Criminal Defense in Fort Lauderdale
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Fort Lauderdale, where your case is heard depends on the charge. Felonies are tried in the Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, while misdemeanors and traffic offenses are handled in the Broward County Court. Florida splits criminal jurisdiction this way statewide.
The local court decides where your case is heard; the substantive law lives in our statewide guides. Start with the Florida criminal defense hub, then read about the criminal process, DUI, or drug charges.
A criminal charge moves fast, and early steps matter. To get matched with a local Fort Lauderdale criminal-defense attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local court
Court: Criminal cases for Fort Lauderdale residents are split by severity — felonies are tried in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court for Broward County, while misdemeanors and traffic offenses are handled in the Broward County Court.
In Florida, felonies are heard in Circuit Court and misdemeanors and most traffic cases in County Court. For Fort Lauderdale, that means felonies go to the Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, while misdemeanors and traffic matters stay in the Broward County Court. Verify the court's current location, hours, and filing procedures on its official website before you appear or file.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Which court hears my criminal case in Fort Lauderdale?
- It depends on the charge. Felonies are tried in the Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, while misdemeanors and traffic offenses are handled in the Broward County Court.
- Where is a DUI handled in Fort Lauderdale?
- A misdemeanor DUI is generally handled in the Broward County Court, while a felony DUI proceeds in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court. See our statewide DUI guide for how the substantive law applies.