Clearwater Criminal Defense Law Blog

If you have been charged with a crime in Florida, there is a strong possibility that the prosecutor may offer a plea deal at some point in your case. A plea deal, sometimes called a plea agreement or plea offer, is a proposed resolution that allows a criminal case to end without going to trial. In many cases, the prosecution offers certain terms, such as reduced charges, dismissed charges, or a more predictable sentence, in exchange for a guilty or no contest plea. For someone facing criminal charges in Tampa, a plea offer can feel like a relief. It may provide a clear path forward and...

When someone is facing criminal charges in Florida, the outcome of the case may depend on much more than the charge itself. The facts surrounding the alleged offense, the person’s background, their role in the incident, and their actions before and after the case began may all matter. These details are often referred to as mitigating factors, and they can play an important role in plea negotiations, sentencing, and the overall strategy used by a Tampa criminal defense attorney. Mitigation generally means reducing the negative impact of something. In a criminal case, mitigating factors are...

When facing criminal charges in Tampa, one of the most important protections available under the law is the right against double jeopardy. Many people have heard the phrase “double jeopardy,” but its actual meaning can be more complicated than it first appears. In some situations, the government cannot prosecute or punish a person again for the same offense. In other situations, additional charges or even another trial may be legally allowed. Understanding how Florida double jeopardy law works can help defendants recognize when their constitutional rights may be at issue. Because the...

When a child is accused of committing a crime in Florida, the experience can be frightening and confusing for the entire family. Parents may wonder whether their child has the same legal protections as an adult, whether the case will stay in juvenile court, and what steps they should take to protect their child’s future. Although juvenile delinquency proceedings are different from adult criminal cases, minors still have many important constitutional rights. For families in Tampa, understanding these rights is a critical first step. Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group represents clients...