If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Fort Lauderdale, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.  Being charged with any crime is a frightening  experience. You need to know your rights under the law and act to protect them immediately- before memories fade, evidence is lost, or witnesses disappear. Don't wait to get help. The longer your Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney has before trial, the better and stronger your defense can be.

Mr. Edelstein is a former criminal attorney with the Public Defender who devotes his practice exclusively to criminal defense throughout Fort Lauderdale and the rest of Florida,  with a strong emphasis on the trial phase of legal advocacy. During his career as a private criminal defense lawyer, he has handled and tried a wide range of criminal cases in Fort Lauderdale, as well as other jurisdictions in Florida. His trial experience, along with a personal commitment to his clients, combine to offer the prospective client competent representation in a supportive, hands-on environment. As a criminal defense lawyer, his philosophy is grounded in the strong belief that his clients should be fully informed about every aspect of their case as it progresses.

Mr. Edelstein looks forward to each new case as a fresh challenge to succeed. Call him today for a free consultation at  (877) 321-4545  or visit his website by  clicking here.

First Time Offenders

Being charged with any crime is a frightening experience.  This is especially true for a person who has never had contact with the criminal justice system before.  Fortunately, being arrested or charged with a crime is not the end of the world.

Over the past 13 years, Mr. Edelstein has guided countless people through this emotional and legal maze with two goals in mind: 1) avoiding jail if at all possible, and, 2) avoiding a criminal conviction.  While every case is different, Mr. Edelstein strives to minimize the effects and ramifications of a criminal case to allow his clients to put the case behind them and move on with their professional and personal lives.  If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with a crime, call Mr. Edelstein today for a free consultation on how to best put the experience behind you:  (877) 321-4545

Federal Crimes

In the  United States  a federal crime or federal offense is a crime that is either made illegal by U.S. federal law or a crime that occurs on U.S. federal property. Federal offenses can include: antitrust violations, drug trafficking, criminal enterprises, immigration offenses, computer and internet fraud, credit card fraud, extortion, wire fraud, phone and telemarketing fraud, bankruptcy fraud, healthcare fraud, environmental law violations, insurance fraud, mail fraud, government fraud, tax evasion, bankruptcy fraud, financial fraud, securities fraud, insider trading, alien smuggling, perjury, false statement, drug offenses, bribery, kickbacks, counterfeiting, public corruption, money laundering,embezzlement, economic espionage and trade secret theft.

Click to Contact Fort Lauderdale Criminal Lawyer David Edelstein  

Federal criminal law and procedure differ from Florida's state court system. First, the U.S. Attorney (not the Broward  County State Attorney) prosecutes federal crimes. These crimes are investigated by any of the federal law enforcement agencies in Fort Lauderdale such as the FBI, DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), the Secret Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and others. Additionally, if convicted, a defendant will be sentenced to custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (not the state Department of Corrections)

In contrast to Florida state criminal cases, most federal cases in Fort Lauderdale begin with a federal agent contacting the defendant to conduct a voluntary interview. Unfortunately, either through fear or ignorance, most defendants proceed to speak with the agent without consulting with a criminal defense attorney. This is almost always a mistake. If you or someone you love has been approached by a federal agent, contact Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer David Edelstein immediately for a legal consultation:  (877)  321-4545.

State Crimes

If you have been arrested or are under investigation by a local police department in Fort Lauderdale you will most likely be prosecuted in a Fort Lauderdale state court. State crimes are violations of state and local statutes or ordinances. They are prosecuted in either county or circuit courts by the Broward County State Attorney. In some cases, early intervention by an experienced Fort Lauderdale  criminal defense attorney can even avoid an arrest and/or prosecution.  Typical examples of Florida state crimes handled by Mr. Edelstein include: 

* Drug Cases 
* Trafficking of Drugs 
* Sale of Drugs 
* Manufacture of Drugs 
* Delivery of Drugs 
* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 
* Disorderly Conduct 
* Disorderly Intoxication 
* Obstruction of Justice 
* Resisting Without Violence 
* Trespass 
* Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 
* Boating Under the Influence (BUI) 
* Reckless Driving 
* Driver License Offenses 
* Possession of a Fraudulent or Stolen Driver License 
* Driving with a Suspended License (DWLS) 
* Fleeing and Eluding 
* Grand Theft 
* Dealing in Stolen Property 
* Petit Theft 
* Shoplifting 
* Indecent Exposure / Lewd and Lascivious Conduct 
* Probation Violations / Community Control Violations  
* Seal and Expunge Records 
* Fraud Offenses 

     Click to Contact Fort Lauderdale Criminal Attorney David Edelstein

* Credit Card Fraud 
* Insurance Fraud 
* RICO 
* Organized Fraud 
* Stalking / Aggravated Stalking 
* Assault and Battery / Domestic Violence 
* Aggravated Battery / Aggravated Assault 
* Weapons Offenses / Concealed Firearm / Deadly Missile 
* Forgery and Counterfeiting Offenses 
* Uttering a Forged Instrument 
* Check Offenses (Worthless Check) 
* Burglary of a Dwelling / Conveyance / Structure 
* Possession of Burglary Tools 
* Robbery / Armed Robbery 
* Prostitution Offenses / Soliciting 
* Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer 
* Resisting With Violence 
* Tampering / Witness / Evidence 
* Practicing Medicine without a License 
* Practicing Dentistry without a License 
* False Report of a Crime 
* Loitering and Prowling 
* Criminal Mischief 
* Accessory / Attempt / Solicitation / Conspiracy 
* False Imprisonment / Kidnapping 
* Homicide 
* Sexual Battery 
* Child Abuse / Child Neglect

1 E Broward Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Fees  

The initial consultation is free of charge.

Our fees are competitive. Where warranted, we will consider our client's financial situation and fashion a payment arrangement that is fair to all.

All major credit cards are accepted.

The hiring of a   Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer     is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed  to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney / client relationship.