Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney | Broward County

Arrested or Facing Charges in Dade or Broward County?

Get An Experienced Criminal Trial Attorney On Your Side

Stewart Valencia P.A. provides criminal defense representation in Florida state and federal courts, with a primary focus on Broward County and Miami-Dade County. Practice areas include DUI, drug possession and trafficking, assault and battery, theft, robbery, weapons offenses, domestic violence, sex crimes, white-collar crime, and other felony and misdemeanor charges.

Stewart Valencia, Esq. has been admitted to The Florida Bar since May 1998 and has tried more than 100 criminal and civil cases to verdict. The firm is available 24 hours a day for arrest situations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Consultations are free. Call (954) 924-0200 (Broward) or (305) 792-8580 (Miami-Dade).

Whether it’s DUI, assault, drug possession, or another charge — we fight aggressively to protect your future. Available 24/7 for immediate legal support.

Mr. Stewart Valencia boasts 28 years of criminal trial expertise, having litigated more than one hundred cases to verdict before judges and juries. His legal practice encompasses a wide spectrum of complex and high-stakes federal and state felony criminal cases across Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties. His experience encompasses a broad array of charges, including homicide, conspiracy, Federal Hobbs Act violations, drug trafficking at both federal and state levels, white-collar offenses, burglary, aggravated battery, firearm offenses, felony drug possession, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, felony domestic violence, and DUI Manslaughter, and serious bodily injury charges. Mr. Valencia's proficiency also extends to misdemeanor charges, covering criminal traffic violations such as DUI, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident, as well as other misdemeanors including possession of marijuana and/or paraphernalia, simple battery, domestic violence battery, petit theft, and trespass. At the core of his practice, Mr. Valencia is a seasoned criminal trial attorney. It is imperative in all criminal cases that the prosecution is aware that you are represented by an experienced criminal trial lawyer who is prepared to go to trial and let a jury decide your case.

The importance of securing legal representation at the earliest stages of a criminal investigation cannot be overemphasized. Law enforcement officers undergo specialized training to investigate crimes and gather evidence, which often places the average citizen who is unaware of the nuances and techniques used at a significant disadvantage when interacting with law enforcement without legal counsel. Something that the average citizen may not know is the existence of specific legal rights that can be asserted to avoid self-incrimination. A prime example of this is an individual's awareness of their right to remain silent and the Miranda warnings. Knowing, and more importantly understanding and invoking these rights are critical in any criminal case. These rights are encapsulated in the Miranda warnings:

As ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court in Miranda v. Arizona, a defendant’s rights consist of the following:

You have the right to remain silent.

If you do say anything, what you say can be used against you in a court of law.

You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during any questioning.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you if you so desire.

If you choose to talk to the police officer, you have the right to stop the interview at any time. (This part of the warning is sometimes omitted).

Martillo y esposas en la sala de tribunal, simbolizando la justicia legal.

The location of an interrogation is immaterial; whether it takes place at the police station or outside your home, if an individual is in custody, law enforcement is obligated to administer the Miranda warning if they intend to question that person and utilize the information obtained in a trial. A person is deemed to be in custody when he or she is deprived of their freedom of action in any significant way. If there is a doubt in your mind as to whether you are being detained, ask, 'AM I BEING DETAINED, OR AM I FREE TO LEAVE?'

Knowing your rights is key, but having the presence of a seasoned legal advocate that is knowledgeable in the law and can effectively defend your rights is just as important. Attorney Stewart Valencia is that legal counsel.

Informative Websites

For arrest and/or case information, click on the following links and follow the instructions:

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after being arrested in Broward County?

Remain silent and ask for an attorney. Do not answer questions about the alleged offense, do not consent to searches, and do not sign any document other than a basic booking form. Contact Stewart Valencia P.A. at (954) 924-0200; the firm is available 24 hours a day for arrests in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

Criminal defense fees in Fort Lauderdale typically depend on the charge, the court, whether the case goes to trial, and the attorney’s experience. Stewart Valencia P.A. provides flat-fee quotes after a free initial consultation so clients know the full cost before retaining counsel.

What is the penalty for a first DUI in Florida?

Under Florida Statute 316.193, a first-offense DUI is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a fine of $500 to $1,000, license suspension of 6 months to 1 year, 50 hours of community service, and 1 year of probation. Penalties increase with a higher BAC, an accident, or a minor in the vehicle. An experienced DUI attorney can challenge the stop, the breath or blood test, and the arrest procedures.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in Florida?

Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction can result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status. A defense attorney can often negotiate reduced charges, pretrial diversion, or dismissal in misdemeanor cases.

Can criminal charges be dropped before trial?

Yes. Charges can be dropped or reduced before trial through a motion to dismiss, a successful motion to suppress evidence, a pretrial diversion program, or negotiation with the State Attorney’s Office. The outcome depends on the strength of the State’s evidence and the procedural posture of the case.

How long does a criminal case take in Florida state court?

Florida misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 90 to 180 days. Felony cases typically take 6 to 18 months, depending on the charge, court schedule, and whether the case is resolved by plea, dismissal, or trial. Florida’s speedy trial rule entitles defendants to trial within 90 days for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies.

Will a criminal conviction in Florida affect my immigration status?

It can. Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, firearm offenses, and aggravated felonies under federal immigration law can lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or inadmissibility for non-citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, tell your defense attorney immediately so the plea can be structured to minimize immigration consequences.

Serving Broward County and South Florida Criminal Courts

Stewart Valencia P.A. is located at 612 SE 5th Avenue, Suite 3, Fort Lauderdale — directly across from the Broward County Judicial Complex at 201 SE 6th Street. Attorney Valencia regularly appears in the following courts on behalf of criminal defense clients:

Broward County: Broward County Circuit Court (17th Judicial Circuit), Broward County Court, Broward County Main Jail (Central Intake), and all Broward County branch courthouses including Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach divisions.

Miami-Dade County: Miami-Dade Circuit Court (11th Judicial Circuit), Miami-Dade County Court, and the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building.

Palm Beach County: Palm Beach Circuit Court (15th Judicial Circuit) and Palm Beach County Court.

Monroe County: Monroe County Circuit Court (16th Judicial Circuit) serving the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West.

Federal Courts: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach divisions) and U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

If you have been charged with a crime anywhere in South Florida — from a DUI in Coral Springs to a federal drug charge in Miami — Stewart Valencia P.A. is available to defend you. Call (954) 924-0200 or (305) 792-8580 for an immediate consultation.

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