Criminal Law Deep Dives

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.