Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why should I hire an attorney?
It is very important that if you have been accused of any type of criminal offense that you hire an experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney. An attorney will be able to investigate and challenge the evidence and charges against you. An experienced attorney will also be very familiar with criminal law and how the criminal court system works. This can allow for smaller penalties, alternative sentences, or a dismissal of charges in many instances. Your legal rights cannot and will not be protected if you do not have a skilled and aggressive attorney by your side at every step of the legal process.

Do I have to tell law enforcement my side of the story if I am accused of or arrested for a crime?
No. You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to law enforcement without your criminal defense lawyer present. If you speak, you may unintentionally incriminate yourself and make it more difficult for your lawyer to defend you in the future.

What is the difference between parole and probation?
Parole occurs once you have been released from prison. When you are on parole, you will be supervised by law enforcement under certain terms and conditions for a specified amount of time. Probation is a sentence that contains certain guidelines that you must abide by in order to keep from being sent to jail or prison. When on probation there will be certain terms and conditions that you must follow in order to rehabilitate yourself into becoming a law-abiding citizen.

What is a felony offense?
A felony is a very serious offense. Examples are: murder, arson, hate crimes and robbery. A felony is punishable by a minimum of one year in state prison all the way up to the death penalty.

What is a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is a lesser offense which can result in a county jail sentence of up to 1 year and/or fines.

What should I do if there is a Bench Warrant out for my arrest?
If a bench warrant has been issued for your arrest, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately! An attorney can negotiate your case with law enforcement and in some instances keep you out of jail.

What is BAC?
BAC stands for blood alcohol content or blood alcohol concentration and will determine your intoxication level. Law enforcement will measure your BAC when you are suspected of DUI (driving under the influence). If your BAC is over 0.08% you will be charged with DUI.

Can I have my criminal record sealed from the public and future employers?
Yes. Under certain circumstances you can have your criminal record sealed from public view. However, your record can still be viewed by law enforcement officials. Contact our firm today to discuss your criminal record and to see if you may qualify for record sealing/expungement.

The team at the Law Office of Marshall Geisser protects the legal rights of those accused of, formally charged with or arrested for misdemeanor or felony offenses in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the surrounding areas.

Accused of a crime? Contact a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer  at our offices today.