Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI, Personal Injury; view more
Licensed in Florida since: 2006
Education: Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
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954-761-4011
The Ansara Law Firm
800 SE 3rd Ave#410
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Visit website
Honesty. Respect. Results. I chose those words as The Ansara Law Firm’s motto because they describe what we owe every client. You deserve an honest assessment, respect for what you are going through and a lawyer who works hard to put you in the best possible position.
Criminal defense is the center of my practice. I represent clients throughout Fort Lauderdale and South Florida in DUI, domestic violence, drug, white collar and violent crime cases, along with juvenile matters and other felony and misdemeanor charges. I understand how much a criminal case can put at risk. Before deciding what to do, I listen to my client, study the evidence and ask a simple question: Where do you want to be when this is over? Then I look for the strongest path to get there.
I have tried cases before juries in both criminal and civil courtrooms. Trial has taught me to focus on the facts that matter, ask better questions and explain a case clearly. It has also taught me to prepare carefully and stay open to what the evidence actually shows. Those habits serve my clients whether a case is resolved through negotiation or decided in court.
I also represent people who have been seriously injured by someone else’s negligence. When responsibility or the extent of an injury is disputed, I bring the same careful preparation and courtroom experience to their case.
I founded this firm so my clients could work directly with me and know where their case stands. I will be straight with you about the challenges, stand beside you as we work through them and keep pushing for an outcome we can call a success.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Criminal Defense: White CollarFocus areas
Animal Bites, Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Brain Injury, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Probation, Sex Offenses, Theft, Trucking Accidents, White Collar Crime, Wrongful Death
- 50% Criminal Defense
- 20% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 20% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 10% Criminal Defense: White Collar
First Admitted: 2006, Florida
Professional Webpage: https://www.ansaralaw.com/lawyers/richard-ansara/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Florida Supreme Court Bar Admission , 2006
- United States District Court - Southern District of Florida , 2009
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- State of Florida vs. MG 50-2025-MM-XXXXXX-AXXX-MB Violation of a Domestic Violence Injunction The client was arrested for Violation of an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by one year in the Palm Beach County Jail. Unfortunately, we have seen many examples of spouses trying to get leverage in a divorce case by filing a contemporaneous injunction alleging domestic violence at the same time as a divorce. If granted, this injunction will force a spouse to leave the residence immediately; we refer to this as a “fast-tracked eviction.” Unfortunately, all one party has to do is write out a complaint with no evidence to support such a claim, and the courts will grant a temporary injunction removing a spouse from the residence. Ultimately, the domestic violence injunction filed by the wife against our client was dismissed by the court. However, the Office of the State Attorney prosecuted the husband for a single text message he sent his wife moments after being served, expressing disbelief about the lies she stated against him. The Office of the State Attorney insisted on prosecuting the husband and convicting him of domestic violence based solely on the text message he sent his wife, which was technically a violation of the temporary injunction (even though the final injunction was later dismissed by the Court) Mr. Ansara was able to demonstrate that the wife was not credible after exposing her numerous lies and omissions during a deposition. The Office of the State Attorney dropped all charges against the husband. State of Florida vs. KK 50-2025-MM-XXXXXX-XXXXXB The client was traveling and arrived at the Palm Beach International Airport with a firearm (Glock 43) in his possession, which was discovered in the client’s carry-on baggage during TSA screening. The client was charged by the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office with one count of Carrying a Concealed or Open Weapon in a Prohibited Area. Mr. Ansara promptly filed discovery and appropriate motions, and the matter was resolved through negotiation with the Assistant State Attorney. All charges were dismissed on the first and only day of court by Judge Castor. In addition, an agreed order was entered by the Judge requiring the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office to return the firearm to our client. State of Florida vs. JM 25-XXXXXDL This was a juvenile case in which the client was arrested following allegations that he took a fishing pole from the alleged victim. As a result of the incident, the client was charged with Strong Arm Robbery (2nd degree). The Court initially imposed a 21-day commitment. The client’s mother retained Mr. Ansara for a limited appearance time to focus solely on getting her son out of custody. Upon further review of the facts, Mr. Ansara advised the Court that the allegations did not establish the use of force required to sustain a second-degree robbery charge. Specifically, the alleged conduct involved the taking of a fishing pole without force. The Court agreed with this assessment, reclassified the charge as a third-degree offense, and exercised its discretion, therefore, immediately releasing the client from custody. State of Florida vs. DB25-XXXXX A client was charged with one count of domestic violence battery involving a former boyfriend and retained Mr. Ansara for representation. After being hired, Mr. Ansara contacted the prosecutor’s office and demonstrated that the matter did not meet the legal requirements of a domestic violence case because the parties were not in a qualifying statutorily defined domestic relationship. He then presented additional evidence that further weakened the allegations, leading the prosecution to dismiss the case entirely. As a result, the client never had to appear in court, and the charge was dropped in full, and the matter was removed from the client’s record because it qualified for automatic sealing. State of Florida vs. JF-XXXXX A client was arrested by the Margate Police Department following a domestic dispute that began after a disagreement at a family gathering and continued during the drive home. According to the allegations, the couple argued in the vehicle about the earlier family conflict, and during the argument the client grabbed the alleged victim’s shirt while making verbal threats. The argument continued after arriving home, and law enforcement was contacted, resulting in the client’s arrest on a domestic battery charge. The client retained Mr. Ansara for representation following the arrest. Mr. Ansara filed a written plea of not guilty, a demand for discovery, and a motion to vacate the no-contact order. The court subsequently entered orders permitting third-party contact with the alleged victim for purposes of arranging care and custody of the defendant’s minor children and allowing the defendant access to cellphone contacts under supervision. The State later declined to prosecute the case, and no further court proceedings were required. The case was dismissed. State of Florida vs. SBV-2026-XXXX During a heated dispute over ongoing residential issues, an argument escalated between the client and the alleged victim, after which the victim contacted 911 stating that the client had spit into her eye and feared it had become infected as a result. The client maintains that any saliva contact occurred accidentally while he was speaking during the argument and was not intentional. Both parties were over the age of 65 at the time, as the victim was reported to be 65 years old and the client, born in 1960, was likewise over 65. The client was subsequently arrested and charged with battery on a person 65 years or older, a 3 degree felony-level offense, however, with the assistance and representation of attorney Mr. Ansara, the matter ultimately did not proceed, and the charges were dismissed, resulting in no conviction. The State of Florida vs. SH-XXX-2026-XXX In early January 2026, the client was arrested after police responded to a call about a fight between the client and his long-term partner at the home where they lived together. According to the arrest report, both people told officers that the other had hit them during an argument. When officers arrived, they saw injuries on both sides, including a bleeding cut on the alleged victim and a cut on the client’s chin along with bruising around his eye. Based on what officers observed and the statements taken, the client was arrested and charged with domestic violence battery for allegedly touching or striking. The client later appeared infront of magistrate judge, who found there was legal reason for the arrest and set release conditions, including a no-contact order. After bond was posted, the client was released. The court also allowed the defense to photograph the client’s injuries and permitted supervised access to cellphone contacts. Attorney Mr. Ansara then appeared for the client, entered a plea of not guilty, requested the State’s evidence, asked for a jury trial, and filed a motion to remove the no-contact order as the case moved into the pretrial stage. State Of Florida vs. RA-XXXX-2026-XXX The client was arrested after his spouse of sixteen years called 911 following a domestic dispute at a hotel. The argument began after the spouse allegedly discovered that the client had brought another woman into their room. The situation escalated, and the client was accused of striking his spouse and grabbing her by the throat. When law enforcement arrived, the alleged victim had visible bruising on her face and redness on her neck. The client was arrested and charged with two offenses of domestic battery by strangulation and battery (touch or strike) and another charge of domestic violence. He was than transported to the BSO Main Jail. With Mr. Ansara's assistance, the case was reviewed by the State. Through investigation and advocacy, Mr. Ansara highlighted issues that ultimately led the State of Florida to decline to file formal criminal charges, resulting in the case being dismissed before prosecution. The client did not have to appear in court at all. State Of Florida vs. MA-XXXX-2026-XXXX The client was arrested in Dania Beach after being found in possession of 3 undersized spiny lobsters, violating the Florida Administrative Code pertaining to spiny lobsters (crawfish). According to the Florida Administrative Code (Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-24.003) and FWC regulations, it is illegal to harvest or possess any spiny lobster with a carapace measurement of 3 inches or less. The client was then charged with a Second-Degree Misdemeanor; however, the case resulted with no convictions. As the Judge listened to Mr.Ansara when representing the case, the client was found not guilty and was dismissed of all charges. State Of Florida vs. JGM-XXXX-2025-XXXX The client was arrested in connection with a stolen motor vehicle valued at over $100,000, specifically a white 2023 Dodge Durango reported stolen out of Coral Springs. The client was charged with four offenses: Grand Theft in the First Degree, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle (F3), Resisting or Obstructing an Officer Without Violence (M1), and Unlawful Use of a Hood or Mask (M2). According to law enforcement, the vehicle had an unassigned New Jersey license plate. Officers located the client at a gas station while he was allegedly fueling the stolen vehicle. When approached, the situation escalated, and the vehicle allegedly fled from officers, striking a police vehicle during the pursuit. With the assistance of Mr. Ansara, it was argued that mere presence in a stolen vehicle does not automatically prove that the person knew it was stolen. Based on this argument, the State of Florida declined to file any felony charges and the client did not have to appear in court at all. State v. TD 2026CFXXXXX Client was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery (M3) and Tampering w/Witness/Victim/Informant (F2) after an argument with his wife related to a religious disagreement. During the dispute, the client allegedly kicked the victim in the leg as she was approaching him. While making her way to the kitchen to call 911, the client allegedly snatched the phone from her and slammed it on the ground. After Mr.Ansara discussed the facts with the prosecutor, the state’s attorney’s office declined to pursue charges. The client did not have to appear in court once. State of Florida vs. KGB-XXXX-2025-XXXX The client was arrested after a dispute that led to allegations that she struck and bit a pregnant woman and was charged with Second Degree Felony. According to authorities, the alleged victim had visible scratches and marks on her body and face at the time. While the accusations were serious, after Mr. Ansara presented the case, the State ultimately decided to drop the charges. State of Florida vs . NLV-XXXX-2025-XXXX The client was arrested and charged with Robbery (Sudden Snatching, without the use of a weapon), Battery (Touch or Strike), and Resisting or Obstructing an Officer without Violence after a domestic dispute resulting in the client kicking the victim out of their house by force. The client was not cooperative with the officer in charge of the arrest, resulting in another battery charge. The client was transported to the BSO Main Jail. When Mr. Ansara presented the case to the Judge, all charges were ultimately dismissed. State of Florida vs. LM-XXXX-2025-XXXX The client was arrested and charged with Domestic Battery after officers were called due to a dispute at the couple's apartment. When arriving at the scene, the victim stated that he was allegedly hit in the face by the client after a verbal dispute. The victim had what appeared to be blood on his teeth and lips. The client denied any accusations made against her and was transported to the BSO Main Jail. After a thorough investigation, Mr. Ansara found footage of the alleged victim strangling the client. Even with this evidence the Office of the State Attorney continued prosecution. Mr. Ansara file a Stand Your Ground Motion, arguing that any contact was reasonable and in response to the aggression from the alleged victim. On the morning of the Stand Your Ground Hearing the Office of the State Attorney consented that the alleged victim was actually the aggressor and dismissed all charges against our client. State of Florida vs. DTD-XXXX-2025-XXXX The client was arrested based on probable cause for a charge of stalking (M1), after allegedly making repeated contact with his ex-partner. Law enforcement was called to the alleged victim’s residence, where it was reported that the client had been contacting her multiple times. The alleged victim stated that the situation caused her anxiety and fear, including concerns about remaining in her home and going out. Mr. Ansara represented the client and took action by filing a notice of appearance, entering a plea of not guilty, and demanding discovery and a jury trial. Throughout the case, the defense reviewed the State’s evidence, conducted depositions, and challenged the allegations presented. The case ultimately proceeded to trial. After hearing the evidence, the jury did not find the client guilty. As a result, the charges were dismissed and no conviction was entered against the client. State of Florida vs. RCM-2024-MM-00XXXXAXXXX-WB The client was arrested after being found hunting alligators in a designated no-hunting zone in Palm Beach County, which is a violation of Florida Fish and Wildlife regulations. As a result, the client was charged with a conservation-related offense. Mr. Ansara represented the client and immediately took action by filing a notice of appearance and requesting discovery from the State to review the evidence. Mr. Ansara was able to address the allegations and advocate on the client’s behalf. As a result, the State decided not to move forward with the case and filed a nolle prosequi. The charges were dismissed, and no conviction was entered against the client. State of Florida vs. JH-XXXX-2023-XXXX The client was charged after accidentally carrying a firearm at Ft. Lauderdale airport and was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. The client attempted to go through airport security with a 9mm firearm inside his lunch cooler, which was discovered during the screening process. Mr. Ansara represented the client and filed a notice of appearance, a not guilty plea, and requested discovery. He challenged the case by arguing that the client was not aware of the firearm’s presence. As a result of Mr. Ansara’s work, the State dismissed the charges and the client was not convicted. State of Florida vs. CJ-XXXX-2024-XXXX The client was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor after accidentally bringing a firearm to the Ft Lauderdale airport. The client was not aware of the ways to declare a firearm at the airport, but acknowledged his mistake. Mr. Ansara helped the client enter and successfully complete a diversion program, which resulted in complete dismissal of the charges. State of Florida vs. DTD-XXXX-2025-XXXX Client was arrested and charged with a 3rd degree Domestic Violence after allegedly hitting his girlfriend in the face, pushing her away and strangeling her to the point where she lacked of air. The alleged victim supposedly had marks on her face and neck. Mr. Ansara represented the client by filing a not guilty plea and requesting discovery, and through his early involvement, the State ultimately filed a “No Information,” meaning no charges were pursued. State of Florida vs. AJG-XXXX-2024-XXXX The client was arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for domestic violence after he allegedly got into a fight with his partner. Mr Ansara was able to file a motion to vacate a no contact order which allowed the client and his partner to have contact again. After a meeting with the case filling prosecutor, all charges were dismissed. State of Florida vs. LF-XXXX-2025-XXXX The client was arrested after allegedly approaching the alleged victim with a pocket knife threatening to kill them. Client was charged with aggravated Assault With Deadly Weapon and transported to the BSO main jail. When Mr Ansara was hired by the client, he directly filed for a mental health diversion program and the case was able to get dismissed. State of Florida v YK 26XXXXXXXXXXX The Davie Police Department responded to a reported domestic dispute between a husband and wife. Upon arrival, officers alleged probable cause to arrest the husband and charged him with one count of Batter Touch or Strike, Domestic Violence. Following the arrest, the client appeared before a magistrate judge, who entered a no-contact order. The Ansara Law Firm was promptly retained to represent the client and seek relief from the no-contact order. After being retained, Attorney Ansara promptly scheduled a hearing to address the no-contact order. At the hearing, Attorney Ansara successfully advocated for the client, and the no-contact order was lifted. Despite the no-contact order being lifted, the Assistant State Attorney subsequently filed a charge of Battery Strike or Touch against the client. Attorney Ansara continued to defend the client and appeared before the Honorable Judge Brown. Following the hearing and Attorney Ansara’s advocacy on behalf of the client, the State entered a nolle prosequi, meaning the prosecution declined to proceed with the charge. The case was closed, and the client faced no further prosecution. DV26XXXXXXXXXXX The Davie Police Department responded to a reported domestic dispute between a husband and wife. Upon arrival, officers alleged probable cause to arrest the husband and charged him with one count of Batter Touch or Strike, Domestic Violence. Following the arrest, the client appeared before a magistrate judge, who entered a no-contact order. The Ansara Law Firm was promptly retained to represent the client and seek relief from the no-contact order. After being retained, Attorney Ansara promptly scheduled a hearing to address the no-contact order. At the hearing, Attorney Ansara successfully advocated for the client, and the no-contact order was lifted. Despite the no-contact order being lifted, the Assistant State Attorney subsequently filed a charge of Battery Strike or Touch against the client. Attorney Ansara continued to defend the client and appeared before the Honorable Judge Brown. Following the hearing and Attorney Ansara’s advocacy on behalf of the client, the State entered a nolle prosequi, meaning the prosecution declined to proceed with the charge. The case was closed, and the client faced no further prosecution. DV26XXXXXXXXXX The Defendant and the victim were in a vehicle when an argument occurred. The victim alleged that the Defendant slapped her across the face multiple times. The victim subsequently reported the allegations to the Miramar Police Department. Based on the allegations, law enforcement determined that probable cause existed and arrested the Defendant on one count of Domestic Battery. The Defendant promptly contacted The Ansara Law Firm and retained Attorney Richard Ansara. Immediately upon being retained Attorney Ansara contacted the Assistant State Attorney and advocated for his client after learning that the victim did not wish to pursue prosecution and had executed an Affidavit expressing her wishes. Through Attorney Ansara's advocacy and efforts on behalf of his client, the State ultimately filed a No Information, declining to formally charge the Defendant. The case was closed, and the Defendant faced no further prosecution. 97XXXXXXXXCF10A The Defendant had an outstanding warrant that had remained active for more than twenty years. The Defendant contacted The Ansara Law Firm to retain representation to vacate the capias and resolve the case. After retaining Attorney Ansara, he promptly set a status hearing before the Judge put pressure on the State. A second status hearing was also set before the Honorable Judge Odom. Through Attorney Ansara’s' hard-fought efforts against the State, he successfully resolved the matter, resulting in the dismissal of the charge Neglect Child/No Bodily Harm, as well as a withdrawal of the capias. Ultimately, the Defendant was never required to appear in court. Attorney Ansara successfully resolved the matter, resulting in the dismissal of the charge and withdrawal of the capias. The case was closed, and the Defendant faced no further prosecution. 25XXXXXXXXMM10A The Defendant contacted the Broward Sheriff’s Office to respond to a Domestic incident. When officers arrived at the scene, they observed injuries to the Defendant’s face. Despite this, the responding officers determined there was probable cause to arrest the Defendant, who was subsequently charged with Two Counts Battery and One Count Battery Touch or Strike. The Defendant contacted The Ansara Law Firm to represent him during the pre-filing stage. As soon as Attorney Ansara was retained, he spoke to the case filer assigned to the matter and successfully negotiated the dismissal of One Count Battery Touch or Strike, leaving the Defendant facing Two Counts Battery. After continued efforts by Attorney Ansara to fight the State’s charges, the matter was headed toward a jury trial. However, Attorney Ansara successfully obtained a nolle prosequi from the State. As a result, the State elected not to prosecute the remaining changes, and the Defendant’s case was dismissed. The case was subsequently closed, and the Defendant faced no further prosecution. 26XXXXXXXCF10A The Broward Sheriff Office responded to a residence where the Defendant and his partner lived with their children. When Broward Sheriff's office arrived at the scene they found probable cause to arrest the Defendant and charging him with alleged Child Abuse and Battery Touch or Strike. The client went before a magistrate judge who ordered a no contact order with the alleged victims. The Defendant contacted the Attorney and hired Attorney Ansara to represent him in the pre-filing stage. Promptly after being retained Attorney Ansara set a hearing to modify conditions of the no contact order. Prior to the Defendant appearing before the Judge to modify conditions of the no contact order Attorney Ansara secured no information and the state informed the Defense there was no need to appear for the hearing. The stated filed a no information on alleged Child Abuse and Battery Touch or Strike. The case was closed, the Defendant did not have to appear in court and the Defendant faced no further prosecution. 26XXXXXXXCF10A The Defendant and his wife were involved in an argument, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office was contacted after the dispute continued. The Defendant's wife alleged that the Defendant placed his hands on her, took her phone, and locked her out of their living quarters. When law enforcement arrived, officers determined there was probable cause to arrest the Defendant and charge him with Touch or Strike/Battery/Domestic Violence, Domestic Battery by Strangulation, and Robbery by Sudden Snatching Without a Firearm or Weapon. A magistrate hearing was held, at which the Judge found probable cause and entered a no-contact order. The Defendant subsequently retained Attorney Ansara of The Ansara Law Firm. Attorney Ansara promptly sought a hearing to vacate the no-contact order, and the Court granted the request. Attorney Ansara also advocated on behalf of his client and communicated with the Assistant State Attorney regarding the circumstances of the case, including that the alleged victim did not wish to pursue charges. Following Attorney Ansara’s advocacy, the State filed no information, formally declining to prosecute the case. As a result, all charges were dropped and the case was closed with no further prosecution, 2026
Videos
- Intaker Video Ansara Law, 2026
Pro bono / Community Service
- Pro Bono Honors Award, 2026
Educational Background
- Cardinal Gibbons High School- Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 1995-1999
- Nova Southeastern University - Sheppard Broad Law School, 2003-2006
- Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton, Florida, 1999-2003
White Papers
- Author of the Broward Criminal Attorney Blog, Broward Criminal Attorney Blog, Criminal Defense, 2026
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Author of the Broward Injury Lawyer Blog , Author, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, Self, Personal Injury, 2026
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law , 2016
- Top Attorneys of North America "Who's Who Directory" , 2017
- Top Attorneys of North America "Who's Who Directory" , 2015
- Top Attorneys of North America "Who's Who Directory" , 2014
- National Trial Lawyers Association - TOP 40 UNDER 40 , 2021
- Awarded by the National Trial Lawyers Association "TOP 100" - Personal Injury Litigation , 2026
- Awarded by the National Trial Lawyers Association "TOP 100" in Criminal Law, 2026
Honors
- "Hat Trick Award for Three Consecutive Not Guilty Verdicts" by the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Hat Trick Award, Broward Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2012
Awards
Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com
Industry Groups
- Attorney Fort Lauderdale
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2020 - 2021