Criminal Law Deep Dives

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.

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.