What should I do if I’m facing some kind of legal trouble in Fort Lauderdale?

When you’re facing any kind of legal trouble, civil or criminal, you need to focus on protecting your rights and building the strongest case possible. Consult an attorney right away, and in the meantime, don’t discuss your case with anyone. If the police try to ask you questions pertaining to a criminal investigation, politely inform them that you will be exercising your right to remain silent until you can speak to an attorney. You should also decline to interact with the opposing side in a civil legal matter without your attorney’s guidance. Don’t discuss this legal matter with anyone besides your attorney, including friends, family members, and especially social media followers. It’s also important to preserve any evidence that could support your case. Bring to your initial consultation with an attorney any documentation, photographs, videos, notes, or other potential evidence.

Will my case have to go to court?

Many legal issues are resolved out of court before they progress all the way to the trial stage, but avoiding a trial isn’t always the right choice. If your case is strong, the opposing side’s evidence is weak, or the other party isn’t engaging in reasonable negotiations, for example, going to court may be the best option for achieving a favorable outcome. At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I’m a trial attorney who recognizes the value of keeping all options open to my clients. I will build your case with a trial in mind from the very beginning. Through painstaking preparation, I not only set the stage for putting forward the most effective arguments at trial but also ensure you have as much leverage as possible in out-of-court settlement negotiations.

How long do I have to take legal action?

It’s always in your best interests to involve an attorney in your legal issue sooner rather than later. Early legal intervention can ensure proper and strategic handling of your case and provide opportunities for evidence collection. In civil legal matters, there are often strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, by which you must formally commence litigation by filing a complaint in court. These deadlines vary and can be fact-specific; for example, in contract-related litigation, you typically have five years to take legal action if the contract is written but only four years for an oral contract. Because the unique facts of your case matter, it’s important that you consult an attorney early on to understand what time limits apply to your claim and how to best move forward. In matters of criminal charges, you should retain an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you have appropriate representation during all aspects of the legal process. Depending on the facts of your situation, it may be important to prepare pre-trial motions or decide how to approach potential plea bargains. It’s also important to follow an attorney’s guidance throughout a criminal investigation, if possible, to avoid making statements to police that could be used against you or taking actions that may negatively affect your defense.

What evidence can be used in civil claims for damages or criminal defense strategies?

As your attorney, I consider all evidence that could be used to develop your legal strategy or strengthen your case. The exact forms of evidence that may apply to your situation depend on your specific case. Examples of the types of evidence I may focus on include: Legally enforceable contracts pertaining to your case Records and reports of losses or failures to meet contractual obligations Correspondence of various kinds, including written letters and emails Witness statements and testimony Any materials involved in an alleged fraudulent scheme Photos, videos, and appraisals of stolen property Financial statements that show accounting inaccuracies or discrepancies Documents that support a third-party’s involvement in a tortious interference claim Business partnership agreements in disputes between partners Records of untrue statements in business defamation and disparagement cases Any filed statements or tax returns, notes from or correspondence with professionals, or other documents that can support your defense against charges of various kinds of fraud This isn’t an exhaustive list. In each case I take on, I listen to the specific facts to gain an understanding of your unique situation. Then I personalize my strategy, including the evidence that could potentially be helpful, to your circumstances.

Forge Litigation Group/

Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation And Criminal Defense

Fort Lauderdale Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense

Aggressive Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Whether you live and work in Fort Lauderdale year-round or you encountered a legal issue while traveling to this popular tourist destination, how you approach litigation or criminal charges matters. The smart tactic is to protect your legal rights by retaining a dedicated Fort Lauderdale civil and criminal lawyer to advocate for you.

At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I represent locals, tourists, and businesses in a full array of legal issues. I bring the breadth and depth of knowledge of a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to every case I handle, backed by experience in crisis management and a commitment to serving the community.

The time to consider your legal options is now, before valuable opportunities for building a strong case slip away. Contact me today to get started with a confidential case evaluation. I’m willing to meet you at my office in nearby Miami-Dade County, at your home, at the hospital, or in jail to ensure you’re able to get the help you need.

Types of Cases Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Handles in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

At the law firm of Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I work at the strategic intersection of civil litigation and criminal law to help individuals and businesses protect their interests in the context of legal issues. The benefit of having a Fort Lauderdale civil and criminal lawyer on your side is having complete knowledge of the nuances of both areas of law to inform your approach and your arguments. Examples of the kinds of issues I can assist you with include the following.

Civil Litigation and Claims for Monetary Damages

When you’re dealing with Fort Lauderdale complex civil litigation of any kind, you can’t afford to underestimate the different factors that affect your case. Failing to consider your claim from every angle could result in an outcome that fails to fully compensate you. In handling civil litigation, I address every aspect of every case to build a foundation for the most favorable outcome possible in issues such as:

Fort Lauderdale parallel proceedings: Whether multiple legal actions are proceeding in courts in two different jurisdictions or in civil and criminal courts, I’m prepared to advise you on how these actions may impact each other and to fight for or against anti‑suit injunctions.
Fort Lauderdale cross‑border and international litigation: If your civil claim involves the misconduct of a person or business in another state or another country, I can manage the complexities of dealing with multiple jurisdictions’ rules and procedures.
Fort Lauderdale civil fraud cases: When you have experienced financial losses because you fell victim to a deceptive scheme, I can help you explore options for recourse through the civil legal system.
Fort Lauderdale civil theft claims: Under Florida law, victims of theft can seek treble (triple) damages through a lawsuit against the thief.
Fort Lauderdale civil RICO & business fraud matters: I assist clients involved in litigation in which an alleged victim is seeking compensation for losses pertaining to racketeering activities.

Business Legal Dispute Representation

Managing Fort Lauderdale business disputes demands a combination of smart strategy and committed advocacy. It’s important to be prepared for all paths forward and to choose the right approach for the situation, whether that means working toward amicably reaching an out-of-court settlement or aggressively pursuing litigation. The types of business disputes I handle include:

Fort Lauderdale breach of contract cases: I hold those who fail to live up to their contractual obligations legally accountable for the losses that result from their actions.
Fort Lauderdale defamation & disparagement claims: If someone’s untrue assertions have hurt your business’s reputation or even led to economic losses, they can be held liable.
Fort Lauderdale business partnership disputes: Through negotiations, litigation, or even commencing the partnership dissolution process, I help business leaders find the path forward in the wake of a disagreement between partners.
Fort Lauderdale tortious interference litigation: I support business owners in holding third parties accountable for intentionally interfering with business contracts or established relationships that don’t involve them.

Criminal Defense and Legal Support During Investigations

When I provide Fort Lauderdale criminal defense services, I focus on protecting the rights of the accused and pursuing the outcome that minimizes the consequences as much as possible. In some cases, it may be feasible to get charges dropped completely or to avoid a conviction by gaining acceptance into a pre-trial diversion program. If the case against you is stronger, your strategy may involve challenging whether the evidence against you was obtained through proper procedures or even negotiating a plea deal that would result in less harsh penalties.

I fight for my clients at all stages of the legal process, in court and out of court, to pursue an outcome that preserves their freedom as fully as possible. I most often defend clients against Fort Lauderdale white‑collar crimes, including:

Fort Lauderdale conspiracy charges: I present strategic defense arguments on behalf of clients accused of entering into agreements with others to violate state or federal law.
Fort Lauderdale money laundering charges: I defend individuals who are facing legal trouble over financial transactions in which they are accused of knowingly trying to hide the unlawful source of money obtained through criminal conduct.
Fort Lauderdale tax fraud charges: I represent people charged with evading federal income tax as well as Florida’s sales and use taxes, communications services taxes, and unemployment taxes.
Fort Lauderdale bank fraud charges: I help defendants fight back against allegations of using deceptive schemes to target banks and their assets, including credit card fraud and bad checks.
Fort Lauderdale healthcare fraud charges: I represent both medical providers and patients who are accused of defrauding healthcare benefit programs to obtain benefits, services, or payments that are improper or unauthorized.
Fort Lauderdale wire fraud charges: I assist clients who allegedly used phone systems, the internet, and other telecommunications systems to carry out fraudulent schemes in defending against these serious charges.

I also apply my analytical skills and legal knowledge to Fort Lauderdale internal investigations, helping business leaders proactively identify embezzlement, fraud, and other types of misconduct in their companies.

White-collar crime charges can be filed at both the federal and state levels, depending on the circumstances. I handle both state-level and federal crimes on behalf of my clients. I also help file appeals on behalf of those whose legal outcomes have been impacted by errors of law or procedure.

Civil Rights Litigation

Aggressive advocacy is critical for fighting back against violations of your civil rights, from the right to practice free speech and free exercise of religion to the right to due process and the right to be free from discrimination. In the Fort Lauderdale civil rights litigation cases I handle, I pursue accountability from state and local government actors through Section 1983 claims, as well as exploring other avenues of legal recourse.

Crisis Management & Communications

Negative media coverage can cause an isolated issue to blow up into a highly publicized scandal that affects your reputation. By strategically taking advantage of opportunities to tell my client’s story and pushing back against one-sided media coverage, I can help you restore your reputation and manage crisis communications effectively.

Public Interest & Pro Bono

To serve the public interest in Fort Lauderdale and beyond, I help defendants in desperate legal situations by providing no-cost or low-cost trial and post-conviction services to those who can’t afford professional legal help at standard rates. My pro bono practice primarily focuses on defending those who are accused of serious crimes like homicide and pursuing justice for those who have been imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit.

Areas Served in Fort Lauderdale, FL

As an experienced Fort Lauderdale civil and criminal lawyer, I represent clients and businesses in legal matters across the dozens of officially recognized neighborhoods within the coastal city and beyond, including:

Bal Harbour
Bermuda Riviera
Birch Park-Finger Streets
Chula Vista Isles
Coral Ridge
Coral Ridge Country Club Estates
Coral Ridge Isles
Croissant Park
Dillard Park
Dorsey Riverbend
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Edgewood
Flagler Village
Golden Heights
Harbor Beach
Harbordale
Harbour Inlet
Imperial Point
Lake Aire-Palm View
Lake Ridge
Landings
Lauderdale Beach
Lauderdale Harbours
Lauderdale Isles
Lauderdale Manors
Lofts of Palm Aire Village
Melrose Manors
Melrose Park
Middle River Terrace
Oak River
Palm Aire Village East
Palm Aire Village West
Poinciana Park
Poinsettia Heights
River Gardens/Sweeting Estates
River Oaks
Riverland
Riverland Manors
Riverland Village
Riverland Woods
Riverlandings
Riverside Park
Riviera Isles
Rock Island
Sailboat Bend
Seven Isles
Shady Banks
South Middle River
Sunrise Intracoastal
Tarpon River
Victoria Park

I also serve the rest of Broward County, including Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, and Coral Springs, from my office in nearby Miami-Dade County.

Who Needs a Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

You should consider consulting a Fort Lauderdale civil and criminal lawyer if you are:

A victim of theft, fraud, or other violations who needs financial compensation to make you whole
A plaintiff seeking to hold accountable a person or party in another jurisdiction
A claimant whose legal issue is proceeding alongside other legal actions, such as claims in civil court alongside criminal charges
A business leader who has encountered disputes with someone with whom you have a contractual relationship or with a third party
A partner who co-owns a business who has encountered significant disagreements with another partner
A business leader who has reason to suspect that fraud or other criminal activities may be occurring within your organization
An individual charged with criminal violations, particularly those that involve sophisticated white-collar crimes like fraud
A victim of civil rights violations who needs help holding government actors or other parties accountable

A legal issue can drastically impact your future, and you need skilled, professional guidance to manage this matter successfully and achieve the most favorable outcome for your unique situation.

Why Choose Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A. as Your Fort Lauderdale Civil and Criminal Lawyer?

By entrusting your civil claim for damages or your criminal defense to Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., you gain an advocate who’s prepared to personally investigate your case, travel near or far to make legal help accessible, and stand by your side even in the wake of negative press.

Hands-on Investigations and Evidence Collection

The evidence in your case matters. I leave no stone unturned, personally walking neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and seeking out witnesses whose testimony matters to your case. By meticulously gathering evidence, I build a strong foundation for your legal arguments.

Willingness to Travel for Your Convenience

I know it isn’t always easy to get to an attorney’s office when you’re dealing with other pressures. I’m prepared to travel to local hospitals, homes, and jails to meet potential clients. For clients from out-of-town, I can arrange to fly to you on very short notice to ensure I’m there to guide you during legal proceedings and to develop an effective strategy.

Strategies to Fight Back Against Unfair Negative Publicity

Because it’s such a popular tourist destination, legal matters that arise in Fort Lauderdale often make the news. The negative press can be particularly amplified if you’re a public figure, a high-ranking business leader, or a celebrity. With a background in crisis management, I help my clients tell their stories strategically and communicate in ways that support rather than undermine their legal positions.

About Civil Litigation and Criminal Charges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The circumstances that give rise to civil litigation and criminal charges can happen throughout Fort Lauderdale, from hotels and other downtown businesses on Las Olas Boulevard to residential areas like Harbor Beach, Victoria Park, and Coral Ridge.

Business fraud, which can lead to both criminal charges and civil claims for damages, may occur on the premises of companies located in various neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. As a city with considerable tourism, marine, manufacturing, real estate, finance, technology, aerospace, and entertainment production sectors, the potential exists for numerous types of white-collar crimes and civil claims stemming from such offenses. Likewise, business dispute matters in the area often involve at least one local business, potentially with opposing parties in different states or even other countries.

Theft, conspiracy, and other types of fraud offenses that lead to civil or criminal consequences can also happen in the relative privacy of residential neighborhoods. When they do, it’s helpful to have legal counsel on your side who is willing to personally investigate the matter.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Civil and Criminal Lawyer at Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., Today for a Case Evaluation

If you’ve wondered whether you have a legal matter on your hands or whether a criminal investigation is serious enough that you need an attorney, an initial consultation allows you to get your questions answered without risk, cost, or obligation. I provide objective assessments of each client’s individual circumstances, ensuring that you know where you stand and are making decisions about your legal issue from an informed, empowered position.

For help from a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL, contact Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., online or call 786-933-8794 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Litigation & Criminal Defense in Fort Lauderdale and Throughout South Florida

When you’re facing any kind of legal trouble, civil or criminal, you need to focus on protecting your rights and building the strongest case possible.
Consult an attorney right away, and in the meantime, don’t discuss your case with anyone. If the police try to ask you questions pertaining to a criminal investigation, politely inform them that you will be exercising your right to remain silent until you can speak to an attorney. You should also decline to interact with the opposing side in a civil legal matter without your attorney’s guidance.
Don’t discuss this legal matter with anyone besides your attorney, including friends, family members, and especially social media followers.
It’s also important to preserve any evidence that could support your case. Bring to your initial consultation with an attorney any documentation, photographs, videos, notes, or other potential evidence.
Many legal issues are resolved out of court before they progress all the way to the trial stage, but avoiding a trial isn’t always the right choice. If your case is strong, the opposing side’s evidence is weak, or the other party isn’t engaging in reasonable negotiations, for example, going to court may be the best option for achieving a favorable outcome.
At Carlos F. Gonzalez, P.A., I’m a trial attorney who recognizes the value of keeping all options open to my clients. I will build your case with a trial in mind from the very beginning. Through painstaking preparation, I not only set the stage for putting forward the most effective arguments at trial but also ensure you have as much leverage as possible in out-of-court settlement negotiations.
It’s always in your best interests to involve an attorney in your legal issue sooner rather than later. Early legal intervention can ensure proper and strategic handling of your case and provide opportunities for evidence collection.
In civil legal matters, there are often strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, by which you must formally commence litigation by filing a complaint in court. These deadlines vary and can be fact-specific; for example, in contract-related litigation, you typically have five years to take legal action if the contract is written but only four years for an oral contract. Because the unique facts of your case matter, it’s important that you consult an attorney early on to understand what time limits apply to your claim and how to best move forward.
In matters of criminal charges, you should retain an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you have appropriate representation during all aspects of the legal process. Depending on the facts of your situation, it may be important to prepare pre-trial motions or decide how to approach potential plea bargains. It’s also important to follow an attorney’s guidance throughout a criminal investigation, if possible, to avoid making statements to police that could be used against you or taking actions that may negatively affect your defense.
As your attorney, I consider all evidence that could be used to develop your legal strategy or strengthen your case. The exact forms of evidence that may apply to your situation depend on your specific case. Examples of the types of evidence I may focus on include:
Legally enforceable contracts pertaining to your case
Records and reports of losses or failures to meet contractual obligations
Correspondence of various kinds, including written letters and emails
Witness statements and testimony
Any materials involved in an alleged fraudulent scheme
Photos, videos, and appraisals of stolen property
Financial statements that show accounting inaccuracies or discrepancies
Documents that support a third-party’s involvement in a tortious interference claim
Business partnership agreements in disputes between partners
Records of untrue statements in business defamation and disparagement cases
Any filed statements or tax returns, notes from or correspondence with professionals, or other documents that can support your defense against charges of various kinds of fraud
This isn’t an exhaustive list. In each case I take on, I listen to the specific facts to gain an understanding of your unique situation. Then I personalize my strategy, including the evidence that could potentially be helpful, to your circumstances.