RON L. BAUM, P.A. - BROWARD COUNTY

Criminal Defense Lawyer
AGGRESSIVE ATTORNEY WITH 28 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Understanding Criminal Proceedings

At the criminal defense firm of Ron L. Baum, P.A. I bring a wealth of experience in not only the practice of law, but also hands-on investigations. This experience gives me an edge when dealing with police and prosecutors.

As an extremely qualified criminal defense lawyer I wiill personally handle your case. I will make sure you understand your rights, your options, and their consequences before making decisions that could affect your future, your freedom and your criminal record.

First and foremost, do not speak to law enforcement officers or prosecutors without an attorney present. You can severely damage your case, and you may be assisting in your own prosecution. You are under no obligation to provide incriminating evidence that will be used against you.

It is vital that you contact me as soon as possible after an arrest or immediately upon learning you are under investigation.  I fully understand the investigative process and the behind-the-scenes activities of a criminal case.  Put my experience and knowledge to work for you or someone you care about.

I have far more strategies available to me the earlier I become involved in a case. Often, while a case is still being investigated, I can persuade the State Attorney’s Office not to pursue criminal charges by providing convincing evidence that charges are not 
warranted.

Similar strategies apply when you have been arrested but not yet formally charged. (Just because you have been arrested doesn't mean you have to be charged).  By investigating your case and communicating with police and prosecutors I may be able to convince them to abandon a case or file reduced charges, even if you already have been arrested.

I have the experience, skill and training to help in your time of need.


Criminal Process:

I.   The Arraignment

The arraignment is the first court appearance that you must attend after formal charges are filed against you by the State Attorney’s Office. When you are initially stopped and arrested, several things that may happen include: you may be released and told you will receive notice of an arraignment date in the mail; you may be released with a court date; or you may be held in custody until the arraignment date. 

Your presence at the arraignment hearing may be waived under certain circumstances, once you retain an attorney. Your attorney will enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment or prior to the hearing. Even if the evidence against you appears to be overwhelming, your attorney is entitled to see all of the evidence before making a decision that will affect the rest of your life. 

II.   The Pre-Trial Conference 

The pre-trial conference is an informal hearing, also known as a calendar call, status hearing or a sounding hearing. If your case is a misdemeanor, most judges will allow your attorney to appear on your behalf. During the pre-trial conference, the prosecutor meets with the defense attorney to discuss the case. This gives both sides an opportunity to explore plea bargaining options and to make sure that both sides have exchanged all the evidence, also known as “discovery,” as required by the court. 

III.   The Pre-Trial Motions

In some cases, there are pre-trial motion hearings. At these hearings, the defense presents legal arguments generally asking the judge to exclude some or all of the evidence in your case. Witnesses are often called to testify, including the arresting officers, to determine if your detention and arrest were lawful. If the judge rules in favor of your motions, evidence will be suppressed and often the case will be dismissed.If the case is not dismissed after the pre-trial motions, then the case is scheduled for another pre-trial conference.

IV.   The Trial

In most cases, you have the right to a jury trial. Six people from the community will be called upon to make a judgment in your case. After your attorney has reviewed all the evidence in your case, you will discuss whether trial is the best option. Ultimately, the decision to go to trial is yours.

VI.   Sentencing

If you are convicted after trial or after entering a plea, a sentencing hearing is set to 
determine how you should be punished. In some cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf to enter your plea, and you don’t have to appear for the sentencing.

VI.   The Appeal

If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal that verdict. This appeal is taken to the superior court in the county where the trial was held. You must appeal a judgment against you within 30 days, or you waive the right to appeal.

Contact Me

Ron L. Baum, P.A.
432 N.E. 3rd Ave. 
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301-3234

t
  954-463-6789      
f
  954-765-1421
e
  ronlbaum@aol.com
w
  www.ronlbaum.com
cell
 954-849-0149      

AREAS OF PRACTICE

To learn more...

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To learn more about my experience, or to schedule your free initial consultation, contact my office online or call me at
954-463-6789



Are you in jail and want immediate access to a lawyer? Then call me at 954-849-0149. I am available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


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