Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A. – Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyers

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Tampa?

Criminal defense fees in Tampa vary significantly based on the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and whether the matter is likely to proceed to trial. Misdemeanor cases generally cost less than felonies, and state charges typically cost less than federal charges. Most reputable Tampa criminal defense firms, including ours, offer free initial consultations so you can discuss your case and receive a clear fee quote before committing to representation. Beware of attorneys who ...

What is the difference between Orient Road Jail and Falkenburg Road Jail?

Hillsborough County operates two main detention facilities. The Orient Road Jail, located at 1201 Orient Road, primarily houses pretrial detainees, including those awaiting first appearance and bond hearings. The Falkenburg Road Jail, located at 520 N Falkenburg Road in Tampa, houses sentenced inmates and longer-term pretrial detainees. Inmates are often transferred between facilities based on classification, court appearances, and capacity. Both facilities are operated by the Hillsborough Co...

How long does a criminal case take to resolve in Hillsborough County?

The timeline for a Hillsborough County criminal case depends heavily on the charge, the court, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Misdemeanor cases in County Court often resolve within three to six months, while felony cases in Circuit Court typically take six to twelve months. Complex cases involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, scientific evidence, or constitutional motions can take a year or longer. Federal cases at the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse generally take ...

What happens at a first appearance hearing in Tampa?

First appearance, sometimes called an advisory hearing, occurs within twenty-four hours of arrest and is held at the Edgecomb Courthouse. At this hearing, a judge reviews the probable cause for the arrest, advises the defendant of the charges, addresses bond, and may appoint counsel for indigent defendants. First appearance is a critical proceeding because the bond decision made here often determines whether you remain in custody for the duration of your case. Having an experienced attorney p...

Will my Tampa criminal case be heard at the Edgecomb Courthouse?

Most state criminal cases in Tampa are heard at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse located at 800 East Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa. Misdemeanor cases proceed through County Court, while felony cases are heard in Circuit Court, both housed within the Edgecomb Courthouse. Federal cases involving Tampa-area defendants are heard at the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse on North Florida Avenue. Our attorneys appear regularly at both courthouses and are familiar with the procedures, judges...

Can I get my Tampa criminal record sealed or expunged?

Florida law allows for the sealing or expungement of certain criminal records, but eligibility is strictly limited. To qualify, you generally cannot have any prior convictions, you cannot have previously sealed or expunged a record in Florida, and the offense itself must be eligible under Florida Statute 943.0585 or 943.059. Charges that resulted in a withhold of adjudication may be eligible for sealing, while charges that were dismissed or resulted in a no-information filing may be eligible ...

What is the RIDR program and do I qualify?

The Reducing Impaired Driving Recidivism program is a diversion option offered by the State Attorney’s Office for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, available to certain first-time DUI offenders in Hillsborough County. Successful completion allows the original DUI charge to be reduced to reckless driving, which carries far fewer long-term consequences. Eligibility requires a first DUI offense, no accident or injury, a BAC below specific thresholds, and the absence of certain aggravating f...

Do I have to talk to police if they want to question me in Tampa?

You are not required to answer questions from law enforcement, and exercising your right to remain silent cannot legally be used against you in court. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Florida Constitution both protect your right against self-incrimination. If officers approach you for questioning, whether at your home, your workplace, or after a traffic stop, you can clearly state that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak wi...