Criminal Defense

According to both the Florida and United States Constitutions, all criminal defendants are innocent until proven guilty — and The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC prides itself on enforcing the prosecutor's burden of proving each and every element of the crime charged beyond every reasonable doubt. A criminal charge is not a conviction. It is an accusation — and the government bears the full weight of proving that accusation against you before any consequence can follow. That is the foundation of the American criminal justice system, and it is the foundation of every criminal defense we mount on behalf of our clients.

Unlike business law, a client charged with a criminal violation has much more to lose. The consequences of a criminal conviction extend far beyond fines and jail time — affecting employment, professional licenses, immigration status, housing, and reputation in ways that can permanently alter the trajectory of a person's life. The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC will stand by your side with an unwavering focus in pursuit of justice. Richard P. Corey has experience defending simple misdemeanors and very complex felony cases throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County — bringing the same analytical precision and trial-ready preparation to criminal defense that defines our civil litigation practice.

When you are facing a criminal charge in South Florida, the most important decision you will make is who represents you. Contact The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC at (954) 789-0461 or legal@rcenterpriselaw.com to schedule a consultation with a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer today. Time matters in criminal cases — early legal counsel protects your rights, preserves your defenses, and positions you for the best possible outcome from the first moment of your case.

Criminal Defense Attorney Fort Lauderdale

What Is Criminal Defense?

Criminal defense is the legal representation of individuals and entities charged with criminal offenses — from misdemeanors carrying relatively minor penalties to serious felonies that can result in decades of imprisonment. The criminal defense attorney's role is to hold the government to its constitutional burden of proof, challenge the admissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence, assert every available defense, negotiate for reduced charges or dismissal where possible, and advocate for the defendant's rights at every stage of the criminal process — from arrest through trial and, if necessary, appeal.

In Florida, criminal offenses are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies under Chapter 775, Florida Statutes. First and second degree misdemeanors carry maximum penalties of one year and sixty days in county jail respectively, while felony offenses range from third degree felonies carrying up to five years in Florida state prison to capital felonies carrying life imprisonment or the death penalty. Florida also imposes mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses — including drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and violent crimes — that eliminate judicial discretion in sentencing and make the quality of pre-trial advocacy more consequential than ever.

The criminal justice process in Florida moves through defined stages — arrest, first appearance, arraignment, pre-trial motions, trial, and sentencing — each presenting distinct opportunities for defense counsel to protect the defendant's rights and advance their legal position. Constitutional protections — including the Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures, the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, and the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and a speedy trial — are the foundation of every effective criminal defense strategy. The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC asserts every available constitutional protection on behalf of every client we represent.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida

DUI and DWI Defense

DUI — driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances — is one of the most frequently charged criminal offenses in Florida and one of the most aggressively prosecuted. Florida's DUI statute, Section 316.193, Florida Statutes, prohibits operation of a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances to the extent that normal faculties are affected. A first DUI conviction in Florida carries fines, license suspension, probation, DUI school, community service, and the possibility of jail time — with significantly enhanced penalties for second and subsequent offenses, high BAC readings, accidents involving property damage or injury, and the presence of minors in the vehicle.

DUI defense involves a highly technical analysis of the stop, the field sobriety evaluation, the breath or blood test administration, and the chain of custody for any chemical evidence — each stage presenting potential grounds to challenge the admissibility of evidence against you. The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC evaluates every DUI case for constitutional defects in the traffic stop, procedural errors in the breathalyzer or blood draw process, and the reliability of field sobriety test administration. When evidence was unlawfully obtained or procedurally compromised, we move aggressively to suppress it — and without the government's primary evidence, the case against you changes fundamentally.

For clients facing felony DUI charges — including DUI with serious bodily injury under Florida Statute Section 316.193(3)(c)(2), DUI manslaughter, or a third DUI offense within ten years — the consequences are severe and the defense strategy requires a significantly more complex approach. The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients facing all categories of DUI charges in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County — bringing the same trial-ready preparation to DUI defense that we apply across every area of our criminal defense practice.

Drug Charges

Drug offenses in Florida range from simple possession misdemeanors to drug trafficking felonies carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences of years or decades. Florida's drug laws, governed by Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, classify controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use — with cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl among the Schedule I and II substances carrying the most severe penalties. Drug trafficking charges in Florida are triggered by the quantity of the controlled substance involved — not by evidence of actual distribution — meaning a person found in possession of a large quantity of a controlled substance may face a trafficking charge and mandatory minimum sentence regardless of their intent.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients charged with drug possession, drug distribution, drug trafficking, and prescription drug offenses throughout South Florida. Drug charge defenses frequently involve Fourth Amendment challenges to the legality of the search that produced the evidence — because evidence obtained through an unlawful search must be suppressed, and without that evidence the government's case often cannot proceed. We analyze every drug case for unlawful stops, unlawful searches of vehicles and residences, improper warrant applications, and chain of custody defects in the handling of the controlled substance evidence. We also pursue alternative sentencing options — including drug court participation, diversion programs, and deferred prosecution agreements — for clients who qualify and whose interests are best served by a rehabilitative approach rather than incarceration.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery are distinct offenses under Florida law — assault is the intentional threat of violence that places another person in reasonable fear of imminent harm, while battery is the actual intentional touching or striking of another person against their will. Florida Statute Section 784.011 defines assault as a second degree misdemeanor, while simple battery under Section 784.03 is a first degree misdemeanor. Aggravated assault and aggravated battery — involving a deadly weapon, serious bodily injury, or commission against protected categories of victims — are felonies carrying substantially greater penalties.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients charged with assault and battery offenses throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. Assault and battery defenses frequently involve self-defense or defense of others under Florida's Stand Your Ground law, Florida Statute Section 776.012 — which provides that a person who reasonably believes they face imminent death or great bodily harm may use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat. Stand Your Ground immunity hearings, which are conducted before trial, can result in dismissal of the charges entirely if the court finds that the defendant's use of force was legally justified. The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC asserts every available defense — including Stand Your Ground immunity — on behalf of clients facing assault and battery charges throughout South Florida.

Theft and Grand Theft

Theft offenses in Florida are classified by the value of the property taken — ranging from petit theft, a misdemeanor for property valued under $750, to grand theft in the first degree, a felony for property valued at $100,000 or more, under Florida Statute Section 812.014. Grand theft charges in Florida carry significant potential penalties including substantial prison sentences, and a conviction for theft — even a misdemeanor — creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, professional licensing, and housing opportunities for years after the case is resolved.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients charged with petit theft, grand theft, shoplifting, retail theft, and related property crimes throughout South Florida. Theft defense strategies vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances — including challenges to the valuation of the allegedly stolen property, disputes over the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, mistaken identity defenses in cases involving surveillance footage or eyewitness identification, and constitutional challenges to the search or seizure of evidence used to establish the theft. For first-time offenders, we pursue diversion programs and civil citation options that can result in dismissal of the charges without a conviction — protecting our clients' records from the long-term consequences of a theft conviction.

Fraud, Embezzlement, and White Collar Crime

Fraud and white collar criminal charges — including insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and embezzlement — are among the most complex criminal matters a defendant can face. White collar criminal investigations frequently involve extensive document review, forensic accounting analysis, and coordination between state and federal law enforcement agencies — and by the time charges are filed, the government has typically been building its case for months or years. Early legal counsel — ideally before charges are filed — is essential to protecting a white collar criminal defendant's rights and preserving every available defense.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients facing fraud and white collar criminal charges in both Florida state courts and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Federal white collar criminal prosecutions — brought under federal mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy statutes — carry potential sentences measured in decades and require defense counsel with federal court experience. Richard P. Corey's admission to the federal bar and his civil litigation experience in complex fraud matters — including multi-million dollar civil fraud litigation against large corporations — gives him a perspective on fraud cases that purely criminal defense attorneys cannot match. We represent white collar defendants from the initial investigation stage through trial and, where necessary, federal sentencing proceedings.

Embezzlement — the fraudulent appropriation of property or funds entrusted to a person's care — is a distinct and frequently charged category of white collar crime in Florida. Under Florida Statute Section 812.014, embezzlement is prosecuted as theft and is classified based on the value of the property misappropriated — ranging from a misdemeanor for amounts under $750 to a first degree felony for amounts of $100,000 or more. Embezzlement charges most commonly arise in employment contexts — involving employees, officers, or fiduciaries who divert company funds, misappropriate client assets, or falsify financial records for personal gain. The consequences of an embezzlement conviction extend well beyond criminal penalties — including civil liability to the employer or victim, professional license revocation, and permanent reputational damage that can end a career. The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients facing embezzlement charges throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County — challenging the government's evidence of fraudulent intent, contesting valuation of the alleged misappropriation, and pursuing every available defense to protect our clients' freedom and professional futures.

Domestic Violence and Domestic Battery

Domestic violence charges — including domestic battery, domestic assault, aggravated domestic battery, and stalking — are among the most aggressively prosecuted criminal offenses in Florida. Under Florida Statute Section 741.28, domestic violence is defined broadly to include any assault, battery, sexual assault, or other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death committed by one family or household member against another. Florida law requires mandatory arrest when a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe domestic violence has occurred — meaning an arrest can and frequently does occur based solely on a neighbor's call or a complainant's statement, without independent corroboration.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients charged with domestic violence offenses throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. Domestic violence defense is particularly nuanced because the alleged victim — who is often the only witness to the alleged offense — may recant their statement or seek to drop the charges after the arrest, while Florida prosecutors frequently proceed with charges regardless of the victim's wishes. We counsel clients on the full implications of a domestic violence charge — including the mandatory no-contact provisions, the potential for injunctions, the firearms disabilities triggered by conviction under the federal Lautenberg Amendment, and the immigration consequences for non-citizen defendants. A domestic violence conviction in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged — making aggressive early defense essential to protecting our clients' long-term interests.

Drug Distribution and Trafficking

Drug distribution and trafficking charges in Florida carry some of the most severe mandatory minimum sentences in the state's criminal code. Florida Statute Section 893.135 establishes mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking based on the type and quantity of controlled substance involved — ranging from three years for trafficking in cannabis to a mandatory minimum of twenty-five years for trafficking in certain quantities of fentanyl or other opioids. These mandatory minimums apply regardless of the defendant's criminal history, eliminate the trial judge's sentencing discretion, and make every pre-trial decision in a drug trafficking case consequential in a way that few other criminal matters are.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients facing drug distribution and trafficking charges throughout South Florida — in both Florida state courts and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Federal drug trafficking prosecutions, brought under the Controlled Substances Act, carry their own sentencing framework — including mandatory minimums that can exceed state penalties — and require defense counsel with federal criminal court experience. We analyze every drug distribution and trafficking case for Fourth Amendment suppression issues, challenges to the government's evidence of quantity and identity, and the availability of substantial assistance cooperation agreements that can reduce or eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for clients who qualify. No matter how serious the charges, The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC approaches every drug trafficking defense with the same thorough, strategic preparation that every client's liberty deserves.

Firearms and Weapons Charges

Florida's firearms laws impose significant criminal penalties for unlawful possession, carrying, and use of firearms and other weapons. Florida Statute Section 790.23 prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition — with a violation constituting a second degree felony. Florida Statute Section 790.01 prohibits the concealed carry of a firearm or weapon without a valid concealed weapons license. Certain firearms offenses in Florida also trigger mandatory minimum sentences under the 10-20-Life statute — Florida Statute Section 775.087 — which imposes a mandatory ten-year minimum for possession of a firearm during the commission of certain felonies, a twenty-year minimum for discharge of the firearm, and a twenty-five-year minimum if death or great bodily harm results.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients facing firearms and weapons charges throughout South Florida — including unlawful possession, carrying a concealed weapon without a license, and firearms enhancement charges arising from other criminal offenses. Firearms defense strategies frequently involve challenges to the legality of the search that produced the firearm, disputes over whether the defendant knowingly possessed the weapon, and constitutional challenges to the application of enhancement provisions. For clients facing mandatory minimum exposure under the 10-20-Life statute, pre-trial strategy — including suppression motions and negotiation for charges that do not trigger the mandatory minimums — is the most critical dimension of the defense.

Probation Violations

A probation violation in Florida can result in revocation of probation and imposition of the original sentence that probation was designed to replace — meaning a client who successfully avoided incarceration at sentencing may face the full term of imprisonment if probation is violated. Florida Statute Section 948.06 governs probation violation proceedings and provides that a court may revoke, modify, or continue probation upon a finding that the defendant willfully and substantially violated a condition of supervision. The standard of proof in a probation violation hearing is the preponderance of the evidence — significantly lower than the beyond a reasonable doubt standard required for conviction at trial.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients facing probation violation allegations throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. Probation violation defense involves challenging whether the alleged violation actually occurred, whether it was willful rather than the result of circumstances beyond the defendant's control, and whether revocation is proportionate to the nature of the violation. For technical violations — such as a missed appointment or a failed drug test — we advocate for modification of probation conditions rather than revocation, presenting the client's compliance history and rehabilitation progress as mitigating factors. When revocation cannot be avoided, we advocate for the most favorable sentence available given the totality of the client's circumstances.

Driver License Suspensions

A suspended or revoked driver license in Florida can have cascading consequences — affecting employment, family responsibilities, and daily life in ways that extend far beyond the underlying offense that triggered the suspension. Florida's driver license suspension framework, administered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, imposes mandatory suspensions for a wide range of offenses — including DUI convictions, accumulation of points, failure to pay traffic fines, failure to appear in court, and certain drug offenses — each with distinct reinstatement requirements and procedures.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC assists clients in navigating Florida's driver license suspension and reinstatement process — including requesting formal or informal hearings to challenge suspensions, pursuing hardship licenses that permit driving for employment and essential purposes during a suspension period, and addressing the underlying offenses that triggered the suspension. For clients charged with driving while license suspended or revoked under Florida Statute Section 322.34 — which can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances — we provide aggressive criminal defense representation aimed at resolving the charge in the manner least likely to further affect driving privileges and the client's ability to work and care for their family.

Conspiracy and Gang-Related Charges

Conspiracy charges — the agreement between two or more persons to commit a criminal offense — are among the most broadly applied tools in the prosecutor's arsenal. Florida Statute Section 777.04 provides that a person who agrees with another to commit an offense and takes an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy is guilty of conspiracy even if the underlying crime is never completed. Conspiracy charges are frequently added to substantive criminal charges to increase the defendant's sentencing exposure and to create leverage in plea negotiations.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents clients facing conspiracy and gang-related criminal charges throughout South Florida. Gang enhancement provisions under Florida's Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act — Chapter 874, Florida Statutes — can significantly increase the penalties for criminal offenses when the government alleges gang affiliation or gang-related motivation. We challenge the government's evidence of conspiracy agreements, contest the factual basis for gang enhancement allegations, and ensure our clients' constitutional rights are protected throughout proceedings that are frequently characterized by broad charging decisions and aggressive prosecutorial tactics.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC as Your Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?

A criminal charge is one of the most serious events in a person's life — and the attorney who stands beside you through that process will determine the outcome more than any other single factor. The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC approaches every criminal defense matter with the same unwavering commitment to our clients' rights, the same analytical precision, and the same trial-ready preparation that defines everything we do. Richard P. Corey is not a plea mill attorney who resolves every case with the first offer the prosecutor makes. He is a litigator who prepares every case as if it will go to trial — because that preparation is what creates the leverage to achieve the best possible result at every stage of the process.

Richard P. Corey has experience defending both simple misdemeanors and very complex felony cases in Florida state courts and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in civil litigation and business law for three consecutive years — a distinction awarded to fewer than 2.5% of attorneys in Florida — and has been featured in USA Today, Yahoo News, and Influencive. His civil litigation background — including complex fraud litigation and his experience with constitutional law — provides a perspective on criminal defense that purely criminal practitioners often lack.

Our firm is boutique by design. Every criminal defense client works directly with Richard — from the initial consultation through the resolution of the case. When your freedom, your record, and your future are at stake, you deserve direct access to experienced, senior-level counsel at every critical moment of your defense. That is what The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC provides to every client we represent.

Serving Criminal Defense Clients Throughout South Florida

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC represents individuals facing criminal charges throughout:

Fort Lauderdale
Broward County
Miami
Miami-Dade County
Boca Raton
West Palm Beach
Palm Beach County
Pompano Beach
Hollywood
Coral Springs
Plantation
Davie
Deerfield Beach
Weston
All of South Florida

We handle criminal defense matters in Florida state courts statewide and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Schedule a Consultation With a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge in South Florida, contact The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC today. Do not speak to law enforcement without legal counsel present. The decisions made in the first hours and days after a criminal charge are among the most consequential of the entire case — and having experienced legal representation from the very beginning protects your rights and preserves every available defense.

The Law Offices of Richard Corey, PLLC
915 Middle River Drive, Suite 408
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 789-0461
Email: legal@rcenterpriselaw.com
Website: rcenterpriselaw.com

Related Practice Areas

For civil matters arising from the same underlying events, including fraud claims, civil theft, or business disputes, our civil litigation practice provides representation on the civil side. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries caused by another party's negligence, visit our personal injury representation.