Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney Dave L. Simmons Represents Clients Charged With Misdemeanor Offenses in Broward County
Criminal charges can have far-reaching consequences. Though Florida considers misdemeanors less serious than felony offenses, they carry potential penalties that can significantly impact your life if you’re convicted.
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the criminal justice system alone.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, the Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A. offers steadfast representation and vigorous defense for clients facing misdemeanor charges. Before going into private practice and establishing his criminal defense firm in 2003, Simmons enjoyed success as a Broward County prosecutor and public defender. He understands how prosecutors build their cases and uses experience and insight from both sides of the docket to develop effective defense strategies.
Whether you’ve been accused of or charged with a misdemeanor offense, you can count on Dave L. Simmons to protect your rights and future and fight to secure the best possible outcome.
Offering Robust Defense Representation for Florida Misdemeanor Cases
Our seasoned Florida defense attorney offers adept representation for all misdemeanor offenses. Here’s an overview of some of the most frequently charged misdemeanors and their penalties.
First-Degree Misdemeanors
The following misdemeanor offenses are punishable by fines of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and up to one year of probation:
- Possession of cannabis/marijuana
- DUI (first or second offense with no injuries)
- Theft or shoplifting (property valued between $100 and $750)
- Assault on a law enforcement officer
- Battery
- Prostitution (second or subsequent offense)
- Soliciting a prostitute (first offense)
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license (second or subsequent offense)
- Criminal mischief (with damage over $200)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Obstruction of justice
- Resisting arrest without violence
- Worthless or bad checks under $150
- Animal cruelty
- Contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a child
- Reckless driving (resulting in damage to another’s property or person)
Second-Degree Misdemeanors
These second-degree misdemeanors carry penalties of up to $500 in fines, up to 60 days in jail, and up to six months of probation:
- Theft or shoplifting (first offense and property valued below $100)
- Assault
- Prostitution
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license (first offense)
- Trespass (without notice or warning)
- Disorderly conduct
- Disorderly intoxication
- City/municipal ordinance violations
- Failure to obey a police officer
- Loitering or prowling
- Leaving the scene of an accident
Why You Need an Experienced Broward County Defense Attorney
While misdemeanors won’t send you to prison, convictions for these offenses appear on your permanent record, which can have devastating effects on your reputation, livelihood, and personal life. Don’t let a criminal conviction derail your plans.
If law enforcement arrested you or you received a notice to appear in court for a misdemeanor, the Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale can help. Our talented Broward County defense attorney reviews your misdemeanor case, looking for rights violations or other potential defense strategies. We utilize every available option, including negotiating with the State Attorney who filed your charges, to get your misdemeanor case dismissed and removed from your record.
Additionally, many clients facing misdemeanor charges may qualify for programs such as the Misdemeanor Diversion Program (MDP) and Drug Court. These and other diversion programs aim to minimize your involvement with the criminal court system by providing alternatives to arrest and incarceration. Don’t wait—the sooner you hire our Fort Lauderdale law firm, the sooner our Broward County defense lawyer can get to work on your behalf.
