Facing criminal charges in Tampa can put your freedom, career, reputation, and future at risk. Whether you were arrested for DUI, a drug offense, a violent crime, or a serious felony allegation, the decisions you make early can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
Goldman Wetzel represents clients throughout Tampa, Hillsborough County, Brandon, Riverview, South Tampa, and the surrounding Bay area. Our criminal defense team works proactively to protect clients’ rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and build strong defense strategies tailored to each case.
If you have been arrested, contacted by law enforcement, or accused of a crime, speaking with a Tampa criminal defense lawyer as early as possible can make a major difference.
Arrested or Charged in Tampa?
Speak with a criminal defense attorney today.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Tampa
Goldman Wetzel defends clients facing misdemeanor, felony, state, and federal criminal charges throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Domestic Violence
Defense for domestic battery, stalking allegations, injunction violations, and related charges.
Drug Crimes
Representation for possession, trafficking, prescription drug offenses, and controlled substance allegations.
DUI
Defense for impaired driving arrests, breath test allegations, and driver’s license suspension issues.
Federal Crimes
Defense for federal investigations, indictments, conspiracy allegations, and complex criminal prosecutions.
Gun Charges
Representation for firearm possession, concealed carry violations, weapon use, and related criminal allegations.
Restraining Orders
Representation for injunctions, no-contact orders, and allegations that may affect your rights and reputation.
Sealing & Expungement
Help determining whether you may qualify to seal or expunge an eligible Florida criminal record.
Sex Crimes
Defense for sexual battery, lewd conduct, prostitution, child pornography, and internet crime allegations.
Theft Crimes
Defense for theft, burglary, robbery, fraud-related theft, and other property crime allegations.
Violent Crimes
Representation for assault, aggravated battery, homicide, robbery, and violent felony allegations.
White-Collar Crimes
Defense for racketeering, fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crime allegations.
Why Early Legal Intervention Matters
The earlier you involve a Tampa criminal defense attorney, the more opportunities may exist to protect your rights and influence the direction of the case.
Early legal intervention may help with:
- Bond and first appearance hearings
- Police questioning and investigations
- Communication with prosecutors
- Reviewing witness statements and evidence
- Negotiating reduced charges
- Challenging unlawful searches or seizures
In some cases, proactive defense work can weaken the prosecution’s position before formal charges move forward.
Strong Defense Starts Early
Criminal cases often depend on timing, evidence, witness credibility,
and police procedure. Goldman Wetzel works proactively to identify
weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and protect clients at every stage.
Degrees of Criminal Charges in Florida
Florida criminal offenses are generally classified as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies depending on the severity of the allegations and potential penalties.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses but can still carry:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Fines
- A criminal record
Felonies are more serious allegations that may involve:
- Long-term prison exposure
- Significant fines
- Probation and supervision
- Loss of firearm rights
- Permanent criminal records
- Sex offender registration in qualifying cases
The specific penalties a person faces depend on the charge, aggravating circumstances, criminal history, and the evidence involved in the case.
What Happens After an Arrest in Tampa?
After an arrest, law enforcement may begin booking procedures, collect fingerprints and photographs, gather statements, and prepare reports related to the allegations.
Depending on the circumstances, you may then:
- Attend a first appearance hearing
- Address bond or release conditions
- Enter a plea
- Move into the pretrial phase
- Prepare for trial if necessary
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You should avoid answering questions or making statements without legal representation present.
How Goldman Wetzel Helps Criminal Defense Clients
Goldman Wetzel guides clients through every stage of the criminal process, from investigation through trial when necessary.
Our defense team helps clients by:
- Reviewing evidence and police reports
- Investigating the facts and speaking with witnesses
- Attending hearings and court appearances
- Negotiating with prosecutors
- Filing motions to challenge evidence or procedure
- Preparing strong defense strategies for trial
Every criminal case is different. Goldman Wetzel works closely with clients to explain their options, answer questions, and build a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case.
Speak With a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Tampa or Hillsborough County, do not wait to protect yourself. The earlier Goldman Wetzel gets involved, the more options may be available in your defense.
Call today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Tampa criminal defense attorney.