Criminal Law Deep Dives

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.

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.

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 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.

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, one of the first questions is often: “Will I be able to bond out of jail?” In many cases, the answer is yes. However, under Florida law, certain defendants may be held in jail without bond through a process known as pretrial detention.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, one of the most important laws that will immediately affect your case is Florida’s Implied Consent Law, codified in Florida Statute § 316.1932. Understanding how this law works, and the consequences of refusing testing, is critical to protecting your driver’s license and your defense.

If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, one of the most important distinctions you will hear from your attorney is the difference between an “adjudication of guilt” and a “withhold of adjudication.” At Hunt Law, this distinction is critical. It can affect your criminal record, your civil rights, your employment opportunities, and even your eligibility for sealing or expungement.

If you’ve been charged with a first-time DUI in Hillsborough County, Florida, you may have heard about the Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism (RIDR) program. This diversion-style initiative, created by the Office of the State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit, can provide a path to avoid a DUI conviction, but only if you meet strict eligibility requirements and complete specific conditions.

For individuals in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County, understanding the difference between sealing and expungement (and knowing how to properly pursue each) is critical. Just as important is having an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney guide you through the process to avoid costly mistakes and delays.

If you are arrested for DUI in Florida, your driver’s license can be immediately suspended, even before your criminal case is resolved. This is known as an administrative license suspension (ALS), and it is handled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), not the criminal court.

If you’re facing felony charges in Florida, one of the most important, and often misunderstood, factors in your case is the Criminal Punishment Code (CPC) scoresheet. This document plays a critical role in determining the sentence you may face if convicted.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, the potential consequences extend beyond jail or probation. Under Florida Statute 775.083, courts are authorized to impose significant financial penalties, often in addition to other punishments. These fines can quickly add up, and understanding how they work is critical to protecting your rights and your future.

Article I, Section 16 establishes constitutional rights for both criminal defendants and crime victims in Florida, with Marcy’s Law (subsection b and related provisions) significantly expanding and enforcing victims’ rights.

This is designed to be a comprehensive guide for defendants and practitioners, providing an in-depth look at the law and procedures surrounding criminal restitution hearings in Florida.

Florida’s “10/20/Life” law (codified in section 775.087, Florida Statutes) is one of the toughest sentencing laws in the state. It imposes strict mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain felony offenses involving firearms or destructive devices. If you are charged with a qualifying offense, the consequences can be severe, immediate, and largely non-negotiable without skilled legal intervention.

Florida’s PRR statute is one of the harshest sentencing schemes in the state. It strips judges of most discretion and requires maximum mandatory sentences for certain defendants who reoffend shortly after release from custody.

If you are facing sex offender registration requirements or have been charged with failure to register in Tampa or the surrounding areas, you need immediate legal guidance. These cases move quickly, and early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome.

When you’re charged with a crime involving force, such as battery or assault, Florida law provides a powerful defense: the justifiable use (or threatened use) of non-deadly force. Understanding how this defense works can make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. Here’s a clear breakdown of how Florida juries are instructed to evaluate this defense—and what it means for your case.

Florida’s Stand Your Ground law provides powerful legal protections for individuals who are forced to defend themselves or others. However, these protections are not automatic, and they are often misunderstood.