CityVettedCityvetted
Independent. Never pay-to-play.
Criminal Defense Lawyer · Fort Lauderdale, FL/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer can be daunting. We’ve ranked the best options in Fort Lauderdale based on real client feedback and ratings.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceGeorge Reres Law, P.A
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Fort Lauderdale-metro criminal defense lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Finding a skilled criminal defense lawyer is critical for anyone facing legal challenges. In Fort Lauderdale, the right attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your case, offering expertise and support when it matters most.

To determine the best criminal defense lawyers in the area, we analyzed client reviews, ratings, and overall reputation. Our list reflects those who consistently deliver outstanding results and client satisfaction.

10criminal defense lawyers evaluated in Fort Lauderdale
4.95average rating across the field
3.5Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Fort Lauderdale? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

George Reres Law, P.A

★★★★★5.0(1,272 reviews)

George Reres Law, P.A.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

The Ansara Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(522 reviews)

The Ansara Law Firm also boasts a 5-star rating from 522 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
93Score

Meltzer & Bell, P.A.

★★★★★5.0(409 reviews)

Meltzer & Bell, P.A.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
George Reres Law, P.A
George Reres Law, P.A
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
1,272Personalized defense strategies
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
522Quality representation at competitive rates
3
93Score
5.0★★★★★
409Complex case handling
4
92Score
5.0★★★★★
288Meticulous defense strategies
5
91Score
5.0★★★★★
194Strong client communication
6
89Score
4.8★★★★★
447Serious criminal charges
7
86Score
4.9★★★★★
122Personalized legal support
8
84Score
5.0★★★★★
58Client-friendly representation
9
82Score
4.8★★★★★
134Knowledgeable legal advocacy
10
80Score
5.0★★★★★
33Small, dedicated practice
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 criminal defense lawyers.

We evaluated ten criminal defense lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, focusing on their Vetted Scores, client ratings, and the number of reviews. Our rankings are based solely on merit, ensuring that no business pays for placement.

This list is refreshed monthly to provide the most current information, allowing potential clients to make informed decisions based on up-to-date feedback and performance metrics.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

George Reres Law, P.A

★★★★★5.0(1,272 reviews)
96Score

George Reres Law, P.A. has an impressive rating of 5 from 1,272 reviews. Clients praise their thorough approach and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. This firm is best for those seeking personalized attention and a strong defense strategy. However, their busy schedule may lead to longer wait times for consultations.

Pros

  • High client satisfaction
  • Personalized service
  • Proven track record

Cons

  • Busy schedule
  • Potential wait times for appointments
Best forPersonalized defense strategies
Service areaFort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$150 to $500 per hour
2
Best Value

The Ansara Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(522 reviews)
95Score

The Ansara Law Firm also boasts a 5-star rating from 522 reviews. Reviewers commend their effective communication and strong advocacy. They excel in providing value for clients seeking quality representation at competitive rates. One downside is their growing popularity, which may limit availability for new clients. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is quality representation at competitive rates. It serves Fort Lauderdale and nearby regions, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited availability for new clients.

Pros

  • Effective communication
  • Strong advocacy
  • Competitive rates

Cons

  • Limited availability for new clients
Best forQuality representation at competitive rates
Service areaFort Lauderdale and nearby regions
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
3
Most Reviewed

Meltzer & Bell, P.A.

★★★★★5.0(409 reviews)
93Score

Meltzer & Bell, P.A. maintains a 5-star rating from 409 reviews, highlighting their client-focused approach and successful case outcomes. They are particularly well-regarded for handling complex cases. However, some reviews suggest that their fees can be on the higher side compared to others. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is complex case handling. It serves Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees compared to some competitors.

Pros

  • Client-focused approach
  • Successful outcomes
  • Expertise in complex cases

Cons

  • Higher fees compared to some competitors
Best forComplex case handling
Service areaFort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
4

Law Office of Matthew Glassman

★★★★★5.0(288 reviews)
92Score

The Law Office of Matthew Glassman has received a perfect 5-star rating from 288 reviews. Clients appreciate his thorough preparation and strategic thinking. This firm is ideal for individuals looking for a meticulous approach to their defense. A potential drawback is that they may take on fewer cases to maintain quality.

Pros

  • Thorough preparation
  • Strategic thinking
  • Individualized attention

Cons

  • Fewer cases taken on
Best forMeticulous defense strategies
Service areaFort Lauderdale area
Typical pricing$150 to $450 per hour
5

Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A.

★★★★★5.0(194 reviews)
91Score

The Law Offices of Dave L. Simmons, P.A. holds a 5-star rating from 194 reviews. Clients commend their responsiveness and commitment to client needs. They are best for those seeking a lawyer who prioritizes client communication. However, some clients noted that the office can get busy, leading to occasional delays in responses.

Pros

  • Responsive communication
  • Client-focused
  • Strong reputation

Cons

  • Busy office may cause delays
Best forStrong client communication
Service areaFort Lauderdale and nearby areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
6

The Law Offices of Robert David Malove

★★★★★4.8(447 reviews)
89Score

The Law Offices of Robert David Malove have a rating of 4.8 from 447 reviews. Clients appreciate their aggressive defense tactics and strong negotiation skills. This firm is well-suited for individuals facing serious charges. A drawback is that some clients reported higher costs for their services. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is serious criminal charges. It serves Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas, with $200 to $600 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher service costs.

Pros

  • Aggressive defense tactics
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Experienced team

Cons

  • Higher service costs
Best forSerious criminal charges
Service areaFort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $600 per hour
7

Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

★★★★★4.9(122 reviews)
86Score

Hager & Schwartz, P.A. has a 4.9 rating from 122 reviews. Clients commend their personalized service and dedication to each case. They are particularly suited for those seeking a lawyer who treats them like family. However, their limited number of reviews may make some potential clients hesitant. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized legal support. It serves Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews may create hesitation.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Dedication to clients
  • Family-like approach

Cons

  • Limited reviews may create hesitation
Best forPersonalized legal support
Service areaFort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
8

Lawson and Simmons, PLLC

★★★★★5.0(58 reviews)
84Score

Lawson and Simmons, PLLC has achieved a 5-star rating from 58 reviews. Clients praise their approachable demeanor and effective representation. This firm is ideal for individuals looking for a lawyer who is easy to talk to. However, the limited review count may leave some clients wanting more assurance. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is client-friendly representation. It serves Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas, with $150 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review count.

Pros

  • Approachable demeanor
  • Effective representation
  • Good client rapport

Cons

  • Limited review count
Best forClient-friendly representation
Service areaFort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$150 to $450 per hour
9

Kenneth Padowitz, P.A.

★★★★★4.8(134 reviews)
82Score

Kenneth Padowitz, P.A. has a rating of 4.8 from 134 reviews. Clients commend his strategic approach and thorough understanding of the law. This firm is best for those looking for a knowledgeable advocate. However, the number of reviews may not fully reflect their capabilities. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is knowledgeable legal advocacy. It serves Fort Lauderdale area, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base.

Pros

  • Strategic approach
  • Thorough understanding of law
  • Good communication

Cons

  • Limited review base
Best forKnowledgeable legal advocacy
Service areaFort Lauderdale area
Typical pricing$200 to $500 per hour
10

George Law

★★★★★5.0(33 reviews)
80Score

George Law has a solid rating of 5 from 33 reviews. Clients appreciate their attentive service and dedication. This firm is best for individuals seeking a small, dedicated law practice. However, the thin review base may leave prospective clients unsure about their overall experience. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is small, dedicated practice. It serves Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base may raise concerns.

Pros

  • Attentive service
  • Dedicated team
  • Personalized attention

Cons

  • Thin review base may raise concerns
Best forSmall, dedicated practice
Service areaFort Lauderdale and nearby areas
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Selecting the right criminal defense lawyer requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are key points to keep in mind:

Experience and Specialization

Look for a lawyer with specific experience in criminal defense, ideally with cases similar to yours.

Client Reviews

Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the lawyer’s reputation and client satisfaction.

Consultation Availability

Consider lawyers who offer initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and assess their approach.

Fee Structure

Understand the lawyer's fee structure and ensure it aligns with your budget and expectations.

What it costs

What criminal defense lawyers cost in Fort Lauderdale

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can vary significantly based on experience, case complexity, and other factors. Here’s a general overview:

Hourly RateExpect hourly rates to range from $150 to $500, depending on the attorney's experience.
Flat FeesFor straightforward cases, flat fees can range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Retainer FeesSome lawyers may require a retainer, typically ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
Payment PlansMany lawyers offer flexible payment plans to accommodate different financial situations.

Frequently asked questions

How much does criminal defense lawyer cost in Fort Lauderdale?

Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500, with flat fees for straightforward cases between $1,500 and $5,000.

What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer?

Consider their experience, client reviews, communication style, and fee structure when selecting a lawyer.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Fort Lauderdale residents: George Reres Law, P.A.

For those seeking top-notch criminal defense, George Reres Law, P.A. stands out with its exceptional client ratings and personalized service. Close contenders include The Ansara Law Firm, known for its value and responsiveness, and Meltzer & Bell, P.A., recognized for their expertise in complex cases.