Tampa Criminal Defense Blog

If your cash, vehicle, firearm, jewelry, electronics, or other assets have been seized, speaking with an experienced Tampa asset forfeiture attorney as soon as possible is critical. These cases move quickly, involve strict procedural deadlines, and often require aggressive legal action early in the process to challenge the seizure and protect your rights.

Being arrested for a drug trafficking offense in Florida is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face. Unlike simple possession charges, trafficking offenses carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, substantial fines, and life-altering consequences. Even first-time offenders can face years (or even decades) in prison if convicted.

If you have been arrested or accused of trespassing in the Tampa Bay area, speaking with an experienced Tampa trespass attorney as soon as possible is critical. At Hunt Law, we understand that many trespass allegations arise from misunderstandings, heated disputes, or situations where the facts are far from clear. Below, we explain how Florida trespass laws work, the penalties you may face, and potential defenses to a trespass charge.

Being arrested for a domestic violence offense in Hillsborough County can feel overwhelming. Even a misdemeanor domestic violence charge can carry serious consequences, including possible jail time, no-contact orders, firearm restrictions, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, some first-time offenders may qualify for a special diversion program known as the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP).

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Tampa or Hillsborough County, you may have heard about the Misdemeanor Intervention Program (MIP). For many eligible first-time offenders, the program can provide an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction and potentially have the charge dismissed after successful completion.

For many drivers in Florida, repeated traffic offenses can lead to far more serious consequences than fines or points on a driver’s license. Under Florida law, certain repeat traffic offenders can be classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO), which can result in a lengthy driver’s license revocation and even felony criminal charges for driving afterward.

If you drive in Florida, traffic tickets can affect more than just your wallet. Many moving violations add points to your driving record, and accumulating too many points can lead to a suspended driver’s license. Florida’s driver’s license points system is governed primarily by section 322.27 of the Florida Statutes.

Being arrested for DUI for the first time can be overwhelming. Many people charged with Driving Under the Influence in Tampa have never been arrested before and are unsure what happens next. Questions about jail time, driver’s license suspensions, court appearances, insurance increases, and permanent criminal records can quickly become stressful.

Florida drivers may not realize that excessive speeding can quickly become more than just a traffic ticket. Under Florida law, certain high-speed driving offenses can lead to criminal charges, mandatory court appearances, license suspensions, steep fines, and even jail time. Florida’s “Super Speeder” law, codified in Section 316.1922 of the Florida Statutes, targets drivers accused of operating a vehicle at extremely dangerous speeds.

The Florida Second District Court of Appeal recently issued an important decision for anyone involved in probation violation litigation in Florida. In State v. Brady, No. 2D2025-0390 (Fla. 2d DCA May 6, 2026), the court dismissed the State’s appeal after a trial judge suppressed evidence in a violation of probation (“VOP”) proceeding, holding that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction to review the order at that stage of the case.

Being arrested is one of the most stressful and disorienting experiences a person can go through. Whether it’s your first encounter with the criminal justice system or not, the first 24 hours after an arrest are critical. The decisions you make during this time can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

When you’re facing a criminal investigation or arrest in Florida, one legal concept shows up again and again: probable cause. It is one of the most important standards in criminal law, and one that often determines whether law enforcement actions are lawful or unconstitutional.

When you are charged with a crime in Florida, the single most important protection you have is the State’s burden of proof. At Hunt Law, we make sure every client understands this fundamental principle: you are presumed innocent, and the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, one of your most important constitutional protections is the right to confront the witnesses against you. This right comes from the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, commonly referred to as the Confrontation Clause.

If you or a loved one is facing serious criminal charges in Florida, one critical issue that can arise is competency to stand trial. In a recent decision from Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal, Leeks v. State, the court addressed an important procedural question: what happens when a trial court finds a defendant competent, but fails to put that finding in writing?

For criminal defendants and defense attorneys alike, postconviction litigation under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850 is a critical, but often misunderstood, stage of a case. In Mejia v. State, the Florida Second District Court of Appeal issued a significant opinion clarifying when a postconviction court must address claims raised in a motion, and when it does not.

Florida law provides a detailed framework that judges must follow when making bail decisions. This blog post explains Florida’s bail determination statute (Fla. Stat. § 903.046) in clear, practical terms so you understand what to expect and how an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney can help.

On 04/29/2026 a Hillsborough County Court Judge granted our Motion to Dismiss on the grounds that our client's Constitutional Right to a Speedy Trial had been violated.

If you have been arrested in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, you have likely heard that you are entitled to a “speedy trial.” Many people assume that means the government must bring their case to trial within a strict deadline. In Florida, however, there are actually two different speedy trial protections:

At Hunt Law, we regularly speak with individuals in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County who were arrested, or became targets of an investigation, after voluntarily speaking with law enforcement. Whether police contact you about allegations involving DUI, domestic violence, theft, drug crimes, assault, sex crimes, or other criminal allegations, understanding your constitutional rights is critical.