Frequently Asked Questions

If you have recently been arrested for an offense in the state of Florida, you will most likely be facing criminal charges. After giving your identification information, ask for a lawyer and then do not answer any questions until your legal counselor has arrived. If an attorney gets involved early on, you will have a better chance of avoiding serious penalties such as jail time, fines and more. Your lawyer can also advise you of your rights, help you understand the allegations, tell you which questions to answer, and help protect you from making self-incriminating statements.

If you are being charged with a crime it is strongly advised that you get an attorney immediately after your arrest. In many cases, when defense action is initiated early, there are opportunities to resolve it before the State Attorney files formal charges. The best way to find out what can be done is to contact us as soon as possible after an arrest. Our firm offers a free consultation so that clients can become fully informed on the charges they face.

The unfortunate truth is that yes, you do. Many innocent people are convicted or chose to enter a guilty or no contest plea every day because they don't feel like they have any other option. People are often held in county jail while they wait for the system to make a decision on their case. Often times the person arrested never had their side of the story told before being formally charged by the State Attorney. An experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney can expedite the process to minimize or eliminate pretrial detention and to tell the other side of the story to the State Attorney prior to formal charges being filed. Innocence is not enough to secure your future liberty. You need to have an attorney on your side that knows how to skillfully operate within the system for your defense.

One of the most damaging consequences of being convicted of an offense is having a criminal record. A criminal record can make it very difficult to get a job, secure a loan or scholarship, and obtain housing, but many people are able to find relief through the process of sealing or expunging. If you meet the necessary qualifications, you may be able to free yourself from some of these harsh consequences by filing with the court to have your record sealed or expunged. Contact our firm to discuss your circumstances and find out what options you have to clear your criminal record.

You need someone with ample experience and extensive knowledge in defending criminal cases in court. While the court will provide you with legal representation if you cannot afford to hire a private attorney, this option should not be considered unless absolutely necessary. Public defenders are often overworked and carrying numerous cases at a time, which can make it difficult to provide each client with the comprehensive representation needed to effectively represent their cases.

A private attorney can thoroughly investigate the charges brought against you and work tirelessly to create a detailed and compelling defense to fight for your rights and interests before the court. Our firm has over 20 years of experience in criminal law. Our attorney has received many acknowledgments, such as prosecutor of the year and in being recognized by Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell®. Tim Hessinger has a history as a highly successful prosecutor and brings his experience to every case we take on.