By Ashley Robinson Facing criminal charges in Hollywood, Florida, can place your finances, career, immigration standing, and personal freedom under immediate pressure. Criminal cases originating in Hollywood are generally processed through Broward County’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, with many hearings handled at the South Regional Courthouse on Hollywood Boulevard and major felony matters routed into downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Whether you are facing DUI allegations, felony drug charges, domestic violence accusations, theft offenses, probation violations, or federal criminal investigations, hiring an experienced defense attorney early can dramatically affect the direction of your case.
Here are five highly regarded criminal defense attorneys and law firms serving Hollywood:
1. Edward Lopez, Attorney at Law
- Office Address: 3440 Hollywood Blvd Suite 415, Hollywood, FL 33021
Core Focus: DUI defense, domestic violence, theft offenses, drug crimes, and state felony litigation.
Operating directly from Hollywood Boulevard, Edward Lopez has built a strong local reputation for aggressive criminal defense representation throughout Broward County.
Key Strengths
- More than two decades of criminal defense experience.
- Strong familiarity with local Broward court procedures.
- Aggressive pretrial motion and suppression strategies.
- Accessible bilingual communication.
- Strong focus on reducing or dismissing first-time offender charges.
2. Magilligan Law
- Office Address: 3600 S State Road 7, Hollywood, FL 33023
Core Focus: Violent felonies, immigration-related criminal defense, weapons charges, and juvenile crimes.
David Edward Magilligan is widely recognized across South Florida for handling serious criminal allegations while carefully protecting clients facing immigration consequences.
Key Strengths
- Extensive “crimmigration” defense experience.
- Strong handling of violent felony allegations.
- Team-based litigation structure.
- Aggressive courtroom preparation.
- Strong communication during high-stress cases.
3. Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
- Office Address: 110 SE 6th St Suite 1715, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Core Focus: Drug trafficking, domestic battery, felony defense, search warrant litigation, and federal criminal matters.
Founded by former prosecutors John Hager and Brett Schwartz, this firm is heavily respected throughout Broward County criminal courts.
Key Strengths
- Former prosecutor insight.
- Strong constitutional defense litigation.
- Extensive felony trial preparation.
- Aggressive suppression-motion practice.
- Deep familiarity with Broward judges and prosecutors.
4. The Law Office of Eric H. Clayman, P.A.
- Office Address: Serving Hollywood and Broward County
Core Focus: DUI defense, probation violations, misdemeanor crimes, and breath-test litigation.
Eric Clayman has built a strong reputation across South Florida for aggressive DUI and traffic-related criminal defense representation.
Key Strengths
- Extensive DUI and breathalyzer defense strategies.
- Focus on probable-cause challenges.
- Strong handling of driver-license suspension issues.
- Rapid-response criminal representation.
- Highly personalized client communication.
5. The Law Offices of Mark Eiglarsh
- Office Address: 110 SE 6th St Suite 1700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Core Focus: High-profile felony litigation, fraud, sex crimes, white-collar investigations, and emergency bond hearings.
Mark Eiglarsh remains one of the most recognized criminal defense trial attorneys serving Broward County and the broader South Florida region.
Key Strengths
- Former prosecutor experience.
- Extensive felony jury-trial background.
- Strong early-intervention defense strategies.
- High-profile and media-sensitive case handling.
- Aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Important Criminal Defense Factors in Hollywood
Many Cases Flow Through the South Regional Courthouse
Hollywood misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, and preliminary criminal matters are frequently handled at the South Regional Courthouse located on Hollywood Boulevard before more serious felony litigation proceeds downtown.
The First Few Days After Arrest Matter Most
The period immediately following arrest is often critical. During this “intake phase,” defense attorneys may present mitigating evidence or expose investigative weaknesses before prosecutors formally file charges.
DUI Cases Move Extremely Fast in Florida
Following a DUI arrest, drivers generally have only 10 days to challenge the administrative suspension of their license through the Florida DHSMV system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony in Florida?
Misdemeanors generally carry penalties of up to one year in county jail, while felonies may result in state prison sentences exceeding one year along with major long-term consequences.
Should I speak with detectives if they contact me?
You should politely decline questioning and immediately request an attorney. Statements made during informal conversations can later become evidence in court.
Can criminal charges be dropped before trial?
Yes. Prosecutors may reduce or dismiss charges if defense attorneys uncover weak evidence, constitutional violations, or procedural mistakes during the investigation phase.
What happens during an arraignment?
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance where charges are presented and a plea is entered. In many situations, attorneys can waive a client’s personal appearance.
Can a criminal record be sealed or expunged in Florida?
Certain dismissed cases or matters ending without a formal conviction may qualify for sealing or expungement under Florida law.
What is a “Withhold of Adjudication”?
A Withhold of Adjudication means the court did not formally convict the defendant, even if probation or fines were imposed. This may help preserve civil rights and improve future record-sealing eligibility.
How important is local Broward County court experience?
Very important. Attorneys familiar with Broward judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures often navigate negotiations, hearings, and pretrial motions more effectively.
Can federal agencies become involved in Hollywood criminal cases?
Yes. Certain investigations involving interstate activity, fraud, narcotics trafficking, firearms, airports, or financial crimes may escalate into federal jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony in Florida?
Misdemeanors generally carry penalties of up to one year in county jail, while felonies may result in state prison sentences exceeding one year along with major long-term consequences.
Q. Misdemeanors generally carry penalties of up to one year in county jail, while felonies may result in state prison sentences exceeding one year along with major long-term consequences.
You should politely decline questioning and immediately request an attorney. Statements made during informal conversations can later become evidence in court.
Q. Can criminal charges be dropped before trial?
Yes. Prosecutors may reduce or dismiss charges if defense attorneys uncover weak evidence, constitutional violations, or procedural mistakes during the investigation phase.
Q. What happens during an arraignment?
An arraignment is the first formal court appearance where charges are presented and a plea is entered. In many situations, attorneys can waive a client’s personal appearance.
Q. Can a criminal record be sealed or expunged in Florida?
Certain dismissed cases or matters ending without a formal conviction may qualify for sealing or expungement under Florida law.
Q. What is a “Withhold of Adjudication”?
A Withhold of Adjudication means the court did not formally convict the defendant, even if probation or fines were imposed. This may help preserve civil rights and improve future record-sealing eligibility.
Q. How important is local Broward County court experience?
Very important. Attorneys familiar with Broward judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures often navigate negotiations, hearings, and pretrial motions more effectively.
Q. Can federal agencies become involved in Hollywood criminal cases?
Yes. Certain investigations involving interstate activity, fraud, narcotics trafficking, firearms, airports, or financial crimes may escalate into federal jurisdiction.