Dave Simmons has spent more than 27 years defending the accused in Broward County's 17th Judicial Circuit — and he brings a perspective that very few criminal defense attorneys can offer: he has worked both sides of the courtroom.
After earning his undergraduate degree cum laude in Communications from Florida State University, Mr. Simmons went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad College of Law. He then served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Broward County State Attorney's Office and later as an Assistant Public Defender for the Broward County Public Defender's Office, holding lead attorney roles in both capacities.
That dual background — prosecuting cases for the State and defending the accused in the same courthouse — gives Mr. Simmons an uncommon strategic advantage. He understands how prosecutors build their cases, where they look for weaknesses, and how to use that knowledge to mount the strongest possible defense for each client he represents.
Since leaving public service, Mr. Simmons has devoted his private practice exclusively to criminal defense. Over the course of his career, he has represented thousands of clients facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including extensive bench and jury trial experience across Broward County.
Mr. Simmons is a member of the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers — recognized as their 2015 Featured Attorney — as well as the Broward County Bar Association. He is in good standing with The Florida Bar and the Supreme Court of Florida. He holds a perfect 10.0 rating on both Avvo and Justia, two of the nation’s leading attorney rating platforms, and has received Avvo’s Client Choice Award three times. He has been awarded the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating — the highest peer review distinction in the legal profession, reflecting the assessment of fellow attorneys and members of the judiciary for both ethical standards and legal ability.
Practice Areas
Domestic violence
- Defending against allegations of assault, battery, or harassment within familial or household relationships
- Challenging restraining orders or injunctions
- Investigating false or exaggerated claims
- Working to protect parental rights and prevent negative immigration or employment consequences
- Pursuing reduced charges, dismissal, or pre-trial intervention when appropriate
Probation violations
- Representation for technical and substantive violations
- Advocating to avoid incarceration and keep probation terms intact
- Challenging unlawful or unsupported violation reports
- Petitioning for early termination or modification of probation
- Negotiating alternatives such as reinstatement or community sanctions
Warrants
- Addressing active arrest warrants, bench warrants, and failure-to-appear warrants
- Arranging for self-surrender to minimize jail time
- Filing motions to withdraw or quash improper warrants
- Advising on warrant checks and next steps
- Negotiating with prosecutors for favorable release conditions
Theft
- Defense for petit theft, grand theft, shoplifting, and fraud-related offenses
- Challenging evidence, such as surveillance, witness statements, and intent
- Pursuing diversion programs to avoid a conviction
- Minimizing penalties and protecting future employment opportunities
- Fighting restitution claims or inflated loss amounts
DUIs
- Defending against first-time, repeat, and felony DUI charges
- Challenging traffic stops, breath tests, and field sobriety procedures
- Handling driver’s license suspensions and formal review hearings
- Seeking reduced charges, such as reckless driving
- Exploring eligibility for diversion or hardship licenses
Drug crimes
- Representation for possession, trafficking, distribution, or prescription drug charges
- Challenging illegal searches, seizures, and questionable evidence
- Advocating for diversion, treatment-based resolutions, or dropped charges
- Addressing drug-related probation violations
- Protecting clients from severe sentencing enhancements
