Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer

Strategic criminal defense with clear guidance and local courtroom experience in Broward County and throughout Florida.

With more than 30 years of experience, Alex Arreaza helps clients facing criminal charges understand their options, protect their rights, and build a strategic defense. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and clients throughout Florida.

Criminal Defense in Fort Lauderdale Built Around the Facts of Your Case

No two criminal cases are the same. The charge, the evidence, the prosecutor’s position, and your prior record can all affect the strategy needed to protect your future.

Arreaza Law Firm helps people facing criminal charges in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County understand what they’re up against, what options may be available, and what to do next.

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When you’re arrested or charged, you don’t need panic or vague promises. You need a clear defense plan, direct communication, and a lawyer who looks at the facts before the case moves too far ahead.

Our goal is straightforward: protect your rights, explain your options, and build the strongest defense available under the facts of your case.

Criminal

Defense

Criminal Charges We Handle

Domestic Violence & Violent Crimes

Domestic violence, assault, battery, injunction-related allegations, and other serious accusations.

DUI & Driving Offenses

Defense for DUI charges, license suspension issues, administrative license hearings, and related driving offenses.

Drug Crimes

Drug possession, trafficking, intent to sell, prescription drug cases, and controlled substance charges.

Theft & Economic Crimes

Shoplifting, petit theft, grand theft, burglary, fraud, and white-collar allegations.

Violation of Probation (VOP)

Technical violations, failed tests, missed appointments, new-law violations, and revocation hearings.

Expungement & Record Sealing

Help for eligible clients who want to clear or limit access to a criminal record.
Criminal
Defense

Not Sure Where to Start?

If you or someone you love has been arrested, the first step is understanding the charge, the deadline, and what’s at risk. Contact Arreaza Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.

What To Do After An Arrest In Florida

The first hours after an arrest matter. It’s natural to want to explain yourself, fix the misunderstanding, or answer questions quickly, but what you say or do in those hours can shape the rest of your case.

1

Remain silent.

You have the right to stay silent — use it until your attorney is present.

2

Ask for an attorney immediately.

Once you request counsel, questioning is supposed to stop.

3

Don't discuss your case with anyone.

Not police, not cellmates, not friends or family on a recorded jail call.

4

Understand the basic charge.

Know what you’re accused of, but don’t try to argue your side yet.

5

Preserve potential evidence.

Witnesses, videos, or messages that support your side can disappear fast — tell us early.

6

Follow all release conditions carefully.

Court dates, restrictions, check-ins — all of it.

7

Attend your first appearance.

Florida law requires this within 24 hours of arrest.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Expungement & Record Sealing

A criminal record can follow you long after a case closes — even one that was dismissed. It can affect background checks for jobs, housing, and licensing.

Record Sealing keeps the record from public view. Expungement goes further, resulting in destruction of the record by most agencies. Not every case qualifies — we can check your eligibility.

Why Clients Turn To Alex Arreaza For Criminal Defense

A strong defense starts with preparation. At Arreaza Law Firm, we review the evidence, look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explain your options in plain language.

Clients come to us because they want direct guidance, local experience, and a defense strategy built around the facts of their case, not generic advice.

Local Broward County Experience

Decades inside these courts, in front of these judges and prosecutors.

Direct Attorney Involvement

Alex is personally involved in your case, not a name on a file passed to someone else.

Bilingual Communication

Hablamos Español, so nothing gets lost when your freedom is on the line.

Practical, Case-Specific Strategy

No generic playbook, just a plan built around your facts.

Urgent Help When It Matters

Reachable for emergency consultations when a case can’t wait for business hours.
We are not here to judge you. We are here to defend your rights.

Meet Alex Arreaza

I came to the United States from Venezuela more than 30 years ago. I know what it feels like to face an unfamiliar system while everything that matters is at stake. That experience shaped how I practice law.

Criminal defense isn’t only about charges and court dates. It’s about protecting someone’s future — their family, their work, their immigration status, their reputation, their ability to move forward.

For more than three decades, I’ve stood beside clients when the system felt impossible to navigate. My role is to listen, explain the options clearly, and build a defense around the facts.

Other Ways Alex Arreaza Can Help

Hurt in a car accident?

Injured in a fall, at work, or on someone else's property?

Dealing with medical malpractice, a defective product, or the loss of a loved one?

More Than 30 Years of Legal Experience | Cases Successfully Resolved | Clients Helped Across Broward County | 4.7-Star Rated on Google

What Our Clients Say

One of the best lawyers I’ve had, takes his time to understand the case. Does the best he can do to get you whatever it is you want.”
Krystal Romero

The lawyer Alex advised me in my case of domestic violence — it was a long and exhausting case, but I thank him. They granted me the restraining order for five years. I recommend him and thank him sincerely for helping me.”
Jenny Gutierrez

Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyers

Check Our Google Reviews

4.7
Krystal Romero profile picture
Krystal Romero
2 years ago
One of the best lawyers I’ve had, takes his time to understand the case. Does the best he can do to get you whatever it is you want..
Paul Peeples profile picture
Paul Peeples
3 years ago
Alex is by far one of the most caring and ethical Atorneys out there, and I am proud to call him my friend. I find it comical that A M leaves a scathing review because Alex wouldn't take a case that was unethical, which this person neglects to mention. If you look at all of the reviews from this individual, who won't even leave their real name, they are mostly 1's and 2's and obviously this person can't be pleased since they mostly leave negative comments. Those who have left reviews should report this review as Bullying. I would say a 4.7 is pretty strong!
bleidis martinez profile picture
bleidis martinez
3 years ago
Excellent Lawyer. Highly recommended. Poleo case.
Thank you for the service provided, all professionals, we were very satisfied with the result of the process.
Johnny Y profile picture
Johnny Y
5 years ago
Best attorney in FL, took head on against DA, we won the case. Thank you Alex, job well done
Jenny Gutierrez profile picture
Jenny Gutierrez
6 years ago
The lawyer Alex advised me in my case of domestic violence it was a long and exhausting case but I thank him they granted me the restraining order for five years I recommend him and I thank him sincerely for helping me.

Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney – FAQ

How soon should I contact a lawyer after being charged?
As soon as possible. Early legal help can protect your rights and prevent mistakes that are hard to undo later.
Do I need a private lawyer, or should I use a public defender?
Public defenders are skilled but often handle a heavy caseload. A private attorney can dedicate more time to investigating your case, interviewing witnesses, and staying in direct communication with you.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County?
Cost depends on the charge and the complexity of the case. We go over pricing clearly during your free consultation.
What does a criminal defense lawyer do?
Reviews the evidence, challenges the prosecution’s case where possible, negotiates when appropriate, and represents you in court.
What should I do after being arrested in Florida?
Stay silent, ask for an attorney, avoid discussing your case with anyone, and attend your first appearance, which Florida law requires within 24 hours of arrest.
Where is Arreaza Law Firm located, and what areas do you serve?
Our office is in Wilton Manors, and we serve Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and the South Florida region.
Can hiring a lawyer guarantee that my case will be dismissed?
No attorney can guarantee an outcome. The right strategy can improve your position, but results depend on the facts of your case.
How do I choose a criminal defense lawyer?
Look for direct attorney involvement, local court experience, clear communication, and a track record with cases like yours.
Facing Criminal Charges? Talk to Alex Arreaza Today

The decisions you make in the first hours and days after an arrest can shape the outcome of your case. Don’t wait to get clear answers.