How does someone go about choosing the best Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney for their case? It's not like everyone has a next-door neighbor or uncle who's a criminal defense attorney. Word of mouth is an excellent source of information — probably the best. But when a personal recommendation isn't available, there are other critical factors to consider if you're searching for a criminal lawyer to represent you and fight for your freedom.

Your choice of attorney could be the most important decision you ever make. The stakes couldn't be higher: your freedom, your family, your future, and your reputation all hang in the balance. Time behind bars, permanent criminal records, and life-altering consequences are all on the line.

6 Things That Will Help You Choose the Right Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney for You

Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney1) Experience Matters - Demand Decades, Not Years

Minimum Standard: Find an attorney with at least 20+ years of experience in criminal defense, with extensive experience in both state and federal criminal courts. With this level of experience comes irreplaceable familiarity with judges and prosecutors, and how they respond to various situations—knowledge that can mean the difference between freedom and prison.

Why Experience is Non-Negotiable:

  • Understanding which judges are tough on sentencing vs. those open to alternative penalties
  • Knowing which prosecutors are reasonable for plea negotiations
  • Recognizing patterns in how cases develop and what defenses work
  • Having established professional relationships that benefit clients
  • Mastering courtroom dynamics that only come with thousands of cases

Attorney Robert Malove brings over 40 years of criminal defense experience to every case, having defended thousands of clients throughout South Florida in both state and federal courts.

2) Is Your Criminal Defense Attorney Board Certified?

The Gold Standard: Find out if they are Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an expert or specialist in Criminal Trial Law. Board certification recognizes an attorney's special knowledge, expertise, and proficiency in criminal defense—it's the highest recognition available.

Why Certification Matters: Less than 1% of Florida attorneys achieve Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law. The rigorous requirements include:

  • Substantial experience handling criminal trials
  • Peer recommendations from judges and attorneys
  • Continuing legal education beyond minimum requirements
  • Passing a comprehensive examination
  • Demonstrating the highest ethical standards

Attorney Robert Malove is Florida Bar Board Certified as an Expert/Specialist in Criminal Trial Law—a distinction that sets him apart from 99% of attorneys in Florida.

3) Look at Professional Rating Sites - Demand Excellence

Independent lawyer rating services provide objective validation of an attorney's skills and reputation. Don't settle for average ratings when your freedom is at stake.

  • AVVO.com is the easiest to use. AVVO rates lawyers on a scale of 0–10, and also includes postings of reviews from clients and colleagues of the attorney you're researching. Attorney Robert Malove maintains a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating as a result of having received over 144 five-star client reviews and has been recognized by AVVO with their Client's Choice Award.

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  • Martindale-Hubbell is the most prestigious rating service in the legal profession, offering an objective indicator of ethical standards and professional ability of attorneys, as generated from evaluations by other members of the bar and judiciary.

For more than a century, Martindale-Hubbell has been evaluating lawyers for their legal ability and high ethical standards through a rigorous Peer Review Rating system.

The goal of Martindale-Hubbell ratings is to keep the public informed when deciding to hire a lawyer. To qualify for an "A" rating an attorney had to be recognized as "Very High" in their legal ability and had been practicing for at least 10 years.

A second rating was also given to pair with the "A - B - C" legal ability rating. Attorneys rated by MH with a "V," means that the attorney's peers stated they had "Very High" ethical standards.

"AV" rating means that the attorney had reached the highest level of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity. For more than 20 years, Attorney Robert Malove has held Martindale-Hubbell's coveted "AV" rating—the pinnacle of professional recognition.

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  • Super Lawyers has the most sophisticated rating system for determining the best attorneys in the country. They identify the top 5 percent of attorneys in every region, in every subject matter. Super Lawyers annually selects attorneys through a rigorous process based on peer nominations, evaluations and independent research. Each nominee is graded on 12 factors of peer recognition and professional achievement. Super Lawyers aims to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys as a reference for people searching for legal counsel.

4) Is the Criminal Defense Attorney a Published Legal Authority?

Look for Proven Expertise: Has your potential attorney written any legal books or articles? Published legal work demonstrates deep subject matter expertise and thought leadership in criminal defense.

Attorney Robert Malove has authored three comprehensive legal books:

Free downloads are available for all three books, demonstrating a commitment to educating the public about their legal rights and options.

5) Hire Someone From Your Region - Local Knowledge is Power

Critical Advantage: A criminal defense attorney from outside the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County region may lack the personal relationships and familiarity with local judges and prosecutors that could help you either be found not guilty, or receive a significantly lighter sentence.

Why Local Matters:

  • Judge familiarity: Knowing each judge's sentencing tendencies and preferences
  • Prosecutor relationships: Understanding which prosecutors are reasonable for negotiations
  • Court procedures: Mastering local rules and customs that vary by jurisdiction
  • Local reputation: Having an established track record in the community
  • Resource network: Access to local expert witnesses and investigators

Attorney Robert Malove has been practicing in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida for over four decades, building the relationships and local knowledge that can make the difference in your case.

6) Meet With Your Potential Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney in Person

Essential Step: If at all possible, meet with prospective criminal defense attorneys face-to-face during the interview process. It's easier to get a feel for someone in person rather than over the phone—and you need to feel confident in the person fighting for your freedom.

What to Assess During Your Meeting:

  • Communication style and clarity
  • Confidence and courtroom presence
  • Knowledge of your specific charges
  • Ability to explain complex legal concepts
  • Genuine interest in your case
  • Availability and responsiveness

Trial Experience is Non-Negotiable: Although it's important to hire an attorney who can negotiate favorable plea agreements, it is absolutely essential to have an attorney who is prepared and capable of taking your case to trial if necessary. Prosecutors know which attorneys will actually go to trial—and they negotiate differently with those attorneys.

The Stakes Are Too High for Compromise: Time behind bars and/or the length of sentence may be on the line. Your future employment, housing opportunities, professional licenses, and family relationships all depend on the outcome of your case. Making the right call on who to hire as your attorney could be the most important decision you ever make.

The Robert Malove Advantage: Why Experience and Excellence Matter

When your freedom is at stake, you need more than just an attorney—you need a proven fighter with decades of experience and a track record of success.

Attorney Robert Malove delivers:

  • 40+ years of criminal defense experience in Florida courts
  • Florida Bar Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law
  • Perfect 10.0 AVVO rating with 144+ five-star client reviews
  • Martindale-Hubbell "AV" rating for 20+ years
  • Super Lawyers recognition as a top 5% attorney
  • Published legal authority with three comprehensive legal books
  • Local Fort Lauderdale expertise with deep knowledge of Broward County courts

Your case deserves the best representation available. Don't gamble with your future by settling for less experienced or less qualified representation. The consequences are too severe, and the stakes are too high.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Team for a Free, No-Cost Case Review Today!

Time is Critical: If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been arrested and you are looking to hire the best criminal defense attorney you can find, don't wait. Every day you delay hiring experienced representation is a day that could impact your defense.

Free Consultation Available: We provide free, confidential case evaluations to help you understand your options and the strength of your case. During your consultation, we'll:

  • Review the charges against you
  • Explain potential penalties and consequences
  • Discuss possible defense strategies
  • Answer all your questions
  • Provide honest assessment of your case

Contact us immediately:

Remember: The attorney you choose today could determine whether you walk free or face years behind bars. Make the right choice. Choose experience, excellence, and proven results. Choose Attorney Robert Malove.

Robert Malove
Robert Malove
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Defending South Florida clients for over 40 years against DUI and serious criminal charges.
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