Tampa Criminal Defense Blog

Being investigated or arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM)—referred to as "child pornography" throughout many Florida statutes—is one of the most serious situations a person can face in the criminal justice system. These investigations often involve extensive digital forensic examinations, search warrants, and the seizure of computers, smartphones, tablets, external hard drives, cloud storage accounts, and other electronic devices.

There is no attorney who can ethically guarantee that a DUI charge will be dismissed or that you will be found not guilty at trial. Every DUI case is unique, and the outcome depends on the specific facts, the available evidence, and whether law enforcement complied with the legal and constitutional requirements that govern DUI investigations. The good news is that an arrest is not the same as a conviction.

If you have been arrested—or believe you are under investigation—you may be wondering: "Can the police charge me with a crime if they don't have any evidence?" The short answer is not exactly. Police officers cannot lawfully arrest or recommend criminal charges based on mere suspicion alone. However, the amount of evidence required to make an arrest is far less than the amount of evidence required to obtain a criminal conviction.

If you or a loved one is being held in the Hillsborough County Jail or another Florida detention facility because the bond is simply too high, understanding how bond reduction hearings work can help you know what to expect—and how an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney can advocate for your release.

When most people hear the term "drug trafficking," they immediately think about lengthy prison sentences. While incarceration is certainly one of the most serious consequences of a conviction, it is far from the only one. A Florida drug trafficking conviction can have lasting financial, professional, and personal consequences that continue long after a person has completed a sentence.

Being placed on misdemeanor probation in Hillsborough County can allow a defendant to avoid serving additional time in jail, but probation should not be confused with simply having a case behind you. While on probation, a defendant remains under court supervision and must comply with specific conditions until the probationary period ends or the court terminates probation.

Florida's firearm laws have undergone significant constitutional scrutiny in recent years. A new Florida appellate decision has now addressed another major question: whether the State can prevent otherwise law-abiding adults between the ages of 18 and 20 from exercising the same concealed-carry rights available to adults who are 21 and older.

Learn how Florida's new Meg's Law creates felony nitrous oxide offenses and xylazine trafficking charges, and what it means if you've been arrested.

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether Florida's use of six-person criminal juries violates the Sixth Amendment and what the ruling could mean for defendants.

Learn how Florida's new Officer Jason Raynor Act changes resisting arrest laws, enhances penalties, and impacts criminal cases involving law enforcement officers.

Learn about Florida’s new Missy’s Law (HB 445), effective July 1, 2026, and how it changes custody rules after convictions for dangerous crimes. Tampa criminal defense attorney J. Ruffin Hunt explains what the new law means.

Florida’s new Isaiah’s Law (HB 35) expands Habitual Traffic Offender penalties for repeat drivers without a valid license. Learn what changed and how it may impact Florida drivers.

In Florida, criminal charges may be dismissed for a variety of legal reasons. Sometimes the State Attorney's Office decides there is not enough evidence to continue prosecuting the case. In other situations, a defendant successfully completes a diversion program, or a judge dismisses the charges after granting a motion filed by the defense. Understanding how criminal charges may be dismissed can help you better understand the criminal justice process and what options may be a

If you're a CDL holder facing criminal traffic charges in Tampa, Hillsborough County, or the surrounding areas, Hunt Law provides experienced representation for criminal traffic offenses and understands the unique consequences these cases can have on commercial drivers. Call (813) 787-4849 today for a free consultation to discuss your case and your options.

What is a misdemeanor in Florida? Learn the difference between first- and second-degree misdemeanors, potential penalties, common charges, and what happens after an arrest.

What is a misdemeanor in Florida? Learn the difference between first- and second-degree misdemeanors, potential penalties, common charges, and what happens after an arrest.

Learn what happens if you refuse a breath test in Florida, including license suspensions, criminal penalties, DUI defenses, and your legal rights.

Under investigation or arrested but charges haven’t been filed? Learn how a Tampa criminal defense attorney may help protect your rights and advocate against charges.

If you missed a court date in Tampa or Hillsborough County, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Florida law specifically allows a defendant to request modification of a no contact order. Under Section 903.047(2), Florida Statutes, the court may modify the order if good cause is shown and the interests of justice require it. In practical terms, this usually requires filing a motion to modify conditions of pretrial release and asking the judge for a hearing.