Tampa Criminal Defense Blog

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.

Charged with battery second or subsequent in Tampa? Learn penalties, defenses, and how a Tampa battery attorney can help fight felony battery charges.

While the alleged victim can absolutely tell prosecutors that they do not want the case to move forward, the decision whether to prosecute belongs to the State of Florida, not the alleged victim. In many cases, prosecutors will move forward with domestic violence charges even when the alleged victim asks for the charges to be dropped.

In this video, Tampa criminal defense attorney Ruffin Hunt of Hunt Law explains the law surrounding Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) and Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer under Florida law.

In this video, Tampa criminal defense attorney J. Ruffin Hunt of Hunt Law explains the criminal charge of battery in Florida, including what prosecutors must prove, potential penalties, and important legal defenses that may apply to your case.

In Florida, domestic violence allegations are taken extremely seriously, and many people are surprised to learn how different these cases are from other criminal charges. The hours and days immediately following an arrest are often critical. As a Tampa domestic violence attorney, I regularly speak with people who are overwhelmed after being arrested and have many of the same questions. Here are three important things you need to know if you have been arrested for domestic vio

If you have been arrested or received a notice to appear in criminal court, one of the first court dates you may encounter is an arraignment. Many people facing criminal charges in Florida understandably feel anxious about this hearing and wonder what to expect.

Florida recently enacted significant changes to its domestic violence laws through House Bill 277 (HB 277), signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis and taking effect July 1, 2026. While the bill has been promoted as legislation designed to strengthen protections for alleged victims of domestic violence, it also carries major consequences for people accused of domestic violence-related offenses.

Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in Florida? Learn the penalties, defenses, and legal options from an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney. Free consultation.

If you have been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in Florida, you are facing a serious felony offense that can carry significant prison time and life-altering consequences. Prosecutors in Hillsborough County aggressively pursue firearm-related charges, and even a seemingly minor encounter with law enforcement can quickly become a major criminal case.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for allegedly sending inappropriate content to a minor, it is critical to understand how Florida law works, what prosecutors must prove, and what defenses may be available. An experienced Tampa transmitting harmful material to a minor attorney can evaluate the evidence, protect your rights, and begin building a strategic defense immediately.

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.