Work With An Experienced Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney To Protect Your Future
A conviction on your record, no matter how minor, can have a severe impact on the rest of your life. It may show up anytime a background check is run, and you may have to declare it on applications for employment, loans, housing and school, which could prevent you from obtaining any of these things. To avoid this, you need strong criminal defense from an experienced attorney.
Our founder, Steve Rossi, is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer, a former FBI agent and a former prosecutor for the state attorney. He has been practicing law for over 35 years and was selected for inclusion in the Florida Super Lawyers. He has experience dealing with statewide criminal cases, and when you work with our team at The Law Offices of Steve Rossi, P.A., he will use his experience to fight for your rights and aggressively defend your case.
We represent clients charged with these and other crimes:
- Juvenile crimes
- DUI
- Drug offenses
- Domestic violence
- Violations of probation
- Crimes against a student
- Crimes involving theft
- Crimes involving violence
- Sexual offenses
- International criminal and extradition issues
We accept cases at every level, from municipal, city and county ordinance violations to state and federal misdemeanor and felony charges. If you need to go to trial, attorney Steve Rossi is The Florida Bar-certified lawyer in criminal trial law.
A Firm With A Statewide Reach
Our firm is based in Fort Lauderdale, but Mr. Rossi has worked with various judges and prosecutors throughout the state of Florida. He puts his knowledge of the criminal justice system and of the law to work for you as he defends your freedom.
Our team of attorneys, paralegals, private investigators and other colleagues will review the evidence against you and conduct a full investigation of your case. Whenever possible, we will look for ways to bring your case to the best possible conclusion without going to trial, including suppression of evidence and alternative sentencing programs.
Do You Have Questions About Your Rights?
Facing a criminal charge is never easy. Attorney Rossi will explain the law to you, help you understand the implications of your choices and work quickly to find solutions. Here, you can read answers to a few of our clients’ frequently asked questions about criminal law and education and school law.
What crimes result in misdemeanors and felonies?
Misdemeanors are lesser offenses, potentially leading to a year in county jail and fines reaching $1,000. They’re categorized into two categories: first degree, which includes crimes like battery, and second degree, like trespassing. Felonies, bearing stiffer consequences, can result in more than a year’s imprisonment and over $1,000 in fines. They range from capital felonies, like first-degree murder, to life felonies and first, second and third-degree felonies, each with varying penalties. Examples include carjacking as a first-degree felony and aggravated stalking as a third-degree felony. We stand prepared to navigate these complexities with you.
Are there ways to clear my criminal record in Florida?
Clearing a criminal record may be possible through expungement, a process that seals or destroys conviction records. Eligibility hinges on specific criteria, such as charges being dismissed or completing a pretrial diversion program. The process is intricate, often necessitating an attorney’s guidance and involves obtaining your criminal record, filing an application and potentially attending a court hearing. Successful expungement can greatly enhance employment, licensing, housing opportunities and more, allowing you to legally deny past arrests or charges.
What are Florida’s “statutes of limitations?”
In Florida, statutes of limitations are legal deadlines for filing criminal charges. The time allowed varies by crime, with some felonies, like murder, having no limit and misdemeanors generally capped at one to two years. The clock typically starts when the crime is committed but can be extended in cases like sex offenses against minors or fraud, where discovery may be delayed. Changes to these laws can occur, so current legal advice is essential for anyone affected. For specific crimes, consult an attorney for detailed guidance on how statutes of limitations could apply.
Contact A Defense Lawyer About A Free Initial Consultation
Call The Law Offices of Steve Rossi, P.A., in Fort Lauderdale toll free at 888-674-2051 or send us an email to schedule an appointment or a phone conference. We offer representation throughout the state of Florida.