Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

A Tampa criminal defense lawyer represents individuals facing criminal charges in Florida. Jeff Marshall Law helps clients understand their rights, navigate court procedures, and work toward reduced or dismissed charges. From DUI to serious felonies, they provide guidance and defense at every stage of the case.

How a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. A Tampa criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and help reduce or dismiss charges. Below is a list of key ways they can assist at every stage of your case:

• Free Consultation: Discuss your situation confidentially with no obligation.
• Case Evaluation: Analyze charges, evidence, and potential defenses
• Negotiation: Work with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
• Court Representation: Defend your rights during hearings and trial.
• Record Clearing: Assist with sealing or expunging eligible criminal records.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

A Tampa criminal defense lawyer handles a wide range of cases involving state and federal charges. Below is a list of the most common types of criminal cases our firm defends, from DUI offenses to juvenile crimes.

• DUI & Traffic Offenses: Drunk driving, reckless driving, license suspension.
• BUI: Operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Drug Crimes: Possession, intent to distribute, trafficking.
• Violent Crimes: Assault, battery, domestic violence.
• Expungement: Clearing or sealing criminal records to help restore your reputation.
• Juvenile Crimes: Defense for minors charged in Florida courts.

Consequences of Criminal Convictions

The sentencing for a criminal conviction can depend on a variety of factors. These include whether it is a first offense, the severity of the harm that was done, and the likelihood of repeat offending in the judges’ estimation. There are times when the sentence may include a couple of different kinds of punishment, such as a fine and jail time. Importantly, a criminal conviction also means a criminal record, which will appear on background checks. That can have a range of effects that continue beyond the legal system. Some of the consequences, both legal and extralegal, of a criminal conviction include:

• Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Programs – If the criminal activity was related in some way to drugs or alcohol, it’s possible that a judge may mandate some kind of rehabilitation or treatment program as part of the sentencing.
• Probation – If sentenced to probation, the convicted is required to follow a number of different restrictions and to regularly check in with their probation officer.
• Fines – Fines are often included in sentencing guidelines as a normal part of sentencing.
• Jail or Prison Time – For more serious crimes, jail or prison time may be sentenced. Often, there are guidelines that describe a range of prison terms for the crime. Depending upon the crime, the sentence could be days, years, decades, or even life.
• Loss of the Right to a Firearm – In some cases, especially violent crimes, murder, aggravated assault, felonies, and crimes involving a firearm, a conviction can mean losing your right to have a firearm.
• Loss of Driving Privileges – If you are convicted of a crime like a DUI, or another crime involving a vehicle, it’s possible that your license may be revoked.
• Higher Insurance Rates – If you are convicted of something like a DUI or reckless driving, this can cause your insurance rates to get significantly higher.
• Difficulty Finding Employment – Having a criminal record, even for a charge like disorderly conduct, will show up on background checks and may make it more difficult to find a job.
• Difficulty Getting Accepted Into College – In some cases, a college may reject the application of someone with a criminal record.
• Disqualified From Student Loans – Many student loan programs will not lend to someone with a criminal record.
• Disqualified From a Professional License – Some licenses cannot be given to someone with a criminal record, and others make it very difficult to do so.
• Loss of Reputation – A conviction for a criminal offense could hurt your reputation among your family, friends, and community

Florida Statute of Limitations

For many crimes, there is a set number of years within which someone must be charged. Even if enough evidence is found to bring charges after the statute of limitations, criminal charges cannot be brought, and whoever committed the crime is, in effect, a free person. However, the statute may be suspended in cases where a suspect leaves the state and is considered a fugitive or goes into hiding. The idea behind the statute of limitations is that the evidence and eyewitness accounts may be less reliable as more time passes since the crime happened. There are, though, a few crimes in Florida for which there is no statute of limitations. They are:

• Capital felonies (including those punishable by the death penalty)
• Felony crimes that resulted in the death of another
• Felonies that might be punished by life in prison
• Being found to have lied under oath during a capital felony case
• Human trafficking charges
• Any sexual battery committed after July 1, 2020, where the victim is under 18 years of age

What to Do After an Arrest in Tampa

Being arrested can be stressful and confusing, but knowing the right steps can protect your rights and your future. Here’s a quick guide to help you handle an arrest in Tampa without making mistakes:

• Keep your composure and remember that you have the right to remain silent.
• Ask for a lawyer immediately, do not answer police questions alone.
• Avoid discussing your case online or with others.
• Contact a Tampa criminal defense lawyer at Jeff Marshall Law as soon as possible.
• Follow legal advice carefully to avoid jeopardizing your defense.

Burden of Proof

It’s important to recognize the process of determining guilt in criminal trials. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution. They must be able to demonstrate guilt to the jury, such that the jury believes beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. The prosecution will often attempt to first show that the defendant had the means, motive, and opportunity to commit the crime.

Therefore, the prosecution will try to demonstrate that you had the capability, or means, to commit the crime. They will attempt to establish that you had a reason for committing the crime. Although motive isn’t necessarily an element of a crime, if the prosecution can establish a motive, a jury is more likely to convict. In terms of opportunity, the prosecution will try to demonstrate the circumstances were such that the defendant could have committed a crime. However, even if all three of those things are established, there must still be evidence presented, including eyewitness testimony and physical evidence, that shows that the defendant committed the crime.

While these factors are used as tools of the prosecution, they are also potential points for creating reasonable doubt. A criminal defense lawyer can target one or all of these elements to try and sow some level of doubt in the jury’s minds. They may try to show why the defendant couldn’t have been capable of committing the crime. Another tactic could be to explain why the defendant had no reason to commit the crime. Last, they can attempt to convince the jury that there really was no opportunity or that the evidence for the crime is insufficient.

Common Criminal Defense Strategies

Every criminal case is different, but common defense approaches may include:

• Challenging illegal searches and seizures
• Suppressing unlawfully obtained statements
• Questioning the reliability of evidence or witnesses
• Demonstrating lack of intent or insufficient proof
• Raising defenses such as self-defense or mistaken identity

An effective defense strategy is based on the facts, the law, and the specific circumstances of the arrest.

Criminal Case Process in Florida

The criminal litigation process in Tampa, Florida follows a consistent set of procedures. Each of these steps can be critical to understand, and a Tampa criminal defense lawyer can be a valuable asset to advocate for you at each stage. The stages of a Florida criminal case are:

• Arrest or Notice to Appear – Depending upon the crime, one may be arrested so that they cannot flee, or they may simply be told to appear before the court for booking.
• Booking – This first appearance before the court usually covers presenting charges, determining the defendant’s attorney situation, and setting bail.
• Arraignment – During an arraignment hearing, the defendant will submit their plea of either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A “not guilty” plea will give the defense attorney more time to investigate a client’s case.
• Formal Charges – Depending upon the evidence gathered, the prosecutor may adjust the initial criminal charges.
• Discovery – This process requires all the evidence that the prosecutor has gathered to be given to the defendant’s attorney. This gives the defendant’s attorney a fair chance to prepare a response to potential arguments that the prosecutor may make.
• Preliminary Hearing – During this period, evidence to dismiss the case or see charges reduced is submitted.
• Plea Bargaining – A plea deal usually involves agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge and penalty. A plea may not always be offered, but it is often preferred by judges.
• Depositions – This involves questioning various witnesses to see how they will answer in a trial circumstance.
• Criminal Trial – During a trial, the prosecutor will present their case, followed by a cross-examination by the defense. Then the defense will present their case, followed by a cross-examination by the prosecution. After that, the jury will deliberate and give a verdict.
• Acquittal or Sentencing – If the defendant is found not guilty, they are acquitted, and if they are found guilty, sentencing will be issued.

Why Choose Our Tampa Criminal Defense Firm

Looking for a trusted Tampa criminal defense firm? Our team combines decades of local courtroom experience with a deep understanding of Florida’s criminal laws. Here are some key reasons why clients throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County rely on us for their legal defense:

• Decades of experience in Tampa and Hillsborough County courts.
• Deep understanding of Florida criminal laws and local procedures.
• Proven results: Case dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea deals.
• Client-centered service focused on clear communication and personalized attention.
• Strong reputation for confidentiality and aggressive advocacy.

Self-Representation

To represent yourself would not be a very wise idea. A strong defense requires understanding every legal tool and option that’s available to you. Getting that kind of an understanding of the legal tools available takes years of study. It’s also important to recognize the element of emotional investment that exists when someone represents themselves. Conducting an impactful trial defense requires a clear head and adaptiveness to the direction the trial is taking. It can be difficult to do that with so much personally riding on the outcome. Consider the fact that even many lawyers, if they find themselves charged with criminal activity, don’t represent themselves. It’s simply a better option to have someone else represent you.

Court-Appointed Lawyer (Public Defender)

Typically, the court will only appoint a lawyer if you can’t afford one. However, even if you qualify by the court’s assessment for a court-appointed attorney, you may really want to consider finding some way to pay for your own. It can sometimes make all the difference for your case. A court-appointed attorney is going to lack the same investment that a privately hired attorney can have. A court-appointed attorney may also be juggling more cases than one attorney should at once. Lastly, there’s the old phrase, “You get what you pay for,” and that tends to hold true with criminal defense attorneys as well. Free may not be the bargain that you think it is. The cost of a criminal defense lawyers can vary, but the benefit of having dedicated and personalized attention to your case is invaluable.

Private Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa, FL

When you hire your own Tampa criminal defense lawyer, you are able to pick the lawyer that you want to defend you in both federal and state cases. One of the most important elements of your defense is finding someone you can trust. You want an attorney who you know is going to put forth their utmost effort to defend you. When you select an attorney, you can find someone who you truly believe can thoroughly and exhaustively work in your defense. That’s the type of criminal defense that you can expect from Jeff Marshall Law. We are honest with our clients and tenacious in their defense. You can expect us to seek every avenue of defense in representing you.

What to Look for in a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer

Choosing a Tampa criminal defense lawyer is an important decision. The right attorney can make a real difference in how your case is handled.

• Someone you trust. A criminal case can change your life. You need a lawyer you feel comfortable with and confident in, someone who will fight for you as hard as you would fight for yourself.
• Strong attention to detail. Most cases aren’t won on one dramatic moment. They’re built by spotting small issues in evidence, testimony, or procedure that weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Creative problem-solving. Not every case fits a standard defense strategy. A good criminal defense lawyer knows when to think outside the box to find the right approach for your situation.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Tampa can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, the type of charges, and whether the case goes to trial. Some attorneys offer flat fees for certain offenses, while others charge hourly rates. Public defenders are available for those who cannot afford private representation.

Can a Lawyer Get My Charges Dismissed?

A lawyer can assist in seeking dismissal of your charges through a variety of legal approaches, including filing pre-trial motions to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence, questioning the strength of the prosecution’s case, or negotiating alternatives like diversion programs or plea agreements. While a dismissal cannot be guaranteed, having an experienced criminal defense attorney greatly increases your chances by safeguarding your rights and mounting a strong defense.

What Happens at a Criminal Arraignment in Tampa?

During a criminal arraignment in Tampa, the judge will explain the charges filed against you. You will be required to enter a plea of “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” The court will also handle matters such as bail and confirm that you have legal representation. If you cannot hire a private attorney, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you.

Don’t Go It Alone

If you’re facing criminal charges, then the potential consequences can make life much harder moving forward. Not just the possibility of fines, jail time, or other consequences that may lie ahead. A criminal record can show up on background checks and make things like applying for jobs, trying to enroll in college classes, or getting certain licenses tremendously difficult, if not impossible. You can’t afford to take that risk alone. Nor can you afford to settle for a court-appointed lawyer. You want someone who’s invested in your case and ready to fight aggressively for you.

Jeff Marshall Law can give your case the defense you deserve. We can give you an honest assessment of your case, and if a plea bargain seems like your preferred option, we can negotiate hard for a favorable deal. If you’re ready to take your case to trial, we can defend your rights and put forward a strategic, adaptive defense. Our goal is to find the most favorable outcome we can for you. If you need help defending your case, contact us today.

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