Arrested After Hours? Why You Need a 24 Hour Criminal Lawyer in Broward

24 hour criminal lawyer near me — Those words might be the first thing you type after a midnight arrest. When you’re taken into custody after business hours, the clock starts on your rights. Florida law requires that every person arrested must be taken before a judge within 24 hours for a first appearance and informed of the charges. At that hearing, the court determines probable cause, sets bond and, if you can’t afford counsel, a lawyer will be appointed. In this critical window, having a 24/7 criminal lawyer protects your rights, helps secure release, and prepares a defense.

What Happens in the First 24 Hours After an Arrest?

The hours immediately after an arrest are hectic. Knowing what to expect can reduce fear and help you make smart decisions. Below is a simplified overview of the stages from arrest to first appearance:

Stage	What it involves	Legal rights and resources
Custody & booking	The police arrest you, take you to jail, and record your personal information and charges.	You have the right to remain silent and to consult an attorney. Family can use the Broward Clerk’s public case search to find case information.
First appearance	A judge reviews probable cause, sets or modifies bond, and may impose release conditions.	If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court must appoint counsel. A 24/7 criminal lawyer can advocate for lower bond or release on recognizance.
After release	The case moves to arraignment and pre‑trial. Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and begin preparing your defense.	Use our resources on the Stages of a Criminal Trial to learn what’s next.

Because the first appearance can happen quickly and sometimes in the middle of the night, having a 24/7 criminal lawyer ensures you have someone advocating for lower bond, advising you on what not to say, and preserving your rights from the start.

Why a 24/7 Criminal Lawyer Makes a Difference

An arrest doesn’t wait until office hours. Whether it happens at 2:00 a.m. in Fort Lauderdale or on a weekend in another part of Broward County, an attorney who answers your call can make the difference between spending the night in jail or going home. Here’s why time is of the essence:

• Protect you during police questioning: Officers may try to question you immediately after arrest. Having a lawyer on the line prevents self‑incrimination and ensures you invoke your right to remain silent.
• Seek prompt release: Your attorney can contact a bail bondsman, advocate for a reasonable bond, and help arrange release conditions quickly.
• Preserve evidence: Once retained, your lawyer begins investigating, preserving surveillance footage, witness statements, or other evidence that may disappear.
• Guide your family: Loved ones often panic when someone is arrested after hours. Your lawyer can explain
• the process, direct them to resources, and help with paperwork.

AtMayersohn Law Group, our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your call and provide immediate legal advice. We understand local procedures, from the Broward County Jail to the Felony and Misdemeanor divisions of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, and we strive to minimize the disruption an arrest causes to your life.

How to Choose the Right

 24 Hour Criminal Lawyer

Not all lawyers offer true 24/7 availability. When evaluating a criminal defense attorney, consider the following:

• Experience with your type of case: Ask whether the lawyer has handled cases like yours and how much of their practice is devoted to criminal defense. Our firm focuses on criminal defense in Broward County, from DUIs to serious felonies.
• Local knowledge: A lawyer who regularly appears in Broward courts knows the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, which can influence bond amounts, plea negotiations and trial strategy.
• Responsiveness: Your attorney should return calls quickly and be willing to meet after hours when emergencies arise.
• Transparent fees: Ask about fees and whether after‑hours representation is included. We provide clear fee agreements so you know what to expect.
• Client communication: You should understand who will work on your case and how the lawyer will keep you informed. We offer regular updates and online case tracking.

Use the Florida Bar’s Find a Lawyer tool to verify any attorney’s license and disciplinary history.

Our Commitment to Broward County Residents

The Mayersohn Law Group has built a reputation as a trusted criminal defense law firm serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. We provide 24 hour criminal lawyer services because arrests don’t wait for business hours. Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, we will fight for your rights and explore every option for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal. For more information on the criminal process, explore our resources on what you need to know in criminal cases and criminal defense in Florida. When you’re ready to act, visit our contact page or call us anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m arrested after hours in Broward County?
Stay calm and assert your right to remain silent. Ask to speak with an attorney immediately. Contact a 24/7 criminal lawyer who can advise you, contact your family, and advocate for prompt release.

Will a public defender be available if I can’t afford a lawyer?
At your first appearance, the judge must appoint counsel if you cannot afford one. However, hiring your own 24‑hour lawyer ensures you have representation before and during the hearing.

How quickly can a 24/7 lawyer get me out of jail?
Every case is different, but an experienced attorney can often coordinate with bondsmen and argue for reasonable bond at your first appearance, sometimes securing release within hours.

Does Mayersohn Law Group handle cases outside Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Our attorneys represent clients across Broward County and the surrounding areas. If you are searching for a 24 hour criminal lawyer near me, we can assist you.

If you’ve been arrested after hours, don’t wait for business hours to get help. Contact Mayersohn Law Group for experienced, compassionate representation at any hour.