Our office is open and ready to assist you with your Family Law needs. We also offer Zoom video conferencing service for clients who prefer to meet remotely versus in person.
Serving The Needs Of People In The Fort Lauderdale Area
Facing criminal charges can be a terrifying experience. This is not something that anybody should have to handle by themselves. A skilled Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney is standing by to help if you or a loved one have been charged with a crime.
The lawyer-client relationship is an ultimate show of trust. When you trust me to handle your case, you put your future in my hands. I take this responsibility seriously, and you will receive the personal attention you deserve.
At The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A., in Fort Lauderdale, this is how I work. My office is dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights. Whether you are involved in a criminal law matter or a civil matter, I have the resources to help you by offering personal, reliable and accessible legal services.
An Attorney Who Knows The Local System
Before starting my own law practice, I spent three years in the public defender’s office. During this time, I handled hundreds of criminal defense cases, from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. I know the Fort Lauderdale court system and how to fight hard for you in court. Today, I am a defense attorney representing clients facing a range of criminal charges:
Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney?
There is no denying that facing criminal charges can be terrified for individuals and their families. Unfortunately, there is often no way for a person who is facing charges to adequately defend themselves in court. The reality is that prosecutors and law enforcement officials have significant resources that they can use against individuals in these situations.
However, a skilled Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer will be able to handle every aspect of these cases on your behalf. An attorney will be responsible for:
Conducting a complete and independent investigation into the incident in order to determine exactly what happened.
Examine all of the evidence gathered by prosecutors and law enforcement officials.
Work to ensure that the evidence gathered against their client was obtained legally.
Engage in conversations with prosecutors about possible plea deals if the evidence warrants such a deal.
Fully prepare to take the case to trial to ensure that their client is treated fairly and that their rights are upheld.
Criminal Penalties Can Follow You For a Lifetime
The penalties associated with a criminal conviction can completely derail a person’s life. Of course, the severity of penalties varies depending on whether or not a person is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, but can include the following:
Possible time in county jail
Possible state prison sentence
Probation in lieu of, or after serving time
Court-ordered restitution
Requirements to take rehabilitative classes
Various types of driving restrictions
The requirement to register as a sex offender
…and more
Aside from the statutory penalties associated with criminal convictions, it is important to point out that individuals convicted of crimes will have a permanent criminal record. This can significantly impact a person’s ability to gain and maintain employment, attend colleges or universities, find adequate housing, and more. Additionally, any individual required to register as a sex offender will find that they face significant hardships above and beyond what most convicted felons face. The requirement to register as a sex offender is incredibly burdensome, so these offenses must be vigorously defended with the assistance of a skilled defense lawyer.
What To Expect At Your Free Initial Consultation
When you come to my law office for an initial consultation, I will obtain a copy of your police report and discuss with you any and all allegations against you, and I will also speak with you regarding the statutes and case law relevant to your case. At the very minimum, your consultation will better educate you concerning all important aspects relating to your case. Consultations are always free and confidential.
Dedicated. Trusted. Accessible. Call Me Today.
You can reach me online or toll free at 954-533-2756 to schedule a free initial consultation. My office is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. My law office is conveniently located across the street from the main courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Parking is available. I also serve clients in Miami and Palm Beach.
How Can I Help You
Call toll-free today at 954-533-2756 to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Broward County, Florida.
Florida weapons charges laws have become increasingly strict, and the potential sentences people face are longer. With consequences this serious, it is important to work with an attorney who will truly fight for you.
Florida laws assign very strict penalties to anyone convicted of a sex crime. If you have been charged with rape, sexual assault, an internet sex crime or any other sex crime, it is important to act quickly.
At The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A., I handle a wide range of theft crimes, from petty theft to first-degree grand theft. I understand that people who hire me as their criminal defense lawyers are putting their future in my hands. I take this responsibility seriously.
The police are not your friends. From the moment they pull over your car, they are looking for reasons to arrest you for DUI (often called DWI). Each question they ask — and each test they try to get you to take — is geared toward proving that you were drinking and driving.
If you could have your criminal offenses sealed or erased, would you? In Florida, individuals with a criminal history who meet certain qualifying factors can apply for criminal record sealing or an expungement, which removes a criminal offense.
Sometimes situations get out of control. Other times, false allegations are made. Whatever happened, if you have been charged with domestic violence, it is important to work with a tough domestic violence attorney in Fort Lauderdale who protects your rights right away.
As a victim of domestic violence, abuse, harassment or stalking, you have the right to seek a restraining order. Restraining orders forbid one individual from contacting or coming close to another. Individuals applying for a restraining order must express to the court the need for obtaining one.
While a restraining order is often issued temporarily, it can have a long-term effect on the receiver. Lasting evidence of a restraining order can show up in a background check and affect important family matters such as child custody and visitation. In some cases, having had a restraining order issued can be used against an individual in a criminal case.
There are multiple reasons that people run into problems with their probation, and many of them are beyond their control. If you have been accused of violating your probation, my law firm — The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A. — can help you to either fight the violation or attempt to reinstate your probation.
If someone attacks you, you have the right to defend yourself. This is commonly known as self-defense. As simple as this may sound, this was not always the case in Florida. Fortunately, Florida was one of the first states to make changes in their laws that expand the doctrine of self-defense.
Kids make mistakes. They can also be accused of things they didn’t do. No matter what happened, one thing is true: If you or someone you care about has been charged with a juvenile crime, you need a smart, tough juvenile defense attorney Fort Lauderdale who can get results.
Florida law takes drug crimes seriously and, as your lawyer, it is my job to build a serious defense. At The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A., I use in-depth knowledge of Florida criminal laws and procedures to defend people in the Fort Lauderdale area accused of drug possession.
Florida has some of the strictest laws against illegal drug possession, manufacturing and distribution. Among illegal drug use is the abuse of prescription drugs. If you think that you are safe from criminal charges because you have a prescription, think again. Just having a prescription does not exempt you from being arrested. You can still be charged with a prescription drug offense.
Penalties for drug crimes in Florida vary depending on the type and quantity of drug. In many cases, it doesn’t take much to boost a drug possession or possession with intent to distribute charges to drug trafficking. Employing the minimum mandatory sentences, those convicted of a drug crime can face very strict penalties.
The Florida Legislature has made it unlawful for any person to sell, manufacture or deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, a controlled substance. Depending on the circumstances involved, the consequences of a conviction can be very serious.
The benefits of obtaining an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible cannot be stressed enough. Not only does this increase your chances of a successful outcome, but having an attorney early on in your case can ensure eligibility for a first offender and diversion program. This can get a case dismissed and also makes you eligible for an expungement. An expungement or a record sealing are the only methods of truly clearing your criminal record.
Many people do not realize the serious legal consequences that can come with traffic violations — but these things should be taken seriously. The state of Florida places harsh consequences on people convicted of traffic offenses, and people who fail to fight charges may find themselves owing heavy fines, facing license suspension or even jail time.
Contact Me For Criminal Defense
For legal representation in any criminal matter in Florida, please reach out to me online or call me toll-free at 954-533-2756.
