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Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)

Federal Sentencing in Broward County

U.S. Courthouse, 299 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

The Fort Lauderdale Division handles a mix of wire fraud, PPP fraud, tax cases, drug trafficking through Port Everglades, and firearm offenses out of Broward County. Sentencing outcomes turn heavily on loss amount and role.

Facts

  • Wire fraud and PPP-related fraud remain among the most common indictments in the Fort Lauderdale Division.
  • Loss amount under Section 2B1.1 drives fraud sentences more than any other factor — small changes in loss can move the guideline range dramatically.
  • Felon-in-possession cases under 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g) frequently produce Zone D custodial ranges even without prior violent felonies.
  • Restitution under 18 U.S.C. Section 3663A is mandatory in most fraud cases, separately from any prison term.

Myths vs. reality

  • Myth

    If I pay restitution, I will not go to prison.

    Reality

    Restitution is mandatory in most fraud cases and does not replace incarceration. It can be a mitigating factor at sentencing, but it does not eliminate the guideline range.

  • Myth

    PPP fraud cases only get probation.

    Reality

    Loss amounts above $40,000 push the offense level to 16 or higher, which is Zone D — meaning prison, not probation.

  • Myth

    A federal judge in Fort Lauderdale must sentence within the guideline range.

    Reality

    Since United States v. Booker (2005), the guidelines are advisory. Judges consider the range but must also weigh the Section 3553(a) factors.

Figures at a glance

Fraud loss $40k–$95k
+6 levels
U.S.S.G. Section 2B1.1(b)(1)
Fraud loss $550k–$1.5M
+14 levels
Section 922(g) base offense level
14 to 24
Depends on priors
Zone D threshold
Level 13+
Prison required in most cases

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Disclaimer. This article is educational content only and is not legal advice. Southern Florida Sentencing Calculator is not a law firm and no attorney-client relationship is created by reading this page. Consult a licensed federal defense attorney about any specific case.

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