Tampa Criminal Defense Blog

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Hillsborough County, one of the first and most important steps in the process is the first appearance hearing. Understanding how this hearing works can make a critical difference in protecting your rights and securing a favorable outcome.

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.

In State v. Scott Florida's 2nd DCA held that an information for resisting an officer without violence is sufficient if it tracks the statutory language and provides basic notice of the charge. Courts should not require excessive factual detail at the charging stage.

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.

In Page v. State, No. 2D2023-1850 (Fla. 2d DCA Mar. 25, 2026), Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal addressed sentencing errors arising from a drive-by shooting prosecution.

On 03/25/2026 the 2nd DCA reversed Jordan's convictions, holding that the trial court abused its discretion by denying a motion for continuance after the defendant retained private counsel and committed reversible error by failing to conduct a required faretta inquiry after the defendant unequivocally invoked his right to self-representation.

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.

Client found not guilty of Solicitation to Commit Human Trafficking based on successful presentation of Florida's entrapment defense.

This breakdown of Florida's "entrapment" defense is means to be a resource for both defendants and practitioners dealing with criminal cases in Florida in which an entrapment defense may apply.

In October of 2025, Florida's Second District Court of Appeal sent shockwaves through the criminal law community by changing course on the longstanding precedent that the odor of cannabis alone was sufficient to establish probable cause.

Verdict Alert - Not Guilty on all Felony Charges (03/27/2026) - 25CF017267

This is a breakdown of criminal violation of probation laws and procedures in the State of Florida.