Criminal Defense Lawyer for Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a city situated along the southeastern coast of Florida, 23 miles north of Miami. It is known for its stunning beaches, semi-tropical climate, and laid back, relaxing atmosphere. The seaside community boasts two nicknames: “The Venice of America,” for its 300 miles of navigable waterways and canals and “The Yachting Capital of the World,” for its large number of luxury yachts, boats, numerous marinas, and cruise ship ports.

Fort Lauderdale is home to over 176,000 permanent residents and plays host to thousands of “snowbirds” or seasonal travelers who migrate to the area during the winter months. Once considered a raucous spring break destination, Fort Lauderdale has embraced a more sedate and upscale lifestyle.

With 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Fort Lauderdale is a haven for beach bums and outdoor enthusiasts. Beachgoers can participate in a wide range of activities from boating, wind surfing, jet skiing to snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and rollerblading. Many enjoy scenic boat tours through the intercostal waterway to catch a glimpse of Millionaires Row, an affluent waterfront neighborhood where some of the most expensive homes of the rich and famous are located.

Besides sunbathing and water sports, the city has a vibrant downtown scene. A brick-lined Riverwalk promenade stretches for 20 blocks along the banks of the New River and features a variety of parks, shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, Florida Grand Opera, Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum, Fort Lauderdale Historical Center, Stranahan House and the Museum of Art.

Las Olas Boulevard is the place to be for high-end boutiques, galleries, fine dining, cafes, and nightclubs. The city’s downtown area is also home to acclaimed institutions of higher learning including Broward Community College, Florida Atlantic University, and Florida International University.

Fort Lauderdale Economy

Fort Lauderdale is the eight largest city in Florida and the largest of Broward County’s 31 municipalities. It also has the distinction as being the county seat of Broward County. Although primarily known as a tourism-centric economy, the area has emerged as a world-class international business center that supports a wide range of industries including marine, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, high technology, avionics/aerospace, film, and television production.

Fort Lauderdale Crime Statistics

• The overall crime rate in Fort Lauderdale is 113% higher than the national average and 86% higher than the rest of Florida
• The occurrence of violent crime in Fort Lauderdale, FL is 83% higher than the rest of the nation and 48% higher than the average rate of crime in Florida
• Property crimes in Fort Lauderdale are 118% higher than the nation’s average and 92% higher than the remainder of the state of Florida
• For every 100,000 people, 16.7 crimes occur in Fort Lauderdale daily
• Fort Lauderdale is safer than 9% of the cities in the United States.
• In Fort Lauderdale, you have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of any crime.
• The number of the total year over year crimes in Fort Lauderdale has increased by 3%.

Defending the Accused in Fort Lauderdale

If you have been accused of committing a crime in Fort Lauderdale, it is critical that you retain the immediate representation of a highly skilled criminal defense attorney. The criminal justice system is complex and far too difficult to navigate on your own.

Any criminal charge — whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony can have serious, long-lasting consequences that could potentially alter the course of your future. Having an attorney by your side will ensure that your rights are protected and increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.

Leah Mayersohn has developed an excellent reputation in the Fort Lauderdale legal community as a passionate advocate for her clients. Relying on two decades of experience, Ms. Mayersohn has an acute understanding and familiarity of the Broward County court system and its rules and procedures.

Prior to starting her own criminal defense practice in 1999, Ms. Mayersohn spent five years as an Assistant State Attorney with the Broward County State Attorney’s Office. There she extensive trial and litigation experience. Her time as a prosecutor has made her a more effective defense attorney. She understands how the mind of a prosecutor works and can use that to mount a smart defense.

Here are just some of the specific ways, Ms. Mayersohn can assist you as your attorney:

• Be present during police interrogation or questioning
• Represent you at your arraignment, bond hearing, preliminary hearing and all phases of the criminal legal process.
• Conduct a comprehensive investigation
• File motions for the suppression of illegal evidence
• Strike a plea deal with the prosecutor if it’s in your best interests (pleading guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a less severe sentence)
• Take the case to trial when appropriate

Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Practice Areas

• White Collar Crimes
• Drug Crimes
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• DUI Manslaughter
• Grand and Petit Theft
• Domestic Violence 
• Homicide
• Burglary/Robbery
• Grand Jury Representation
• Expungements

Potential Penalties for Criminal Conviction

Direct criminal consequences may include:

• jail or prison sentence
• house arrest
• expensive fines and fees
• restitution to victim
• probation
• community service

Indirect or “collateral” consequences may include:

• loss of driver’s license
• loss of professional license
• difficulty attaining education loans, housing, employment

Most Common Crimes By Zip Code

According to data gathered by geographic information services provider Esri, you’re more likely to work or live in a high-crime area in Fort Lauderdale than any other city in Broward County.

The average index across the county is 122, meaning that areas with an index higher than 100 are more likely than average to have more crime. For example, an index of 244 means it is twice as likely that a crime will occur in that area.

The following is a listing of the top 3 crimes by zip codes in Fort Lauderdale

Burglary, Robbery, Motor Vehicle Theft

• 33301 (242 crime index)

Burglary, Robbery, Larceny

• 33304 (194 crime index)
• 33305 (146 crime index)
• 33306 (126 crime index)
• 33308 (93 crime index)
• 33315 (185 crime index)
• 33316 (205 crime index)
• 33334 (179 crime index)

Burglary, Robbery, Assault

• 33309 (181 crime index)
• 33311 (244 crime index)

Burglary, Robbery, Murder

• 33312 (167 crime index)

Common Criminal Defense Strategies

No matter how hopeless your situation may seem, there are smart legal defense strategies available. After reviewing the specific details of your case, Ms. Mayersohn can recommend a strategy and plan of action that makes the most sense.

Here are just a few of the most common defense strategies used to defend someone accused of a crime:

• Mishandling of Evidence
• Lack of Probable Cause
• First Time Offender
• Violation of Constitutional Rights
• Lack of Physical Evidence
• Victims & Witnesses Don’t Come Froward
• Unreliable Facts
• Self-Defense
• Alibi exists