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Scott E. Simmons
About Scott
Biography
Scott E. Simmons is a South Florida criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Lawson and Simmons, PLLC. He represents individuals charged with criminal offenses and those under investigation throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. His practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, with an emphasis on strategic case planning and hands-on representation.
Scott has spent his legal career defending clients in Florida courts and has experience handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony charges, including offenses punishable by life imprisonment. He has taken numerous cases to jury verdict and understands how criminal cases are evaluated by prosecutors, judges, and juries. This trial experience informs every stage of his representation, whether a case resolves through litigation, negotiation, or trial.
A significant portion of Scott’s practice involves pretrial litigation and motion practice. He regularly challenges unlawful stops, searches, arrests, and custodial statements, and has successfully litigated motions to suppress evidence that have resulted in reduced charges or case dismissals. He believes early legal analysis and aggressive motion practice are often critical to achieving favorable outcomes.
Scott works directly with his clients from the initial consultation through resolution. He prioritizes clear communication, honest advice, and practical guidance so clients understand the potential consequences of their case and the options available to them. His approach is focused on protecting a client’s freedom, reputation, and future, while recognizing that every case and every client’s goals are different.
Scott is licensed to practice law in Florida and remains actively involved in the criminal defense legal community through continuing legal education, professional organizations, and mentoring law students and trial advocacy teams.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
5 years
Domestic Violence
20%
5 years
Sex Crime
20%
5 years
DUI and DWI
10%
5 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 5 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Location
Lawson & Simmons, PLLC
101 NE 3rd Ave, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301
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Scott E. Simmons's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
16 Client Reviews
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Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Danny | August 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
I owe my life and livelihood to this attorney.
Where do I start? I'm a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, I recently had a nightmare of a situation that got me Arrested and wrongfully jailed. Not only do I feel that the arrest was unnecessary, but it had severely effected my life. I was facing a felony in a Domestic Violence case...
Posted by T. Brown | March 03, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Scott Simmons: Thorough and Well Recommended!
Scott Simmons was actually co-counsel with another attorney assigned to my case where I was facing a felony charge, but his presence and diligence throughout my two in a half ordeal took center stage and this is why I'm sharing with you the public today. Mr. Simmons from our initial firm handshake in...
Scott E. Simmons's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an incredible, knowledgeable attorney who does everything he can to get a the best possible results for his clients"
"Scott Simmons is a top-notch lawyer with impressive trial advocacy skills and unparalleled attention to detail in the cases he handles. I would recommend his services to anyone feeling scared/nervous about facing criminal charges and wanting someone in their corner who will fight the case tooth and nail."
"Scott Simmons is an exceptional criminal defense attorney and his meteoric rise in the South Florida area is par for the course. I am continuously impressed with his non-stop dedication to pursuing justice for his clients. I proudly recommend this excellent criminal defense attorney to my clients in need."
"Scott is diligent, responsible, and excellent with clients. I would trust him to handle a wide variety of matters."
"I have had the privilege to know Scott as a peer in undergrad at Florida Atlantic University, yet again as a peer at Nova law school where we both sat front row on the first day of class, and now as a colleague in practice. Throughout the years, Scott has proven to have a restless work ethic, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for the struggles found throughout the legal process. Scott is dedicated to offering his clients the best representation he can and effectively assisting them through troubling and uncertain times. You can count on him to continue to exhibit the same qualities moving forward and to hold the state to every bit of their required burden of proof. Scott is certainly an attorney I would endorse for criminal defense representation."
"Scott is knowledgeable, efficient, and compassionate. He turns over every stone in his pursuit of justice for his clients. I have known Scott for many years and I have had the privilege to work along side him in multiple forums. Scott is always the most prepared in the room. He anticipates what is coming and is always ready with his argument. I endorse this lawyer and would recommend him to family, friends, and colleagues for any criminal defense matter."
"Scott is equally parts passion and a fierce advocate for his clients. Knowing Scott personally for several years, I know he will go to great lengths to help service his clients. Scott is always up for any challenge, and you can count on him to get the job done right. Any one would be lucky to have Scott on their side!"
"I endorse this lawyer. He is hard working and intelligent."
"Mr. Simmons was one of the best lawyers I had the pleasure of supervising. He quickly climbed the ranks, often surpassing lawyer with far more experience. On my toughest cases he was always my first choice as a trial partner. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Simmons is a unparalleled attorney in equal parts zealous advocacy for his clients as well as case preparedness. He is unafraid, emboldened with an ever-present and always-current knowledge of ever-changing caselaw. I am privileged to have had Ms. Simmons as co-counsel on several complex matters and would not hesitate to call upon him again."
"Scott is professional, personable, and extremely knowledgeable. He works hard to get the best results for his clients. I endorse this attorney."
"Scott is a fine attorney with excellent knowledge and skills. Scott represents his clients with determination and is results-oriented. I highly recommend Scott with any criminal defense matter and would recommend him to friends and family."
"Scott is hard-working, passionate, and a zealous advocate. He works tirelessly for his clients and I wholly endorse him."
Manuel "Manny" Serra-Jovenich
Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Scott is cunning, aggressive, and caring. He will overturn every stone to ensure that a client has the best result possible on a case given the facts. I endorse Scott and his tireless work ethic."
"I have seen Scott directly handle many cases and he is extremely thorough and a ferocious advocate for his clients. I would be honored to have Scott represent any of my family members if they ever needed the best criminal lawyer."
Jack Palmeri
Criminal defense lawyer
Wesley Wallace
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael McDonald
Criminal defense lawyer
James Lilly
Family lawyer
Andrew Klee
Criminal defense lawyer
Billy Passalacqua
Personal injury lawyer
Tayron Lopez
Criminal defense lawyer
Meritxell Ros
Sex crime lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer
2022
Criminal Defense Top 10 Under 40, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2022
Inc 5000, Inc 5000
2022
Top Law Firm, America's Best Advocate
2022
A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau
2022
America's Top 100 Attorneys, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2022
Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2022
Hat Trick Award, Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2021
Triple Crown Award, Law Office of the Public Defender
2020
Order of Barristers, Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
2020
Cum Laude, Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
2020
Regional Semi - Finalist, National Trial Competition
2019
First Place Overall, University of San Diego National Criminal Procedure Moot Court Competition
2019
Highest Grade Award - Trial Advocacy, Shepard Broad College of Law - Nova Southeastern University
2019
National Octo-Finalist, E. Earle Zehmer National Moot Court Workers' Compensation
2019
Second Place Petitioner Brief, University of San Diego National Criminal Procedure Moot Court Competition
2016
Cum Laude, Florida Atlantic University
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Co-Founder, Lawson & Simmons, PLLC
2024 - 2025
Partner Attorney, Rossen Law Firm
2022 - 2024
Associate Attorney, Rossen Law Firm
2020 - 2022
Assistant Public Defender, Broward County Public Defender's Office
Associations
2021 - Present
NSU Moot Court SocietyMoot Court Travel Team Coach
2021 - Present
NSU Trial AssociationTrial Team Coach
2021 - Present
Broward Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2020 - Present
Order of BarristersMember
2018 - 2019
NSU Trial AssociationExternal Operations Coordinator
2018 - 2020
NSU Moot Court SocietyExecutive Justice for Teams
Sample of Legal Cases
DUI Crash with Enhanced Breath Dropped to Reckless Driving
Reckless Driving
Motion to Suppress Leads to DUI Being Dropped to Reckless Driving
Reckless Driving
Not Guilty Verdict - First DUI
Not Guilty
Not Guilty of Battery - Even with a Video
Not Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty of a Battery Charge
Not Guilty Verdict
Charged with Armed Carjacking, Convicted of Grand Theft Auto
Not Guilty as Charged, Guilty of a Lesser Included Offense
DUI with Property Damage - Judgement of Acquittal Granted by the Court
Second Judgement of Acquittal Granted
Resisting Officer without Violence - Not Guilty at Trial
Not Guilty Verdict
Not Guilty - Resisting Without Violence
Not Guilty
Education
2020
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
2016
Florida Atlantic University
Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice
Speaking Engagements
2023
Law Practice CLE
Handling Your First DUI CLE
2021
Feinrider Moot Court Competition
Moot Court
2020
Feinrider Moot Court Competition
Moot Court
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will Florida extradite for misdemeanor warrant for Florida? Will i be able to find work in South carolina.
18 Aug 2022
Q&A
Will my non-conviction fall off in Fl after 7 years?
18 Aug 2022
Q&A
What does it mean when your probation officer says he has a letter of reprimand?
09 Mar 2022