Tampa Criminal Defense

In Florida, repeatedly committing serious traffic offenses can lead to far more than traffic tickets and fines. Drivers who accumulate certain qualifying convictions within a five-year period may be labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender (“HTO”) by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). An HTO designation can result in a five-year driver’s license revocation and expose a person to serious criminal charges if they continue driving afterward. Florida’s Habitual Traffic Offender law is codified in section 322.264 of the Florida Statutes and is designed to target drivers with repeated serious traffic-related offenses. Many people do not realize they have been designated as an HTO until they are pulled over and arrested for driving while their license is revoked. At Hunt Law , we represent drivers throughout the Tampa Bay area who are facing Habitual Traffic Offender revocations, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges ,  Driving While License Suspend...

Florida’s driver’s license points system is designed to track traffic violations and identify drivers who repeatedly commit moving offenses. Every time a driver is convicted of certain traffic violations, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (“FLHSMV”) may assess points against the driver’s license. If too many points are accumulated within a certain period of time, the driver’s license can be suspended. For many drivers in Tampa and throughout Florida, a simple traffic ticket can turn into a much bigger problem than expected. Points can lead not only to license suspensions, but also higher insurance premiums, mandatory driving courses, and long-term consequences for your driving record. Understanding how Florida’s point system works is important if you want to protect your license and avoid costly penalties. How Florida’s Points System Works Under Florida law, points are assigned based on the type and severity of the traffic offense. More serious violations ...

Being arrested for a first DUI in Tampa can feel overwhelming. Many people who have never been in trouble before suddenly find themselves facing criminal charges, a suspended driver’s license , court dates, and uncertainty about what happens next. One of the most common questions people ask after an arrest is simple: Do I really need a lawyer for a first DUI in Tampa? The short answer is yes. Even a first-time DUI charge in Florida can carry serious consequences that affect your freedom, finances, driving privileges, and future opportunities. Hiring an experienced Tampa DUI attorney early in the process can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. A First DUI in Florida Is Still a Serious Criminal Charge Many people mistakenly believe that a first DUI is “not a big deal” because it is often charged as a misdemeanor. In reality, Florida imposes harsh penalties even for a first offense DUI conviction. Under Florida law, a first DUI conviction may result in: Jail...

Being accused of driving at an extremely high rate of speed in Florida can lead to far more than a simple traffic ticket. Under Florida law, certain excessive speeding offenses can result in criminal charges, mandatory court appearances, steep fines , license suspensions, and even jail time. If you were arrested or cited for reckless speeding in the Tampa area, speaking with an experienced Tampa Super Speeder Lawyer as soon as possible can be critical to protecting your license, your record, and your future. At Hunt Law, we represent individuals throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County who are facing serious traffic-related criminal charges, including offenses involving Florida’s “Super Speeder” law . What Is Florida’s Super Speeder Law? Florida’s “Super Speeder” law is codified in Section 316.1922 of the Florida Statutes . The law targets drivers accused of operating a motor vehicle at dangerously excessive speeds on Florida roadways. Under the statute, a person may be charged i...

The Florida Second District Court of Appeal recently issued a noteworthy opinion addressing the limits of the State’s appellate rights in violation of probation (“VOP”) proceedings. In State v. Brady , Case No. 2D2025-0390 (Fla. 2d DCA May 6, 2026), the appellate court dismissed the State’s attempt to appeal a suppression ruling entered during a probation violation case because the underlying affidavit of violation had not been dismissed. For individuals accused of violating probation in Tampa and throughout Florida, the decision highlights an important procedural difference between traditional criminal prosecutions and probation violation proceedings . Facts Behind the Case The case arose after law enforcement conducted a traffic stop involving Christopher Brady. According to the opinion, officers claimed Brady committed a traffic infraction by failing to obey a traffic control device. During the stop, law enforcement allegedly observed Brady attempting to conceal marijuana, whic...

Being arrested in Tampa can feel overwhelming, fast-moving, and confusing. One moment everything is normal—and the next, you are in handcuffs, facing criminal charges, and unsure what comes next. The reality is this: what you do in the first 24 hours after an arrest can significantly impact your case . From what you say to law enforcement to how quickly you contact an attorney, early decisions matter. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect—and what you should (and should not) do—after being arrested in Tampa . Understanding What an Arrest Means An arrest occurs when law enforcement takes you into custody based on probable cause that a crime has been committed. In Florida, an arrest may happen: With a warrant Without a warrant (if officers believe a crime occurred) After a traffic stop or investigation Once arrested, you are no longer free to leave, and the criminal process begins. Step 1: Stay Calm and Do Not Resist No matter how frustrating or unfair the si...

  A Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Explains If you’ve been arrested, searched, or investigated in Florida, one legal concept likely played a central role: probable cause . It is one of the most important protections built into the criminal justice system—and one of the most frequently challenged by experienced defense attorneys . At Hunt Law, understanding whether law enforcement actually had probable cause is often the first step in building a strong defense. What Does “Probable Cause” Mean? In Florida, probable cause is the legal standard that allows police officers to make an arrest, conduct a search, or obtain a warrant . Put simply, probable cause exists when: There are specific facts and circumstances , and Those facts would lead a reasonable person to believe That a crime has been committed and the suspect was involved. It is important to understand what probable cause is not . It is: More than a mere suspicion or hunch , but Less than proof beyond...

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, one of the most important protections you have is the State’s burden of proof . In every criminal case—whether it’s a misdemeanor or a life felony—the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt . This is the highest legal standard in our justice system, and it serves as a critical safeguard against wrongful convictions. Understanding how this burden works can help you better understand your rights—and why having a skilled criminal defense attorney matters. The Presumption of Innocence : Where Every Case Begins In Florida, every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent . This isn’t just a formality—it’s a constitutional protection that shapes the entire case. What does that mean in practice? You do not have to prove your innocence You do not have to testify or present evidence The entire burden rests on the prosecution The State must overcome that presumption of innocence with evidence strong enough to ...