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

Understanding Florida Criminal Charges and Penalties: What Tampa Defendants Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jun 23, 2026 | Criminal Law

Facing a criminal charge in Florida can be frightening, confusing, and overwhelming. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, the outcome of your case may affect your freedom, your record, your job, your driver’s license, your reputation, and your future opportunities. For many people, one of the first questions after an arrest is simple: “How serious is this charge?” The answer depends on how the offense is classified under Florida law, the facts of the case, your prior criminal history, whether aggravating factors are alleged, and the penalties attached to the specific...

The Role of Mitigating Factors in a Florida Criminal Case

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

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...

Understanding Florida Double Jeopardy Law: Can You Be Tried Twice for the Same Crime in Tampa?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jun 10, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Criminal Law

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...

How Florida DUI Diversion Programs Work

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jun 3, 2026 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

A DUI charge in Florida can create serious concern for anyone accused of driving under the influence. Even a first offense may expose a person to jail time, driver’s license suspension, court costs, fines, community service, court-ordered classes, vehicle-related penalties, and higher insurance rates. A DUI is not just a traffic ticket. It is a criminal charge, and a DUI conviction in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged. For some people facing a DUI charge, a diversion program may offer a way to avoid a DUI conviction. Diversion is not available in every case, and it is not guaranteed just...

Do Minors Have Constitutional Rights in Florida Juvenile Criminal Cases?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 27, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Criminal Law

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...

Why Confidentiality Matters When Speaking With a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 19, 2026 | Criminal Law

When someone is facing a criminal charge or believes they are under investigation, one of the most important things they can do is speak honestly with a criminal defense attorney. That honesty is only possible when the client understands attorney-client confidentiality and how to protect it. Most people know that conversations with a lawyer are generally confidential. What many people do not realize is that confidentiality has limits. Mistakes can happen when a person assumes that every conversation about their case is protected simply because a lawyer is involved. For someone facing...

5 signs you could be the target of a federal investigation

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 14, 2026 | Federal Crimes

An unexpected call from a federal agent can disrupt an ordinary day. An interview request or search may also raise concerns about your reputation, finances and business. Federal inquiries often begin quietly. If agents contact you, knowing the warning signs can help you respond with care before the matter grows more serious. Common indicators that prosecutors are building a case Federal cases do not always begin with an arrest. In most white-collar matters, agents first review records. They also interview witnesses and trace financial activity. A target usually faces a more serious position...

Refusing a Breathalyzer in Florida: What Tampa Drivers Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 13, 2026 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

A DUI stop in Florida can move quickly. One moment, a driver is being pulled over. The next, an officer may be asking questions, requesting field sobriety exercises, or asking the driver to submit to a breathalyzer or other chemical test. Many people assume they can simply refuse a breathalyzer and avoid giving the State evidence. In reality, refusing a breathalyzer in Florida can create serious consequences of its own. For anyone facing a DUI investigation in Tampa, understanding Florida’s implied consent law is critical. A refusal may affect your driver’s license, your criminal case, and...

What Is an Injunction in Florida?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 6, 2026 | Criminal Law

When someone hears the word “injunction,” they may think of a restraining order. In Florida, an injunction for protection is the legal term often used for what many people commonly call a restraining order. It is a court order that directs a person to stop certain behavior, avoid contact with another person, or stay away from certain places. Although injunction cases are civil proceedings, they can carry serious consequences. A person who is seeking protection may need the court’s help quickly. A person who has been served with an injunction may face restrictions that affect their home,...

Can a Passenger Be Charged With DUI in Florida? A Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Explains

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 29, 2026 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

If you were riding in a car with someone who was pulled over for suspected drunk driving, you may be wondering whether a passenger can also face DUI charges. This is a common question after a late-night traffic stop, especially when law enforcement is trying to sort out who was driving and what happened before the stop. For anyone searching for answers, understanding how Florida law treats passengers is important. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we help people facing criminal charges understand what the state must prove and what defenses may be available. In many cases, a...