Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
38 Client Reviews
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Lawrence Michael Meltzer
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About Lawrence
Biography
Larry's office phone number is: . Lawrence Meltzer is a criminal defense attorney and partner at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Meltzer defends clients in all areas of defense, including DUI, firearm offenses, and drug possession.
Lawrence started his career in private practice in 1999. He later joined the Broward County State Attorney’s Office as Assistant State Attorney.
Lawrence tenure with the State Attorney’s Office started in the County Court Division, in which he prosecuted misdemeanor crimes such as DUI, Reckless driving, Battery, Assault, Thefts and Juvenile Delinquency/Dependency related crimes.
During his time in County Court Division, Lawrence Meltzer tried over 60 jury trials. His experience at the County Court Division allowed him to develop extensive knowledge of DUI law and specific issues dealing with sobriety tests such as, breath testing, urine testing and impairment by alcohol.
Lawrence then transitioned to the Felony Trial Unit. At the Felony Trial Unit he handled over 45 felony trials through verdict. These cases included, Felony DUI, DUI With Serious Bodily Injury, Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Death or Injury, Murder, Armed Robbery with a Firearm, Armed Kidnapping and Drug Trafficking.
In 2005 Meltzer left the Broward County State Attorney’s Office and joined the firm of Ted L. Hollander & Associates (also known as Ticket Clinic) as Lead Trial Counsel. In this capacity he defended many clients with misdemeanor and felony DUI charges and represented clients on criminal traffic offenses and violations.
In 2013 Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell created the firm Meltzer & Bell, P.A. Meltzer initially met Steven Bell in 2005 when Bell was an Assistant Public Defender. The two were assigned to the same courtroom. Their respect grew based on each other’s legal acumen, dedication to ethics, trial skill and overall legal professionalism.
Meltzer earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from American University in Washington, D.C. and his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University Law Center.
Lawrence Meltzer, Steven Bell, and our Firm, has a goal of providing clients with the highest quality legal defenses and favorable results, being the most prepared legal counsel in the courtroom; keeping an open line of communication 24 hour per day and seven days a week with our clients, and assisting each client navigate their way through the minefield of the criminal justice system.
Lawrence Meltzer looks forward to representing anyone accused of DUI or any criminal defense and is available 24/7 for a free consultation. Lawrence Meltzer has been featured on the NBC Today Show, MSNBC, CNBC “Caught On Camera”, FOX News, and CNN relating to issues dealing with DUI and officer misconduct. Mr. Meltzer is a member of the National Advocacy of DUI Defense and has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubble, the highest rating in peer review and ethical standards.
Broward County Criminal Defense Attorney
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
48%
Criminal Defense
47%
Sex Crime
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2014 2013
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 25 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Lawrence online.
Lawrence Michael Meltzer's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 37 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Lionel | August 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Relentless, Strategic, and a Highly Effective Advocate
I cannot speak highly enough of Lawrence Meltzer and the exceptional representation he provided in my case. From day one, Mr. Meltzer approached my situation with a deep sense of professionalism and integrity. He took the time to understand every detail of my case, built a strong defense strategy, an...
Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Difficult DUI Case won via Jury Trial
When I was arrested for a DUI in Fort Lauderdale a little over a year ago, I was extremely distraught, and concerned about many aspects of my life going forward. I spent the next few days reaching out to Criminal and DUI Trial Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, and spoke to 8 of them before finding Meltze...
Posted by anonymous | May 20, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Criminal Defense
I had the pleasure of having a consultation with Larry when I was met with false allegations of sexual misconduct at work. Larry was very thorough in exploring my timeline and evidence, and in coming up with a plan of action. He truly cared about protecting me and having the truth come out in a timel...
Posted by anonymous | April 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
My experience with Larry and his firm
I am glad to have had Larry as my legal counsel, he was very knowledgable, compassionate and professional. After shortlisting a few lawyers, I decided to hire Larry as he was very compassionate and accommodating to my situation. His team always responded to my calls and emails and were available to m...
Posted by anonymous | December 7, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Attorney
Metzler & Bell what an amazing team! Let’s Begin with Lillian the Paralegal, she is so on point and precise with getting information to the Attorney’s. My case was not easy but my attorney Larry worked on the case diligently, every time I reached out to Larry or Lillian I received a response on any ...
Lawrence Michael Meltzer's Lawyer Endorsements
"It is my pleasure to endorse Larry. He is a tenacious advocate for his clients. He is truly a wealth of legal knowledge and a pleasure to know. A real fighter!"
"I have known Mr. Meltzer for about ten years. I have handled cases against him back when I was a prosecutor, and I have worked by his side in the defense bar as well. He is a very good counselor and trial attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Meltzer is a zealous advocate for his clients. For this reason, I endorse him as an attorney."
"Larry is a gifted advocate in the courtroom in the defense of his clients. I recommend him without hesitation and with the confidence in his ability to achieve the most favorable outcome possible."
"Larry is an excellent criminal defense trial attorney who is well prepared and thorough. You can always count on him for solid representation. I endorse him."
"Without hesitation, Larry is easily one of the best criminal trial lawyers in South Florida, if not in the whole state. He has personally won over 100 DUI trials throughout the State of Florida - utterly destroying the State's evidence though his efficient cross-examination. This is astonishing because he is still one of the most personable and well liked criminal defense attorneys, even by the prosecutors and judges. Simply put, Larry is a great attorney who can be trusted you handle any serious criminal matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a former prosecutor, I had many cases against Larry Meltzer. He is an excellent DUI and criminal defense attorney. He is always professional, prepared, and extremely knowledgeable. As a defense attorney, he is compassionate and fights tirelessly for his clients. I highly recommend Larry Meltzer."
"I have known Larry Meltzer for at least 5 years first as opposing counsel and then as a collegue in the defense community. Larry has tried more cases than any other attorney I know. He works tirelessly to defend his clients and achieve positive results through his hard work and legal knowledge. I recommend him without hesitation."
"I endorse Lawrence. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have enjoyed working with Mr. Meltzer for several years on a variety of cases. He is aggressive, knowledgeable and fights tirelessly for his clients"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Larry has an incredible track record in the area of DUI and criminal defense. Very few lawyers throughout the State truly know and understand all issues in the area of DUI that don't necessarily appear in other types of case....Larry is one of the very few that knows his stuff and can be trusted with a DUI or criminal defense."
"Larry is one of the most professional,kind and courteous Attorneys I have ever had the privilege of working with. He really cares about the client and they can feel that. He puts all of his efforts into getting his clients the best possible result. I have worked with Larry on many cases and not once has he ever let me down. Anyone would be lucky to work with Larry on any case. He makes sure he knows every angle on the law before putting his bet foot forward. If he doesn't know the answer to something you better believe he will make sure and get it!"
"I've known Larry for many years and he is an excellent trial attorney. He is always extremely prepared and is very knowledgeable about DUI Law and the rules of Evidence. I would trust him to handle a case of my own or family members"
"Larry Meltzer is one of Florida's preeminent DUI attorney's and is one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. I have fought against him dozens of times while I was a prosecutor. He was always prepared and professional. Now, as a defense attorney I routinely seek his expert advice on all issues related to DUI which he is always willing to give. I highly recommend Larry Meltzer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Larry Meltzer is a great attorney and is highly recommended for any criminal law matter and DUI defense."
"I have worked with Lawrence Meltzer, Esq. for the past decade. He is a caring, compassionate and dedicated attorney. I have had the great honor of practicing law in the same courtroom with him as a government employee as well as working with him together in the private sector. He is an unbelievable litigator, excellent trial attorney and cares deeply for his clients. I am proud to endorse such a fine colleague."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
General Member, National College of DUI Defense
2014
The National Trial Lawyers- Top 100 Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Honored Attorney and Lifetime Member, American Registry
2013
Top 100 DUI Attorney, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Attorney and co-founder, Meltzer & Bell, P.A.
2011 - 2013
Attorney, Parks & Braxton, PA
2005 - 2011
Lead trial counsel, Gold & Hollander
2001 - 2005
Assistant State attorney, Broward County State Attorney's Office
Associations
2014 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Palm Beach County chapter)Attorney Member
2014 - Present
The National Trial LawyersTop 100 Attorney
2014 - Present
The United States District Court for the Middle District of FloridaAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Federal Trial Bar for the Southern District of FloridaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Alexandra Torrens-Vilas
All charges dismissed by the State of Florida
Education
1999
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
American University
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2012
DUI and Traffic Defense Lecture
DUI and Traffic Defense
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will I go to jail for first offense felony theft in Florida???
09 Aug 2016
Q&A
Will I automatically get 60 days in jail for a petty theft of $35 in Seminole County, FL?
01 Jan 2014
Q&A
Can I get hardship license? I just found out my license was suspended for child support backpay?
19 Dec 2013