Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer in Broward County, FL

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — June 23, 2026 — Every summer, law enforcement agencies across Broward County see a documented rise in domestic violence arrests. The heat, the holidays, the increased time spent at home, and in South Florida's case, the steady flow of alcohol that accompanies beach season and July Fourth celebrations all create conditions that lead to more calls, more arrests, and more lives turned upside down in a matter of minutes. The trusted Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Matthew Glassman P.A. serves clients throughout Broward County and South Florida. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman is urging anyone accused of domestic violence this summer to act immediately and retain an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer before it is too late.

Why Summer Is Peak Season for Domestic Violence Arrests in Broward County, Florida

Broward County, FL is one of the most active jurisdictions in Florida when it comes to domestic violence enforcement. Cities including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Miramar, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, and Deerfield Beach all see elevated domestic violence call volumes during the summer months. There are several well-documented reasons for this seasonal pattern.

Heat, Stress, and Proximity: The Summer Triangle of Domestic Relations Conflict

South Florida summers are brutal — temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees with suffocating humidity. Research consistently links extreme heat to increased aggression and impulsive behavior. Add in school being out of session (meaning children are home all day), financial pressures from summer childcare costs, and the social dynamics of summertime gatherings, and you have a recipe for elevated tensions inside the home. In Broward County specifically, increased alcohol consumption tied to summer events is often a contributing factor cited in police reports.

Florida's Mandatory Arrest Law and What It Means for You

What many people do not realize is that Florida operates under a mandatory arrest law when it comes to domestic violence. Under Florida Statute 741.28, if law enforcement responds to a domestic violence call and finds probable cause to believe that an act of domestic violence has occurred, an arrest must be made. This means an officer does not need to witness the incident firsthand. A neighbor's call, a scratch, a red mark, or even a conflicting verbal account can be enough to put someone in handcuffs.

Once that arrest in Broward County, FL is made, the alleged victim cannot simply "drop the charges." Only the State Attorney's Office has the power to pursue or drop a domestic violence case in Florida. Many people are shocked to learn that even when the alleged victim recants or refuses to cooperate, the prosecution may still move forward with the case. This is exactly why having an aggressive Broward County criminal defense attorney on your side from the very first moment is not just helpful — it is critical.

The Serious Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Florida

A domestic violence conviction in Florida carries consequences that go far beyond jail time or fines. As a skilled domestic violence defense attorney handling cases across Broward County, Matthew Glassman has seen firsthand how a conviction can permanently alter the course of a person's life.

Criminal Penalties Under Florida Law

Domestic violence charges in Broward County, Florida, range from first-degree misdemeanor battery to felony aggravated battery with serious bodily injury to other more serious violent offenses. A first-time domestic battery conviction can result in up to one year in jail, mandatory completion of a 26-week Batterers' Intervention Program (BIP), one year of probation, no contact orders, and court costs and fines. A felony domestic violence conviction carries the possibility of years in state prison, permanent loss of the right to possess a firearm under federal law, and a lifelong criminal record.

Collateral Consequences That Follow You for Life

Beyond the courtroom, a domestic violence conviction can cost you your job, your professional license, your housing, your immigration status, and your custody rights. In Florida, domestic violence convictions cannot be sealed or expunged. This means anyone who runs a background check on you — a future employer, a landlord, a licensing board — will see it permanently. For those in law enforcement, healthcare, education, or any licensed profession, a domestic violence conviction can be career-ending. This is not the time to navigate the system alone.

What a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Do for You

Hiring a criminal defense attorney immediately after a domestic violence arrest is the single most important decision you can make. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman focuses on protecting the rights of the accused at every stage of the criminal process, from the moment of an arrest in Broward County, FL all the way through trial if necessary.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Representing Your Case at the Pre-Filing Stage

Criminal defense lawyer Matthew Glassman has built a reputation in Broward County courts for taking aggressive action before the State Attorney's Office even decides whether to file formal charges. This window — the pre-filing stage — is often the most critical and most underutilized opportunity in a domestic violence case. By presenting contradictory evidence, witness statements, medical records, communications, and legal authority to the filing attorney before a charging decision is made, it may be possible to prevent charges from being filed in the first place. Most criminal defense lawyers wait for charges to be filed. Matthew Glassman fights before that happens.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Challenging the Evidence Against You

Domestic violence cases are frequently built on shaky foundations. Domestic violence allegations in Broward County, FL made in the heat of the moment, statements taken out of context, and one-sided police reports are common. As your criminal defense lawyer, Matthew Glassman will scrutinize every piece of evidence, examine body camera footage, review 911 call recordings, investigate witness credibility, and challenge any violations of your constitutional rights during the arrest.

Criminal Defense Attorney Pursuing Dismissal, Diversion, or Reduced Charges

Florida courts offer certain domestic violence diversion programs for first-time offenders that, if successfully completed, may result in charges being dropped. An experienced criminal defense attorney who knows Broward County's court system and the prosecutors within it can identify whether diversion is a viable option and advocate for the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances.

No Contact Orders and Injunctions

A domestic violence arrest in Broward County, FL almost always results in a no-contact order being issued as a condition of bond. This can mean you are immediately ordered out of your own home, away from your children, and unable to communicate with your partner — regardless of whether you are actually guilty. Matthew Glassman can file motions to modify no-contact orders when appropriate and contest domestic violence injunctions at hearing, protecting your ability to remain in your home and maintain relationships with your family while your case is pending.

Why Matthew Glassman Is the Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Broward County Residents Trust

Matthew Glassman is a domestic violence defense attorney with almost two decades of experience defending clients throughout Broward County in matters including domestic battery, aggravated domestic battery, stalking, violation of injunctions, and related charges. He holds a 10.0 AVVO rating, has been recognized by Super Lawyers, named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and has earned more than 280 five-star Google reviews from clients across South Florida.

His office is located at 600 SW 4th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale — minutes from the Broward County Courthouse — and he personally provides every client with his cell phone number, responding to calls, texts, and emails at all hours. When you hire Matthew Glassman, you are retaining a highly experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney who aggressively defends your legal rights and freedoms.

Criminal Defense Attorney Serving All of Broward County

The Law Office of Matthew Glassman serves clients facing domestic violence charges in every city and municipality throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Miramar, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Lauderhill, Margate, Tamarac, Oakland Park, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, Coconut Creek, Weston, and all surrounding communities.

Do Not Wait — Every Hour Matters After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Broward County, Florida

If you or someone you love has been arrested for domestic violence in Broward County, FL, the clock is already running. The State Attorney's Office begins reviewing your case immediately. Evidence is gathered. Witnesses are contacted. Filing decisions are made in days, not weeks. The earlier a Broward County criminal defense attorney gets involved, the more options are available to protect you.

Contact the Law Office of Matthew Glassman to schedule a free, confidential consultation today. Do not face the Broward County court system alone.

Frequently Asked Questions: Domestic Violence Defense in Broward County, FL

What is considered domestic violence under Florida law?

Florida Statute 741.28 defines domestic violence as any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another. This includes spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or marriage, people who live together or have lived together as a family, and people who share a child together.

Can the alleged victim drop domestic violence charges in Florida?

No. In Florida, only the State Attorney's Office has the authority to drop or pursue domestic violence charges. Even if the alleged victim recants, refuses to testify, or asks for charges to be dropped, the prosecution may still move forward with the case. This makes hiring a domestic violence defense attorney immediately after an arrest absolutely essential.

Will I go to jail after a domestic violence arrest in Broward County, FL?

Everyone arrested for Domestic Violence will need to go to jail to get processed. How long you remain in jail depends on the circumstances of the case and how quickly you see a magistrate judge. Florida's mandatory arrest law requires officers to make an arrest when there is probable cause. After booking, a judge will determine bond conditions at a first appearance hearing. A Broward County criminal defense attorney can advocate for reasonable bond conditions and, in some cases, for modification of a no-contact order that would allow you to return home.

How long does a domestic violence case take in Broward County, FL?

It varies. Some cases are resolved at the pre-filing stage before charges are even formally filed. Others may take several months to over a year to resolve through negotiation, diversion, or trial. The earlier you hire a criminal defense lawyer, the greater the opportunity to resolve the matter quickly and favorably.

What is a domestic violence injunction and how do I fight one?

A domestic violence injunction (also called a restraining order) is a civil court order that can prohibit you from contacting the petitioner, returning to your home, and possessing firearms. A domestic violence defense attorney can represent you at the injunction hearing to contest the allegations and argue against the imposition or scope of the order.

Can a domestic violence charge be expunged in Florida?

No. Under Florida law, domestic violence convictions cannot be sealed or expunged. This is one of the most powerful reasons to fight the charge aggressively from the very beginning rather than accepting a plea without understanding the full long-term consequences.

What should I do immediately after being arrested for domestic violence?

Remain calm, invoke your right to remain silent, and do not speak to law enforcement about the incident without an attorney present. Contact a Broward County domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible — ideally within hours of your arrest in Broward County, FL. The pre-filing window is your most valuable opportunity to influence the outcome of your case.

Does attorney Matthew Glassman handle domestic violence cases throughout all of Broward County, FL?

Yes. The Law Office of Matthew Glassman represents clients charged with domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Hallandale Beach, Deerfield Beach, Weston, Tamarac, Margate, Lauderhill, Oakland Park, Dania Beach, Coconut Creek, and every other city and municipality in Broward County.

What makes Matthew Glassman different from other criminal defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale?

Matthew Glassman starts fighting immediately--at the pre-filing stage-- before charges are even filed, he gives every client his personal cell phone number, responds to messages around the clock, and has a documented track record of dismissals — including domestic battery cases — throughout Broward County courts. His 10.0 AVVO rating and 280+ five-star Google reviews reflect a consistent commitment to aggressive, client-first defense.

About Law Office of Matthew Glassman

The Law Office of Matthew Glassman P.A is a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense law firm representing individuals accused of domestic violence and other criminal offenses throughout Broward County and South Florida; criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman can be reached at 954-908-3399 or at matthewglassmanlaw.com.

If you are facing criminal charges in Broward County this summer, criminal defense attorney Matthew Glassman offers free consultations and fights for dismissed or reduced charges from the moment of an arrest through every stage of the legal process.

Media Contact:

Law Office of Matthew Glassman, P.A.
600 SW 4th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 908-3399
URL: Broward County criminal defense attorney | www.matthewglassmanlaw.com

Contact Information:

Law Offices of Matthew Glassman

600 SW 4th Avenue Suite 103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
United States

Matthew Glassman
(954) 908-3399
https://matthewglassmanlaw.com/