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.
4.8 /5.0
82 Client Reviews
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Kenneth David Padowitz
also known as Ken Padowitz
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About Kenneth
Biography
Practicing Law for 36 years -
Kenneth D. Padowitz is a Criminal Defense lawyer at Kenneth Padowitz P.A. and is recognized in the legal community as a leading provider of strategic and aggressive representation to those accused of crimes, at both State and Federal levels. We specialize in high profile and high-stakes criminal defense cases. We also provide our sophisticated, and aggressive representation to those who have been charged with misdemeanors, such as DUI. Our law firm is geared towards providing the strategic criminal defense that is needed to defend our clients’ freedom, and we have extensive trial experience to back it up.
Ken was a former Veteran Homicide Prosecutor with the Broward County State Attorneys Office for 16 years and is uniquely qualified to resolve your criminal investigation or charge. Ken is an “AV” rated lawyer for 10 years in a row, the highest rating given by Martindale-Hubbell and is rated 10.0 on and was honored in Florida Trend Magazines "2009 and 2018 "Legal elite". He in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers and recognized by Super lawyers as a Super Lawyer. Ken Padowitz was honored in South Florida’s Top Rated Lawyers, and is “Lead Counsel” rated. Ken has tried over 300 jury trials, including over 35 First Degree Murder trials. He had one “Not Guilty” verdict out of the 35 murder trials he tried.
As an Assistant State Attorney in the Homicide Unit, Ken prosecuted many high-profile trials, which include the case against Lionel Tate, a 12 year old indicted by a grand jury as an adult in the murder of a 6-year-old girl, Tiffany Eunich. The defendant blamed professional wrestling for the child’s death. The jury convicted him of 1st degree murder.
Another one of those high profile trials include the case against Kenneth Pierce, convicted of the hit and run death of little Nicole Rae Walker. Pierce drove off the road on a Dania street and drove into a group of five children. A two-month manhunt led to the widely publicized trial and conviction of the defendant. A computer animation reenactment of the crime was introduced into evidence at trial, by Ken, for the first time in a Florida courtroom. The appellate court upheld this visual evidence in a written opinion - the first case law in the United States to allow the use of animation in a criminal trial.
In Civil law, Ken won a verdict over Two Million dollars representing a Miami Hurricanes Football player who was attacked by the former Heavyweight World Boxing Champion, Shannon Briggs.
Broward criminal lawyer, Kenneth Padowitz, is an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University Law Center for the past 17 years and has taught and lectured extensively in the areas of trial advocacy, scientific evidence and trial exhibits. He was a Faculty Instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, University of Florida Law School prosecutor/Public Defender course, Institute of Police Technology and Management and the National Student Leadership Conference at American University in Washington D.C. and Stanford University in California. Ken was the Director of the Pre-Law program at American Heritage High School for five years where he taught students five days a week before going to court. Ken has previously sat as Chairman of a Grievance Committee for the Florida Bar, which handles matters of attorney misconduct and discipline.
Ken is frequently called upon by the news media for opinions and discussion on various legal issues being debated in the country and our community. He has appeared on 20/20 with Barbra Walters, ABC-Good Morning America, Larry King Live, The O’Riley Factor, CNN News and Headline News, CNN-The Morning Show, NBC-The Today Show, The John Walsh Show, Montell Williams, Phil Donohue, Wolf Blitzer Reports, MSNBC News, Burden of Proof, Hannity & Colmes, Gretta Van Susterns’ ‘The Point’, Court T.V., Forensic Files, American Justice, The Mitch Album Show, National Public Radio ‘All Things Considered’, many international television shows, a frequent legal expert on the Fox News Channel, and appeared in such publications as National Trial Lawyers Magazine, People Magazine, Rosie Magazine, Maclean’s magazine, Multimedia World, The Prosecutor Magazine, Readers Digest and the front page of The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel as well as numerous other magazines and newspapers across the country.
Ken Padowitz graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and from Nova Southeastern Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1986 and is a member of the Federal Trial and Appellate Bar.
Kenneth Padowitz, P.A.
888 South Andrews Aveneue
Suite 205
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301
Preeminent Criminal Defense -Trial Lawyer 36 years. Former Homicide Prosecutor. 300+ Jury Trials.
Preeminent Criminal Defense -Trial Lawyer 36 years. Former Homicide Prosecutor. 300+ Jury Trials.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
40 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2022
...
+
5
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 39 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Location
Kenneth Padowitz P.A.
888 S Andrews Avenue, Suite 205, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316
lauderdalecriminaldefense.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Kenneth online.
Kenneth David Padowitz's Reviews
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Showing 11 - 15 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Patrick Q | November 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
20 Years in Prison Reduced to Traffic Citation
Kenneth "Ken" Padowitz saved my life. I was facing 21 years in prison for crimes I did not commit including, Aggravated fleeing and eluding law enforcement with lights and sirens activated, Carrying a firearm without a permit, and DUI resulting in property damage with BAC greater than .150. He kept ...
Posted by anonymous | May 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Lawyer in Florida!
I hired Ken Padowitz on a major criminal case where I was unjustly accused of something I did not do. Ken was fantastic! He got the whole investigation dropped. This lawyer is worth his weight in gold! Thank God for Mr. Padowitz.
Posted by anonymous | December 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Saved my livliehood
I am a professional health care provider. I had 2 charges aggravated assault with a firearm and simple battery. I used my own criminal defense attorney initially and the best he had was he could keep me out of jail but I would be a convicted felon with 5 years probation. I was fortunate the victim ...
Posted by Moe M | November 10, 2014 | Criminal Defense
One of the Best In South Florida. Highly Recommended!!
First I want to say I was extremely impressed by Kenneth Padowitz resume on Avvo and compared him to all the other lawyers on this site with a 10 rating. He has been a professor in Law School and has a deep resume when compared to other attorneys. Just compare for yourself and you will see what I mea...
Posted by anonymous | October 15, 2014 | Criminal Defense
AWESOME FIGHTER!
My son was recently arrested for his 2nd VOP, our hopes were dim, but Ken never gave up, Ken is a fighter, an attorney you can trust. He knows what he is doing and stands firm on it. My son was facing prision, but let me tell you, Ken was not going to give up, he fought for my son's freedom and tha...
Kenneth David Padowitz's Lawyer Endorsements
"The consummate advocate. Ken has a well-earned reputation as a fierce litigator. It is withouout hesitation that I recommend this lawyer."
"I have known Ken for over 30 years. He is an outstanding Lawyer with superior knowledge of criminal lw. He is highly motivated to get the best result for a client. He excels in all areas of law practice and is admired for his tenacity and passion to achieve his goals. I would have Ken represent anyone in my family if they were to have a need for his skills. He is an excellent trial attorney."
"Ken is a true pro, with years of real experience handling cases at every level."
"I endorse Kenneth. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have known Mr. Padowitz my entire legal career. There is no question that he is one of the best trial lawyers out there. He is unconditionally there for his clients and he is always there to mentor lawyers with lesser experience. You can't go wrong with Mr. Padowitz. He is truly a lawyer's lawyer!"
"Experience, knowledge and a personal commitment to his clients make this attorney stand out in the legal community.,"
"Attorney Padowitz is a very compassionate and committed attorney who zealously and ethically represents his clients in state and federal court. His commitment to excellence and justice are his trademarks to his success as a professional and a friend. I strongly recommend Attorney Padowitz for those criminal and/or white collar crime matters that some times arise out of the seemingly most innocent actions."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Padowitz is a most zealous advocate, admirable in his contribution to the community, and his clients. I would recommend him to any client!"
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Florida Trend Legal Elite, Florida Trend Legal Elite - The Top Lawyers in Florida
2019
AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney's, America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney's
2019
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers
2017
AV Preeminent Rated for 10 years, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Recognition as Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who in America
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2015
Recognition as Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
AV Rated, Highest Lawyer Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Florida Legal Elite - The Top Lawyers in Florida, Florida Trend Magazine
2002
Appreciation for Dedicated Service Award, Broward State Attorney's Office Homicide Trial Unit
2001
Distinguished Faculty Award, Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association
1995
ABA Trial Team Coach's Award, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
1990
Outstanding and Dedicated Performance Award, Broward State Attorney's Office Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Unit
1986
Recognition for Outstanding Leadership, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, Kenneth Padowitz P.A.
2002 - 2005
Partner, Karmin Adler & Padowitz
1987 - 2005
Adjunct Professor, Nova Southeastern Law School
1986 - 2002
Assistant State Attorney, Broward State Attorney's Office
Associations
2005 - 2008
B’nai B’rith Justice UnitVice President membership
2003 - 2005
Florida Bar, Grievance CommitteeChairman
2000 - 2001
Pre-Law Advisory CommitteeMember
1991 - 2002
Florida Prosecuting Attorneys AssociationFaculty Instructor
1990 - 2002
Institute of Police Technology and ManagementFaculty Instructor
1987 - 2008
Broward County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Brian XXXX
Verdict: Not Guilty by Jury
State v. Anthony XXXXX
Affirmed on Appeal - Case Dismissed
State v. Kenneth Pierce
Conviction at trial as Prosecutor. Affirmed on Appeal.
Education
1986
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
law
1983
University of Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2001
NSU Law School
The Prosecution Of Lionel Tate
2001
D.U.I. Trial Advocacy School
Prosecution of D.U.I.
1997
U.F. Law School Lecture
Computer Animation as Evidence
1996
Anglia Polytechnic University Legal Seminar
American Criminal Justice System
1993
FPAA Evidence Seminar
Evidence Seminar
1993
FPAA D.U.I./Vehicular Manslaughter Seminar
D.U.I./Vehicular Manslaughter Seminar
1993
Broward County Trial Lawyers Association Meeting
Computer Animation in the Courtroom
1992
B.C.C. Criminal Justice Institute
Criminal Justice System
1991
NSU Criminal Law Class, Lecture
Criminal Justice System
1991
Institute of Police Technology and Management
D.U.I. Manslaughter Prosecution
Publications
2015
2015
Criminal Defense Law
SEARCH & SEIZURE | FOURTH AMENDMENT
2015
Criminal Defense Law
MOST COMMON DUI QUESTION ANSWERED
2015
Psychology of Law and Criminal Behavior
DUI & DWI | FATAL CAR ACCIDENT
2015
Psychology of Law and Criminal Behavior
CONFESSIONS: POLICE INTERROGATION
2015
Psychology of Law and Criminal Behavior
EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY | IS IDENTIFICATION RELIABLE?
2015
Psychology of Law and Criminal Behavior
PSYCHOPATHY & ALTRUISM | OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM
2015
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense
DUI Attorney
2014
Sun Sentinel
State Lays out Case in Kraft Corruption Trial
2014
Criminal Defense Law
Federal Crimes
2013
MSNBC POLITICSNATION
Stand your ground: good for defense attorneys, bad for citizens
2004
1995
National Trial Lawyers Magazine
Forensic Animation - The 21st Century Eyewitness
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers