I highly recommend them and will be using their services again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carlos Zaldivar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andre is an exceptional lawyer.  Andre represented me in a civil case and did an exceptional job when I was told not to bother with a suit.  Andre succeeded, and I got my money back.  I send all my friends to Andre
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bob R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andre has represented me, my family and friends on several legal matters. He is always available to provide sound, practical advice and more than willing and able to fight for you when necessary. It’s reassuring to have a qualified, experienced lawyer in my corner to protect me and my interests when I need it.

Owner's reply
Bob, thank you. Clients who return and who send their family and friends give me the highest compliment. I’m grateful for your confidence and I’m always here if you need me.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Phil Glatzer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As an attorney, I have often referred my clients to André for legal work that I myself cannot handle and everyone has always been very satisfied with his representation. I highly recommend him.

Owner's reply
Thanks Phil. A referral from a colleague who knows the work means a great deal to me. I take every case you send my way seriously, and I’m glad the clients were well served.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pedro Carrera 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can always count on him. An honest lawyer.

Owner's reply
Thanks Pedro.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gabriel Hernandez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely quick and efficient . My ticket was handed and I didn’t have to worry about it once. His staff is also super helpful giving multiple updates on the status

Owner's reply
It's great to hear you were pleased. We are happy we were able to take the burden off your shoulders and resolve your issue for you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Varela 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing attorney who gives every case the care and attention it deserves. His attention to detail is exceptional, and it’s clear that he takes pride in his work and truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dedicated, thorough, and attentive attorney!

Owner's reply
I really appreciate that Andrew. Thank you.