I defend people charged with crimes in Hillsborough County, from misdemeanors in county court to serious felonies in circuit court. My office is on West Columbus Drive in Tampa, a few minutes from the downtown courthouses. The consultation is free. Call me at 813-228-6001.
Where Hillsborough criminal cases are heard
Hillsborough County is the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Felony cases and first appearance hearings are handled at the Criminal Courthouse Annex, 401 N. Jefferson Street in downtown Tampa. Misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases are heard in county court. Some cases from the eastern part of the county are heard at the Plant City Courthouse.
What happens after an arrest in Hillsborough
- First appearance. If you are held in jail, you see a judge within 24 hours of the arrest. The judge looks at whether there was probable cause, sets or reviews bond, and sets conditions of release, such as no contact with an alleged victim.
- Filing decision. The State Attorney’s Office for the Thirteenth Circuit reviews the arrest report and decides what charges to file. That decision can take weeks. What you say during that time matters, so call me before you talk to anyone about the case.
- Arraignment. You are formally told the charges and enter a plea. In many cases I can file a written plea of not guilty so you do not have to appear.
- Pretrial. I get the evidence, take depositions, file motions and negotiate with the prosecutor. Most of the work in a case happens here.
- Trial or resolution. Some cases are dismissed, some are resolved with a reduced charge or a diversion program, and some go to trial.
Charges I defend in Hillsborough County
- DUI, including first offense, repeat DUI and test refusal
- Drug possession and drug trafficking
- Theft, burglary and robbery
- Assault, battery and domestic violence
- Probation violations and driving on a suspended license
- Sealing and expunging a record
Why local experience matters
Every circuit has its own judges, prosecutors, diversion programs and habits. I have practiced criminal defense in the Tampa Bay area for 28 years. Before law school I worked as a probation officer and court representative for the Misdemeanor Probation Office in Tampa, and as a student I interned for Chief Judge Ronald Ficarrotta of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. I know how these cases move in Hillsborough County.
Talk to me first
If you or a family member was arrested in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, call me at 813-228-6001. I will go over the charge, what the State has to prove, and what your options are. The consultation is free.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result.