Florida Criminal Defense Blog | Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group

Can Buying Cold Medicine Lead to Meth Precursor Charges in Florida?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Oct 6, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Drug Crimes

Buying cold medicine is an ordinary activity for millions of people. Products containing pseudoephedrine and similar ingredients are commonly used to treat congestion, allergies, and sinus problems. In Florida, however, these medications are closely regulated because pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and certain other substances can also be used as precursor chemicals in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. For someone who becomes the target of an investigation, an otherwise routine pharmacy purchase can suddenly become part of a much more serious criminal case. If law enforcement believes...

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Tampa Criminal Cases

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Sep 30, 2026 | Criminal Law

Criminal cases can involve complicated evidence that is difficult for judges, jurors, and defendants to understand without specialized knowledge. DNA testing, medical evidence, chemical testing, financial records, fingerprints, ballistics, and mental health evaluations are just a few examples of evidence that may require expert analysis. In these situations, an expert witness can play an important role in a criminal case. While not every criminal defense case requires an expert, the right expert may help a defense attorney analyze technical evidence, challenge the prosecution’s conclusions,...

What to Do If You’re Pulled Over for DUI in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Sep 22, 2026 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

Being pulled over by police can be stressful, especially if an officer suspects you have been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even if you believe you are sober, a DUI traffic stop can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal charges and the suspension of your driver’s license. Knowing how to handle a DUI stop in Florida can help you avoid unnecessary complications while protecting your legal rights. Your actions during the traffic stop, your interactions with law enforcement, and the decisions you make following an arrest can all affect your case. If you are...

Benefits and Risks of Accepting a Plea Deal in Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Sep 16, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Criminal Law

If you have been charged with a crime in Tampa, Florida, you may eventually be presented with a plea deal. A plea agreement can offer a way to resolve a criminal case without going to trial, but accepting one is a significant decision. Before agreeing to a plea deal, it is important to understand both the potential advantages and the consequences. A plea offer generally involves the prosecution communicating what penalty or resolution it is willing to accept in exchange for resolving the case before trial. The terms of a plea agreement can vary considerably depending on the circumstances,...

What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DUI in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Sep 7, 2026 | Criminal Law, Dui, Vehicular Crimes

Being pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence can be stressful and intimidating. What you say and do during a DUI traffic stop may also have important consequences for what happens next. Whether you have been drinking or not, knowing how to respond to law enforcement while protecting your rights can help prevent an already difficult situation from becoming worse. If you are pulled over for DUI in Tampa, remaining calm, understanding your rights, and knowing your obligations are important. If the stop results in an arrest, speaking with a Tampa DUI defense attorney as soon as...

Why is waiting not a good option in a domestic violence case?

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Sep 3, 2026 | Criminal Charges

When people discuss domestic violence, the conversation almost always centers on the alleged victim. But what about those who are falsely accused? There is rarely any focus on those carrying the weight of false accusations and the stigma and uncertain future that follows. If you're facing assault or domestic violence allegations, sitting back and waiting for your court date may feel like the safe choice. In reality, though, it puts your future at serious risk. Acting early and strategically makes all the difference. Paint a balanced picture with mitigating factors Mitigating circumstances...

Why Confidentiality With Your Criminal Defense Attorney Matters in Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Sep 2, 2026 | Criminal Law

When you are facing criminal charges or believe you may be under investigation, deciding what to say—and who to say it to—can have a major impact on your situation. Most people understand that conversations with a criminal defense attorney are generally confidential. What is less commonly understood is how that confidentiality works, what can cause it to be lost, and why protecting private communications is so important. If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa, understanding attorney-client confidentiality can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes while your criminal defense attorney works...

Florida Double Jeopardy Law: When Can You Be Prosecuted Twice for the Same Crime?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Aug 25, 2026 | Criminal Law

If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa, Florida, you may have heard the term “double jeopardy.” Most people understand the basic idea: the government generally cannot keep prosecuting someone for the same crime after the case has already been resolved. However, Florida double jeopardy law can be more complicated than that simple definition suggests. The protection against double jeopardy can prevent a person from being prosecuted again after an acquittal or conviction, and it can also prevent multiple punishments for the same offense. At the same time, there are important circumstances...

How to Choose the Right DUI Defense Attorney in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Aug 17, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Dui, Vehicular Crimes

Being arrested for driving under the influence can create immediate uncertainty about your license, your freedom, your finances, and your future. A DUI conviction in Florida can be costly and may carry significant long-term consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the case, those consequences can become even more serious. That makes choosing the right Tampa DUI defense attorney an important decision. There are many criminal defense lawyers in the Tampa area, but not every attorney has the same background, courtroom experience, or approach to DUI cases. Before hiring a lawyer, it is...

What Does Withhold of Adjudication Mean in Florida?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Aug 11, 2026 | Criminal Law

When a person faces criminal charges in Tampa, the case does not always end with a traditional conviction, dismissal, or not-guilty verdict. Florida courts may sometimes use an alternative outcome known as a withhold of adjudication, also called adjudication withheld. These two terms mean the same thing. A withhold of adjudication allows a judge to impose a sentence without formally convicting the defendant of the criminal offense. This outcome can provide significant benefits, but it also carries obligations, risks, and possible long-term consequences. Anyone considering a plea agreement...