What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Florida

Getting arrested for domestic violence in Fort Lauderdale can be overwhelming — and the legal process moves fast. Even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges, the State of Florida can still prosecute you.

At Michael White, P.A., we help clients throughout Fort Lauderdale and South Florida understand what to expect — and how to fight back from day one.

🚨 Arrested Without a Warrant? It Happens All the Time in Florida.

In Florida, law enforcement doesn’t need a warrant to arrest someone for domestic violence. Officers often rely on:

A 911 call
Visible injuries
Conflicting statements

You can be arrested in Broward County even if the incident is unclear or you acted in self-defense. Once arrested, the case becomes “The State of Florida v. You” — not the alleged victim’s decision.

🧑‍⚖️ What Happens After the Arrest in Fort Lauderdale?

Within hours of being booked into the Broward County Jail:

You’ll be held with no bond until First Appearance

A judge will:

Set bail (if allowed)
Impose a No Contact Order
Possibly require house arrest or GPS monitoring

Even if you live with the alleged victim, you cannot return home unless the court modifies its order.

Your defense attorney can request a modification the No Contact order, but the Court must approved it.

⚖️ Will the Charges Be Dropped?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people wrongly assume that if the alleged victim doesn’t cooperate, the case gets dismissed.

That’s not how it works.

The Broward State Attorney’s Office controls whether the case proceeds

Prosecutors may rely on:

911 recordings
Police body cam footage
Photos, injuries, witness statements

Even if the alleged victim wants the charges dropped, you’ll still need a lawyer to fight them.

📍 Arrested for Domestic Violence in Fort Lauderdale?

A domestic violence arrest in Broward County can affect your job, your reputation, and even child custody. Don’t wait until your arraignment to get help.

Even if you were accused of domestic violence in Florida, it doesn’t mean the case is open-and-shut. You have legal options — and we’ll help you explore them.

📞 Call Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer Michael White, P.A. today for a free consultation with a trusted Fort Lauderdale domestic violence attorney.

❓FAQs: What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Fort Lauderdale

Q1: Can domestic violence charges be dropped if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges in Florida?

A: No. In Florida, only the State Attorney’s Office can drop domestic violence charges. Even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to cooperate, prosecutors can still move forward using other evidence such as 911 recordings, body cam footage, and witness statements.

Q2: How soon after a domestic violence arrest will I see a judge in Fort Lauderdale?

A: Florida law requires that anyone arrested for domestic violence appear before a judge within 24 hours. This hearing, called First Appearance, usually takes place at the Broward County Jail and includes setting bond and issuing a No Contact Order.

Q3: What is a No Contact Order, and can it be lifted in Fort Lauderdale?

A: A No Contact Order prohibits any form of communication with the alleged victim and often bars you from returning home. Your defense attorney can request a modification, but the court must approve it. It won’t be lifted just because the alleged victim asks.

Q4: Can I go back to my home after a domestic violence arrest in South Florida?

A: Not unless the judge modifies the No Contact Order. Even if you share the home with the alleged victim, returning without court approval can result in new criminal charges and bond revocation.

Q5: Should I hire a lawyer right away after a domestic violence arrest in Fort Lauderdale?

A: Yes. Hiring a criminal defense attorney immediately can make a big difference. Early representation allows your lawyer to attend your First Appearance, argue for favorable release conditions, and start building a defense strategy before charges escalate.