Best Criminal Lawyer in Broward County, FL
Jason Goss
Criminal Lawyer
William R. Scherer co-founded the firm in 1974 with his late partner Rex Conrad. Over the past five decades, Mr. Scherer has grown Conrad & Scherer into one of Florida’s leading law firms and has expanded the firm’s presence with offices in New York, New York, Brevard, North Carolina, and Quito, Ecuador.
AV® Preeminent™ Peer Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® since 1987, Mr. Scherer is a seasoned trial attorney. He has litigated over 100 trials in both jury and non-jury cases before state, appellate, and federal courts. Mr. Scherer’s cases and legal accomplishments have received coverage by major television networks such as CNN, CNBC, MSNBC and FNN and national and local newspapers such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, South Florida Business Journal, the Daily Business Review, the Sun-Sentinel and the Miami Herald. Mr. Scherer was lead counsel for victims of the infamous multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Scott Rothstein. Notably, Mr. Scherer led his complex litigation team and achieved an historic settlement returning to investors what is said to be the highest percentages of recovery for victims of a Ponzi scheme. News outlets described the settlement as a “huge victory” and a “landmark” lawsuit.
In 2005, Mr. Scherer served as plaintiff’s counsel in a high-profile commercial lawsuit involving the sale of a health insurance company and obtained, by jury verdict, one of the largest damage awards in Broward County history.
During the historical 2000 Presidential Election Litigation in Florida, Mr. Scherer led a team of attorneys representing President George W. Bush and personally represented the President in the Broward County recount.
In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Scherer has also served as counsel to various government entities. Mr. Scherer served as General Counsel to the North Broward Hospital District, one of the largest public health care providers in the nation. As General Counsel for the Hospital District, he supervised teams of legal experts in healthcare and malpractice law, and was responsible for all trials and legal actions taken by or against the Hospital District.
Mr. Scherer began his legal career as a law clerk to the Indiana Supreme Court and the Honorable Charles Fulton, Former Chief of the United States District Court for the South District of Florida.
Glenn R. Roderman
Criminal Lawyer
Glenn R. Roderman hails from the town of Port Jervis, New York, but he has been a resident of South Florida for several decades. Mr. Roderman obtained his Juris Doctorate in Law from Stetson University in 1972, and he has been practicing law in the state of Florida since that time. Mr. Roderman was admitted to the Florida Bar and to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, in 1972. In 1975, Mr. Roderman was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mr. Roderman has over 50 years in the criminal justice system in Florida. He has served as a state prosecutor and municipal judge for several years in the cities of Davie, Florida, and North Lauderdale, Florida. Along with his own clients Mr. Roderman is available to other attorneys as a mentor or coach on any or all of their criminal cases. He continues to serve as a respected legal analyst for ABC News Channel 10, WPLG, in Miami.
It is this experience, Mr. Roderman says, that matters as much as any law degree when it comes to representing someone in a criminal court. Mr. Roderman believes many newer attorneys seem to have given less credence to experience, believing that education, alone, qualifies them to practice good law. As he says in this video from his Spoken Law series, Mr. Roderman points out experience and education are both required for qualified legal representation.
Matthew Glassman
Criminal Lawyer
To those who have never met me or seen me argue a motion or deliver a closing argument please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Matthew Glassman. I have been practicing criminal defense law in South Florida for over 13 years. I began my career as a freedom fighter as an assistant public defender at the Broward County Public Defender’s office. It was there that I honed my skills and handled case after case. Thousands of cases. I handled cases ranging from driving and drug offenses to complex white collar crime cases to first degree murders and sexual batteries. I fought and battled for my clients no matter how insurmountable the odds seemed. I never gave in and I always rose to the occasion. At the end of my tenure with the Public Defender, I was assigned to the major crimes unit, primarily handling homicides and acting as co-counsel on several death penalty cases.
What I learned as a public servant only made me stronger. I took my talents into private practice and have never looked back. I have been able to build a successful practice by listening to and making myself available to my clients while delivering results. I fight hard and most importantly I fight along side my clients. Nobody is in the dark. Everyone is on the same page. We fight together. Whether you have a high profile media case or small petit crime you can rest assured that you are getting a lawyer that will go to bat for you.
I consider myself to be innovative, creative and someone that has the ability to think outside the box. In front of a jury, I can be entertaining, serious and respectful. I keep myself abreast of the law and any changes that happen. I write a legal blog to educate others.
In addition to my legal work, I currently teach Florida’s infamous stand-your-ground law as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University. The classroom setting is similar to the courtroom setting where I would be educating a jury. Teaching is a great way to further strengthen and reinforce my abilities as a litigator and is something that I greatly enjoy. I also previously taught a graduate-level course on administrative law and procedure.
Last but not least, I received my B.A. from Indiana University in 2002 and in 2005 graduated from the Saint Thomas University Law School with a J.D. degree and a Master’s degree in Sports Management.
Joshua Padowitz, Esq.
Criminal Lawyer
Joshua Padowitz is a skilled and dedicated criminal defense attorney at Kenneth Padowitz, P.A., a reputable criminal defense law firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With a strong passion for justice, a reputation for his acute attention to detail and aggressive representation, and a commitment to protecting his clients’ rights, Joshua brings an impressive background and diverse experience to every case he handles. Joshua adds his skills, knowledge, and tenacious attitude to the firm’s collective 40+ years experience in legal practice.
Joshua’s experience extends beyond his work with Kenneth Padowitz, P.A. He served as a Supreme Court Certified Legal Intern and an Assistant State Attorney in the Broward State Attorney’s Office, 17th Judicial Circuit, until April 2021. During his tenure, he honed his skills as a prosecutor and gained invaluable insight into the inner workings of the criminal justice system. A rising talent in the field of criminal defense, Joshua Padowitz is a passionate advocate, determined to hold the justice system to account and achieve exemplary outcomes for his clients.
His dedication to the field of law is also evident in his academic achievements. Joshua is one of only a few who graduated summa cum laude with a Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center in May 2019. He was a recipient of the prestigious Goodwin Scholarship and was consistently on the Dean’s List. Joshua’s academic excellence was further demonstrated by his multiple Book Awards in various legal subjects, including Contracts, Torts, Property, and Multi-State Bar Lab.
Joshua also holds a Bachelor of Psychology degree from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology, where he graduated with a GPA of 3.89. He was a member of several honor societies, including Alpha Chi, Psi Chi International, Delta Epsilon Iota, and Tau Sigma. His exceptional academic performance placed him on the Dean’s List throughout his undergraduate studies.
George Joseph Reres
Criminal Lawyer
George Joseph Reres is one of South Florida’s top trial lawyers. He is currently on a winning streak of fourteen criminal jury trials without a Guilty as Charged verdict.
Mr. Reres sits on the Board of Directors for the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has twice won its coveted Hat Trick Award for successfully winning not-guilty verdicts in jury trials three times in a row.
George Reres graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University in 2006 with a degree in Liberal Arts and graduated from Florida International University College of Law in 2008. Mr. Reres is an active member of the Florida Bar Association, Broward Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and Broward County Bar Association. Mr. Reres is licensed to practice law by the Florida Bar and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Mr. Reres began his legal career at the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, where he handled over 1,200 cases at the juvenile and felony levels. Mr. Reres gained valuable experience trying felony cases and fighting for his indigent clients. Mr. Reres carried his empathy for the less fortunate into private practice and tries never to turn down a case for lack of funds.
Mr. Reres previously worked as a Broward County Traffic Hearing Officer presiding over thousands of traffic cases. He recently resigned from his position to concentrate on building his private practice.
Mr. Reres’s clients rely on his legal and academic credentials but also on his attention to the individual needs of every client.
Dave L. Simmons
Criminal Lawyer
Practice Areas
- Domestic Violence
- Violation of Probation
- Warrants
- Theft Crimes
- DUI Defense
- Felonies
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- All Misdemeanors
- Sealing and Expungement
- Protection Orders
Steven Bell
Criminal Lawyer
Steven Kenneth Bell, Esquire, graduated from the University of Florida in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising. Immediately after graduation, Mr. Bell matriculated into law school at Nova Southeastern University’s Sheppard Broad Law Center. In 2004, Mr. Bell earned his juris doctor and graduated Magna Cum Laude, an achievement of one the highest honors reserved for law students graduating in the top 3 percent of the graduating class. While in law school, Mr. Bell eagerly began his path toward defending those accused of crimes. He later worked as a Supreme Court Certified Legal Intern with the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, which allowed him to try both felony and misdemeanor trials before ever becoming a member of the Florida Bar.
Mr. Bell was also one of a select few elite law students elected to Nova Southeastern University Law Review and was also recognized by becoming published in the field of criminal law before ever becoming a lawyer. Upon his graduation from law school, Mr. Bell was given the honor of becoming a member of the Order of Barristers, an honor given only to nine members of his graduating class.
Upon his legal internship with the Broward Public Defender’s Office ending, Mr. Bell was hired as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward County based upon his trial work and skills exhibited during his legal internship. He was awarded for his outstanding work and litigation as a certified legal intern by the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. As an Assistant Public Defender, Mr. Bell vigorously defended and tried hundreds of cases ranging from simple misdemeanors such as DUI, Trespass and Battery to the most complex and severe felony cases.
Mr. Bell quickly rose through the ranks of the Broward County Public Defender’s Office and was promoted to Felony Public Defender in the Circuit Court within one year of being hired. He became a lead Assistant Public Defender in more than one Felony division and was assigned to the most dangerous offenders. Mr. Bell was again promoted based upon his trial skills, knowledge of the law, and reputation with his office to Assistant Public Defender in Charge of the Juvenile Division, one of the youngest lawyers ever to be promoted to such a position. Mr. Bell entered private practice in 2007. Since that time, Mr. Bell has defended thousands of people accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout the entire State of Florida.
Richard Ansara
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Richard Ansara is a south Florida native. He attended Florida Atlantic University where he achieved a B.S. degree in Business Management and Finance. He then went on to attend and graduate from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law School with honors. He served in both the Fort Lauderdale Prosecutor’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney in Broward County. Richard Ansara is a true criminal trial practitioner. He was most recently recognized by the Broward County Association of Criminal Attorneys and awarded the prestigious “Hat Trick Award” for three consecutive NOT GUILTY verdicts. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you want Richard Ansara standing by your side. His extensive experience as a criminal practitioner combined with his unique methods make him a true force to be reckoned with.
Richard Ansara is a member of the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and the Supreme Court of Florida.
Digital Forensics in Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Cases
In the bustling city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, domestic violence cases have increasingly relied on digital forensics to uncover crucial evidence. As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it also plays a significant role in legal proceedings, especially in sensitive cases like domestic violence. This article explores the intersection of digital forensics and domestic violence cases in Fort Lauderdale, highlighting its importance, challenges, and impact on the justice system.
The Rise of Digital Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence cases in Fort Lauderdale, like many other cities, have seen a shift in the nature of evidence presented in court. Traditional forms of evidence such as physical injuries, eyewitness accounts, and police reports are now often supplemented or even supplanted by digital evidence. This shift is due to the pervasive use of smartphones, social media, and other digital platforms in our daily lives.
Digital evidence can include:
- Text messages and emails
- Social media posts and direct messages
- GPS location data
- Smartphone photos and videos
- Fitness tracker data
- Smart home device logs
The role of digital forensics in these cases is to extract, analyze, and present this digital evidence in a way that is admissible in court and can help establish the facts of the case.
The Process of Digital Forensics in Domestic Violence Cases
Digital forensics in Fort Lauderdale domestic violence cases typically involves several key steps:
- Identification and Preservation: Identifying potential sources of digital evidence and preserving them to prevent tampering or loss of data.
- Acquisition: Creating exact copies of digital devices or data without altering the original evidence.
- Analysis: Examining the acquired data using specialized tools and techniques to uncover relevant information.
- Documentation: Carefully documenting all findings and the methods used to obtain them.
- Presentation: Preparing reports and testimony to present the findings in court.
Challenges in Digital Forensics for Domestic Violence Cases
While digital forensics can provide valuable evidence, it also presents unique challenges in domestic violence cases:
- Privacy Concerns: Balancing the need for evidence with the right to privacy, especially when dealing with personal devices and accounts.
- Technical Complexity: The rapidly evolving nature of technology can make it difficult for legal professionals and juries to understand complex digital evidence.
- Data Volume: The sheer amount of data on modern devices can make thorough analysis time-consuming and expensive.
- Encryption and Security Measures: Advanced security features on devices can make accessing potential evidence challenging.
- Chain of Custody: Maintaining a clear chain of custody for digital evidence to ensure its admissibility in court.
Impact on Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Cases
The integration of digital forensics in domestic violence cases has had a significant impact on how these cases are handled in Fort Lauderdale:
- Enhanced Evidence Collection: Digital forensics has expanded the scope of evidence available to prosecutors and defense attorneys.
- Corroboration of Testimonies: Digital evidence can often corroborate or challenge witness testimonies, providing a more accurate picture of events.
- Pattern Establishment: Digital communications can help establish patterns of behavior, which is crucial in domestic violence cases.
- Increased Conviction Rates: In some instances, the presence of strong digital evidence has led to higher conviction rates in domestic violence cases.
- Challenges to False Accusations: Digital evidence can also help exonerate those falsely accused of domestic violence.
Legal Framework and Admissibility
In Fort Lauderdale, as in the rest of Florida, the admissibility of digital evidence in domestic violence cases is governed by both state and federal laws. The evidence must be:
- Relevant to the case
- Authentic and not tampered with
- Obtained legally and ethically
- More probative than prejudicial
Courts in Fort Lauderdale often rely on expert testimony from digital forensics specialists to establish the validity and interpretation of digital evidence.
The Future of Digital Forensics in Domestic Violence Cases
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the field of digital forensics. In Fort Lauderdale, we can expect to see:
- Increased use of AI and machine learning in analyzing large volumes of digital data.
- More specialized training for law enforcement and legal professionals in digital forensics.
- The emergence of new types of digital evidence as technology advances.
- Greater collaboration between tech companies and law enforcement to facilitate lawful access to digital evidence.
Conclusion
Digital forensics has become an integral part of domestic violence cases in Fort Lauderdale. While it presents both opportunities and challenges, its role in uncovering the truth and serving justice is undeniable. As technology continues to shape our lives, the importance of digital forensics in the legal system, especially in sensitive cases like domestic violence, will only grow. It is crucial for all stakeholders in the justice system to stay informed and adapt to these technological advancements to ensure fair and just outcomes in domestic violence cases.
FAQ: Digital Forensics in Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Cases
Q1: What types of digital evidence are commonly used in domestic violence cases in Fort Lauderdale
A1: Common types include text messages, emails, social media posts, GPS data, smartphone photos/videos, and smart home device logs.
Q2: How is the privacy of individuals protected during digital forensic investigations?
A2: Investigations must adhere to legal guidelines, often requiring warrants. Only relevant data is extracted, and strict protocols are followed to protect unrelated personal information.
Q3: Can digital evidence alone be enough to convict someone of domestic violence?
A3: While digital evidence can be powerful, it’s usually used in conjunction with other forms of evidence. The strength of the case depends on the totality of evidence presented.
Q4: How long does a digital forensic investigation typically take in a domestic violence case?
A4: The duration can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of data involved. It can range from a few days to several months.
Q5: What should I do if I believe there’s digital evidence related to my domestic violence case?
A5: Consult with your attorney immediately. Do not attempt to access or alter potential evidence yourself, as this could compromise its admissibility in court.
Q6: Are there any limitations to what digital forensics can uncover?
A6: Yes, there are limitations. Encrypted data, deleted information that’s been overwritten, and hardware damage can all pose challenges to digital forensic investigations.
Q7: How does Fort Lauderdale ensure the authenticity of digital evidence in court?
A7: The city relies on certified forensic experts, strict chain of custody procedures, and detailed documentation of all forensic processes to ensure authenticity.