KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Many misdemeanor cases resolve within one to six months, while felony cases often take six months to two years or longer, depending on the charges and evidence involved. The factors that affect how long a criminal case takes include the complexity of the evidence, whether a plea agreement is reached, court scheduling, and whether the case goes to trial. A Broward County criminal defense lawyer who intervenes early can often influence both the direction and the duration of a case.
When you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Broward County, time feels like it stops moving—and then, somehow, it seems to pass all at once. One of the first questions people ask after an arrest is simple: how long is this going to take? The honest answer is that it depends, but there are predictable patterns for both felony cases and misdemeanor cases in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
At the Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A., attorney Dave Simmons has spent decades representing clients in Broward County courts. As a former Broward County Assistant State Attorney and Assistant Public Defender, he understands how cases move through the system—and how strategic early action can shape that timeline.
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How Long Does a Misdemeanor Case Take in Broward County?
Misdemeanor cases in Broward County typically move faster than felony cases, but the timeline still varies considerably. While many cases may be resolved in one to six months, this is not always the case.
After an arrest, the State Attorney's Office has a pre-filing review period during which prosecutors decide whether to formally charge you, reduce charges, or decline to file. That review may take several days, several weeks, or longer, depending on the complexity of the investigation and whether additional evidence is being gathered.
Once charges are filed, a misdemeanor case in Broward County typically resolves in one of three ways, each with its own timeline:
- Diversion program. For eligible first-time offenders, participation in a misdemeanor diversion program may result in dismissal of charges upon successful completion of the program requirements. Successful completion leads to a dismissal.
- Negotiated plea. Most misdemeanor cases resolve through a plea agreement, often within two to four months of the arrest.
- Trial. If the case goes to a jury or bench trial, misdemeanor matters can take six months or longer.
Overall, most straightforward misdemeanor cases in Broward County conclude within one to six months. Cases involving prior records, multiple charges, or disputes over evidence tend to take longer. The potential punishments—even for a misdemeanor—are serious.
How Long Does a Felony Case Take in Broward County?
Felony cases take considerably longer. Most felony criminal proceedings in Broward County are handled through the 17th Judicial Circuit's criminal divisions located at the Main Judicial Complex in Fort Lauderdale. The process in a felony case involves more procedural steps, more evidence, and higher stakes at every turn.
The general timeline in most Broward County felony cases looks like this:
- First appearance and arraignment. Typically, the initial appearance occurs within 24 to 48 hours of arrest, with arraignment following within weeks.
- Discovery and motions. The exchange of evidence and pretrial motions can take several months or longer, particularly in cases involving surveillance footage, digital records, or expert witnesses.
- Plea negotiations. Many felony cases are resolved through negotiated pleas before trial. Depending on the charges and the strength of the evidence, this stage can take three months to over a year.
- Trial. If a case goes to trial, the full process from arrest to verdict frequently spans one to two years or more for serious charges.
First-degree and life felonies, cases involving co-defendants, or matters with voluminous digital evidence can stretch well beyond two years. The potential sentencing consequences for a felony conviction are severe.
What Factors Affect How Long a Criminal Case Takes?
Whether your case is a misdemeanor or a felony, several variables can accelerate or extend the timeline.
Complexity of the Charges
Cases involving multiple counts, multiple defendants, or serious offenses like drug crimes with trafficking allegations involve more evidence to review, more witnesses to depose, and more legal issues to litigate. A simple petit theft misdemeanor moves faster than an aggravated battery felony.
Pretrial Motions and Legal Challenges
Our skilled criminal defense lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the legality of a stop or search, or seek dismissal of charges. These motions can take months to brief, argue, and resolve—but winning one can change the outcome of the entire case.
Court Scheduling and Caseload
Broward County courts carry significant dockets. Scheduling conflicts, judicial assignments, and courtroom availability all affect how quickly hearings are set.
Florida law provides defendants with statutory and constitutional speedy trial rights, although the applicable deadlines, waivers, and exceptions can significantly affect how long a case remains pending. Since July 2025, Florida's speedy trial time periods generally begin when formal charges are filed rather than on the date of arrest.
Whether a Plea Agreement Is Reached
The majority of criminal cases in Florida—misdemeanor and felony alike—resolve through plea agreements rather than trials. When both sides can reach an acceptable agreement early, cases can close in a matter of months.
When negotiations break down or the defense has strong grounds to fight, cases take longer. If your case involves a probation violation alongside a new charge, coordinating both proceedings requires additional time and strategy.
Record Considerations After Resolution
Even after a case resolves, the timeline does not always end there. Depending on the outcome, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your record in Florida. This process typically takes several additional months but can have long-term benefits for employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Why the Timing of Your Defense Matters
In Broward County, some of the most consequential decisions in a criminal case happen before formal charges are even filed. During the pre-filing window, our experienced criminal defense lawyer can contact the State Attorney's Office, challenge the strength of the evidence, and advocate for diversion, charge reduction, or a no-file decision. The Florida Criminal Punishment Code governs how sentences are calculated for those convicted of felonies, and early intervention shapes the entire trajectory of a case—both how long it takes and how it ends.
Waiting to retain counsel until the first court date gives up that early window. The sooner our criminal defense lawyer is involved, the stronger your defense is, and the more options remain available to resolve your criminal case favorably.
