MAGISTRATE HEARING PROCESSLaw Office of the Public Defender
Broward County, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida
CLIENT SUPPORTFirst Appearance / Magistrate Hearing
It is extremely important that you do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone other than your attorney.
Every weekday, First Appearance Court is held at 8:30am and again at 1pm. Traditionally, an individual who is arrested and completes the intake process at the Mail Jail before 4am will appear in court on the morning docket at 8:30am.
On weekends and court holidays, only the morning docket is heard at 8:30am.
First Appearance / Magistrate Hearings are held:
Courtroom 04155
Broward County Courthouse
West Wing
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.
Spanish and Creole interpreters are available to assist as needed.
Family members and loved ones are welcome to attend First Appearance / Magistrate hearings and are encouraged to come show their support and ties to the community.
And Each Shall Stand Equal
APPLICATION FEE
$50
There is a $50 application fee assessed for each application filed for consideration of appointment of the Law Office of the Public Defender to represent you in a criminal matter.
The $50 Public Defender Application Fee was created by the Florida Legislature. The fee is not refundable and applies whether or not a Public Defender is actually appointed for you. However, if you do not have the money, you cannot be denied a Public Defender. The $50 fee can be paid or a payment plan arranged at the County Clerk of Courts Office.
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