An argument can leave you with a Broward case number, a court date, and rules you have never had to follow. Before you return a call or go to a shared address, let a lawyer read the orders with you.
Mark J. Miller or Rick S. Jacobs reviews the allegation, checks what your release terms allow, and prepares a defense based on the records. Miller & Jacobs serves Fort Lauderdale from its Pompano Beach office.
The consultation is free. Tell us the earliest hearing date and the restriction that is hardest to understand.
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense OverviewFormer Prosecutors
Experience evaluating criminal cases from both sides
230+
Combined jury trials across their legal careers
Pompano Office
Serving people with Fort Lauderdale criminal cases
Named Partner
Mark J. Miller or Rick S. Jacobs handles the matter
The arrest papers describe what police believe happened. The release order tells you what you must do now. Neither is a finding of guilt. We review both before advising you about a statement, a court request, or the next hearing.
Florida’s written no-contact requirementsDomestic violence can involve battery, assault, stalking, or another covered offense between family or household members. Marriage is not required. Shared residence can matter, while parents of a child in common have a separate rule. We check the facts against the charge, rather than rely on the label alone.
Florida requires a person arrested for domestic violence to remain in custody until brought before the court for a bail decision. Once released, check the written terms for contact, locations, reporting, travel, or weapons restrictions. Posting bond does not cancel those terms.
A need to retrieve medicine is different from a dispute about the evidence. We identify urgent release issues and prepare the defense separately. If you have also been served with civil papers, our injunction defense guidance explains that additional hearing process.
You may be trying to decide where to sleep tonight while worrying about what a judge will hear next week.
Tell us about both. The practical problem deserves attention, and the accusation deserves a careful defense.
A report may describe the end of a disagreement without showing how it began. We compare the timing, physical evidence, and full accounts. A defense may turn on intent, identification, accidental contact, or a supported claim of self-defense.
Sequence
Dispatch times and available 911 recordings can help establish what was reported and when. We compare that timeline with later statements.
Observation
Police footage may capture arrival and interviews without capturing the alleged incident. We distinguish direct observations from what someone told an officer.
Condition
Photographs and medical records may support or challenge an account. We examine what they establish and what still needs an explanation.
Keep the original thread, dates, and attachments. One selected message can omit the exchange that gives it meaning. Do not delete, edit, or publicly post material about the case.
We examine the alleged threat, each person’s actions, and whether a defense fits the law. Our assault and battery discussion provides further context; a disagreement alone does not establish lawful self-defense.
A criminal case and a civil petition for protection may arise from the same incident. Keep separate copies of the notices. A change in one proceeding does not automatically change the other.
The State decides whether to pursue the criminal accusation. A person’s wish to withdraw a complaint may be relevant, but does not control that decision.
The petition contains the claims the person seeking protection asks the court to decide. A temporary injunction can impose restrictions while that hearing is pending.
An invitation, a shared lease, or a parenting schedule may seem to answer the problem. Check the court restrictions too. We can assess a request for a change or an approved arrangement; the judge must decide whether to allow it.
If a protected person calls or texts, their invitation does not waive a no-contact order. Keep the message and ask counsel what the written terms permit before responding.
Florida law allows a court to designate an appropriate third person to help arrange contact with shared children. Do not select a friend and assume the arrangement is approved.
Before agreeing to a resolution, discuss possible jail, probation, intervention requirements, and firearm or licensing effects. The charge, facts, and record matter. Do not assume a first case has one standard outcome.
Have the order available when you call. Explain the contact, housing, or family issue that needs attention and any approaching hearing.
Mark J. Miller or Rick S. Jacobs is the responsible partner on an accepted criminal matter. Ask which hearings and defense work are covered, whether civil injunction work is included, and how the fee is set. The written agreement should make that scope clear.
Partner | Trial Attorney
Former Assistant State Attorney
Mark brings prosecution and defense experience to the review of disputed accounts, court motions, and trial preparation. His biography reports more than 70 jury trials to verdict across his legal career.
About Mark’s experience Partner | Trial Attorney
Former Assistant State Attorney
Rick evaluates the available evidence and helps the client understand the choices before a hearing or proposed resolution. His biography reports more than 160 jury trials to verdict across his legal career.
About Rick’s experience
The courthouse and our office are separate destinations. Call to arrange a meeting at Miller & Jacobs, or send a message with a reliable callback number. Confirm any court appearance from your notice.
1600 S. Federal Highway, Suite 1101
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
You do not have to obtain the entire police file first. Start with the documents already given to you. Keep originals private and unchanged, and identify anything you cannot access.
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense OverviewInclude the terms attached to the bond or release paperwork. Tell us about monitoring, reporting, contact, or address restrictions.
Include the case number, listed offense, agency, court division, and next appearance. Explain any missed or conflicting notice.
Include the petition, temporary injunction, supporting attachments, and hearing instructions. Keep the date you were served.
Keep full recordings and message threads. Note who saw or heard each part of the incident, without asking anyone to coordinate accounts.
These are starting points for a conversation with counsel. The exact wording of your orders and the pending charge control the advice.
If the order prohibits contact, do not treat the incoming call or text as permission to answer. Save the message without replying and have counsel review the order. A request to modify a restriction goes to the court; private agreement does not change it.
A lease or ownership interest does not override a court restriction. Ask counsel to review the permitted locations and whether a lawful arrangement for essential items is available. Do not enter the address on the strength of an invitation alone.
Usually, living elsewhere does not move a Broward case arising from a Fort Lauderdale incident. Send the notice to counsel and discuss travel and attendance requirements. Do not assume the hearing is remote or that you may leave without checking release terms.
Send both complete notices, with the petitions or orders attached. Different case numbers may identify the criminal prosecution and a civil injunction. Counsel should check the purpose and deadline of each proceeding before preparing the response.
Keep the complete original recording. Tell counsel who made it and when, and preserve any version you received. A short clip can omit events that matter. Do not edit the original or ask a witness to change an account.
