Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being charged with a crime in Tampa changes things fast. The decisions made in the first days after an arrest can affect how the rest of the case unfolds.
I am attorney Erica Irizarry and at Irizarry DUI & Criminal Defense PLLC, I represent clients facing criminal charges in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco and Pinellas counties. My goal is to make sure you understand what is happening, what your options are and that you have someone in your corner at every stage of the process.
What To Do After An Arrest Or Charge In Florida
The period immediately after an arrest is when mistakes are most likely to happen. You may be asked to give a statement, answer questions or sign documents before you fully understand your situation. Here is what I tell every client:
- Say as little as possible and ask for an attorney. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Use both.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney, including family or friends.
- Write down everything you remember about the arrest, the circumstances leading up to it and anything said by law enforcement.
- Contact a defense attorney before your first court appearance if at all possible.
The earlier I can get involved in your case, the more options we typically have.
Criminal Charges I Handle In Tampa
My practice is focused on the criminal matters that carry the most serious consequences for the people I represent. The three core areas I handle are:
Felony Charges
Felonies in Florida range from third-degree charges carrying up to five years in prison all the way up to life and capital felonies. A conviction affects far more than the sentence itself, following you into employment, housing and civil rights long after the case closes. I handle complex felony matters including violent crimes, drug trafficking and distribution, gun and weapons charges, domestic violence felonies, theft and burglary, white collar crimes and fraud, and federal criminal charges. I also handle related misdemeanor charges, drug possession cases and probation violations that arise alongside or in connection with felony matters.
DUI and DWI
A DUI arrest in Florida moves fast. License consequences, required hearings and court deadlines stack up quickly after an arrest. I represent clients facing DUI and DWI charges in Tampa and surrounding counties and help them understand exactly what they are up against from the start.
If you are facing a charge and are not sure where it falls, call me and I will tell you directly whether I can help.
Familiarity With The Tampa Courts Makes A Difference
Criminal cases in Tampa are handled through the Hillsborough County court system, and the details of how that system operates matter. Knowing the local prosecutors, understanding how judges approach particular charges and being familiar with the procedures at the courthouse all factor into how a case is handled day to day. I practice in Tampa courts regularly and bring that local familiarity to every case I take. That kind of working knowledge does not replace preparation, but it does sharpen it.
Why Communication And Trust Matter In A Criminal Case
One of the most common things I hear from people who have worked with other attorneys is that they felt left in the dark. They did not know what was happening, could not get a callback, or found out about a hearing at the last minute. When I take on a case, I keep you informed throughout. You will know where things stand, what is coming next and what I am doing about it. I work in Tampa courts regularly and know the local system well enough to use that knowledge for your benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense In Tampa
Below are answers to questions I hear most often from people facing charges in Tampa and across Hillsborough County.
What should I do if I have been arrested or charged with a crime in Tampa?
Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Before that, exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present, even if the questions seem routine. Anything you say can be used against you, and statements made before you have legal counsel often become part of the prosecution’s case. Once you have an attorney, I can assess the charges, review the evidence and start building a response.
What types of criminal cases does a criminal defense lawyer handle?
Criminal defense attorneys handle the full range of state and federal charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. My practice in Tampa covers drug crimes, violent crimes, gun charges, domestic violence, theft, white collar crimes, DUI and federal matters. Every client facing charges deserves someone who will review the facts carefully and build the strongest defense the circumstances allow.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor or first-time criminal charge?
Yes. Even charges that appear minor can result in a conviction that stays on your record and carries real penalties. First-time offenders sometimes assume the system will go easy on them without representation. I handle misdemeanor cases in Tampa and can help you understand your options, including whether diversion, dismissal or other resolutions may be available.
Contact A Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco or Pinellas counties, do not wait to get legal guidance. Call Irizarry DUI & Criminal Defense PLLC at 656-206-0609 or send me a message to schedule a consultation. I will review your situation and tell you honestly what your options are. Se habla español.