1. Sammis Law Firm, P.A.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI defense, professional license defense, civil asset forfeiture defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, domestic violence, theft crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, traffic offenses, violations of probation
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, motion practice (motions to suppress, motions to dismiss), pretrial negotiations, disciplinary actions defense for licensed professionals, civil asset forfeiture defense, record sealing and expungement
Background: Sammis Law Firm employs six attorneys who focus exclusively on criminal defense in the greater Tampa Bay area. The firm has offices in downtown Tampa, New Port Richey (Pasco County), and Clearwater (Pinellas County). The attorneys are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HCACDL), and the Criminal Law Section of the Florida Bar. The firm represents professionals including attorneys, doctors, nurses, and other licensed individuals facing charges that may affect their careers.
Location: 1005 N. Marion Street, Tampa, FL 33602 (additional offices in New Port Richey and Clearwater)
Contact: (813) 250-0500 | https://criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com
Consultation: Free phone consultation available; video conferencing through Zoom
2. Thomas & Paulk, P.A.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: All felonies and misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession and trafficking, domestic violence, battery, assault, theft, robbery, burglary, sex crimes, weapons charges, violations of probation
Legal Services: Trial defense, around-the-clock availability, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, jury trials, appeals, record expungement and sealing
Background: The Tampa criminal defense attorneys at Thomas & Paulk have handled more than 7,000 criminal cases throughout Florida in their legal careers. The team includes former prosecutors who now practice criminal defense, providing insight into prosecution strategies and case building. The firm offers availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for arrests, warrants, and other criminal law matters.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Contact: (813) 221-4200 | https://www.tampacriminalattorneys.com
Consultation: Free case review available
3. The Law Office of Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, felony and misdemeanor defense, state and federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Murder, manslaughter, assault, battery, robbery, burglary, theft, drug offenses, DUI/DWI, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, federal crimes, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, jury trials, pretrial negotiations, motion practice, appeals, representation in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco, and Hernando Counties
Background: Daniel J. Fernandez has practiced criminal defense and trial law in Tampa for over 43 years. He is a former prosecutor with experience on both sides of criminal proceedings. He has successfully defended over 500 clients in trial throughout his career. He has been recognized by Tampa Magazine’s Best Lawyers Edition and has received over 400 five-star Google reviews. He provides representation in Spanish (se habla español).
Location: Tampa, Florida (serving Tampa Bay including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco, and Hernando Counties)
Contact: https://www.djfernandezlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Hanlon Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft offenses, white-collar crimes
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug possession and trafficking, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft, burglary, robbery, federal crimes, white-collar crimes, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, pretrial negotiations, student defense services, appeals, sentencing advocacy
Background: Attorney Will Hanlon has represented defendants in state and federal courts for over two decades. His practice handles cases involving Florida and federal criminal law. The firm provides student defense services and understands the particular concerns of students facing criminal charges that may affect educational opportunities and federal financial aid eligibility.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Contact: https://www.criminalattorneytampa.net
Consultation: Contact office for consultation
5. Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, violent crimes, sex crimes, drug crimes, personal injury
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, violent crimes, sex crimes, drug possession and trafficking, assault, battery, domestic violence, theft, burglary, all felonies and misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, prefiling intervention (negotiation before formal charges), evidence scrutiny and discovery review, motion practice, plea negotiations, trial representation
Background: Brett Metcalf is a former prosecutor who now provides criminal defense representation throughout the Tampa Bay area. The firm provides straightforward guidance in complicated legal situations, with a focus on finding solutions quickly through courtroom experience. The firm’s approach emphasizes early intervention to potentially avoid formal charges through prefiling negotiations.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Contact: https://www.hillsboroughdefense.com
Consultation: Free case review with no cost or obligation
Criminal Defense Regulations in Florida
Florida attorneys must be admitted to The Florida Bar, which regulates the practice of law in the state. Bar admission requires passing the Florida Bar Examination, passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), meeting character and fitness requirements, and completing a background check.
The Florida Bar offers Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law and Criminal Appellate Law. To become Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law, an attorney must: have practiced law for at least 5 years, have substantial involvement in criminal trial practice, demonstrate trial experience (including jury trials), receive peer review evaluations, and pass a written examination. Board Certified attorneys must recertify every 5 years.
Florida’s Public Defender system operates at the judicial circuit level. Hillsborough County (Tampa) is in the 13th Judicial Circuit. Public Defender eligibility is determined based on financial need, typically when a defendant’s income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or when hiring an attorney would constitute a substantial hardship.
Florida classifies crimes as felonies (capital, life, or first through third degree), misdemeanors (first or second degree), and noncriminal violations. First-degree felonies carry up to 30 years imprisonment and $10,000 fines. Second-degree felonies carry up to 15 years and $10,000 fines. Third-degree felonies carry up to 5 years and $5,000 fines. First-degree misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in county jail and $1,000 fines. Second-degree misdemeanors carry up to 60 days and $500 fines.
Florida maintains the death penalty for capital murder cases meeting specific aggravating factors. Capital cases require unanimous jury verdicts and are subject to automatic appellate review.
Florida’s speedy trial rule (Rule 3.191) requires: misdemeanor trials within 90 days of arrest, and felony trials within 175 days of arrest. Defendants may file a demand for speedy trial, which requires trial within 60 days (misdemeanors) or 50 days (felonies) of the demand.
Florida’s record expungement and sealing laws (Florida Statutes Sections 943.0585 and 943.059) allow eligible individuals to seal or expunge criminal records under specific conditions. Expungement requires that you have not been adjudicated guilty (convicted) of the offense, have not been previously granted a seal or expungement, and meet other eligibility criteria. Certain serious offenses are permanently ineligible for seal or expungement, including DUI, domestic violence battery (if adjudicated), and many sexual offenses.
Florida attorneys must complete 33 hours of Continuing Legal Education every three years, including 5 hours in ethics, professionalism, and mental health or technology. Attorney advertising is regulated by Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, Chapter 4 (Rules 4-7.11 through 4-7.23).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Hillsborough County criminal court process work in Tampa?
A: After arrest in Hillsborough County, you will have a first appearance within 24 hours, where a judge reviews probable cause and sets bail. Formal charges are filed by the State Attorney’s Office (13th Judicial Circuit) through an Information (for most felonies and misdemeanors) or Grand Jury Indictment (for certain serious felonies). Arraignment follows, where charges are read and you enter a plea. Felony cases proceed through pretrial conferences, discovery exchange, motion hearings, and potentially trial. Most cases are resolved through plea negotiations before trial. If you cannot afford an attorney, the Public Defender’s Office may be appointed at first appearance or arraignment.
Q: What are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Florida?
A: A first DUI conviction in Florida carries penalties including: fines from $500 to $1,000 (higher with BAC of 0.15% or above), license suspension from 180 days to 1 year, up to 6 months in jail, 50 hours of community service, mandatory DUI school, and vehicle impoundment for 10 days. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of 0.15% or higher, for having a minor in the vehicle, or for causing property damage or injury. A second DUI within 5 years requires mandatory jail time, license revocation for at least 5 years, and installation of an ignition interlock device. Third and subsequent DUI convictions may be charged as felonies with potential prison sentences.
Q: What is the difference between record expungement and sealing in Florida?
A: In Florida, expungement and sealing both remove criminal records from public view, but they differ in important ways. Sealed records still exist and can be accessed by law enforcement, prosecutors, and certain licensing agencies. Expunged records are physically destroyed (except for certain retained information accessible only by court order). Sealing is available when you were not adjudicated guilty (completed pretrial diversion, had charges dropped, received a withhold of adjudication). Expungement is available after a record has been sealed for 10 years, or when charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in acquittal. Both require filing a petition, obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE, and court approval. You may only seal or expunge one criminal record in your lifetime under Florida law.
Q: Does Hillsborough County have pretrial diversion or alternative court programs?
A: Yes. Hillsborough County offers several diversion and specialty court programs. Pretrial Intervention (PTI) allows first-time offenders to complete requirements (community service, counseling, restitution) in exchange for charge dismissal. Drug Court provides treatment-based alternatives for eligible substance abuse offenders. Veterans Treatment Court serves eligible military veterans with treatment and case management. Mental Health Court addresses defendants whose offenses are related to mental illness. Domestic Violence Court handles cases involving intimate partner violence with specialized monitoring. Successful completion of these programs may result in charge dismissal and eligibility for record expungement.
Q: What should I do if I am arrested in Tampa as a visitor or tourist?
A: If arrested in Tampa as an out-of-state visitor, you should: exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney before questioning; contact a local Tampa criminal defense attorney immediately (many attorneys handle tourist and visitor cases regularly); attend your first appearance and arraignment as required; discuss with your attorney whether you may be able to resolve the case without returning to Florida multiple times; provide your out-of-state contact information to your attorney and the court. For many misdemeanor cases, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf at certain hearings. Failure to appear at scheduled court dates will result in a warrant for your arrest. An experienced local attorney can negotiate resolutions that minimize travel requirements while protecting your rights.