Since 1977, Trombley & Hanes, P.A., and its trusted Tampa criminal defense lawyers have operated from its original location in the historic Tampa Theatre Building, providing full-service state and federal legal defense strategies for individuals and businesses in Florida and throughout the U.S.

Our Hillsborough County, criminal defense attorneys provide our clients with the legal advantage of viewing their cases from both sides of the courtroom. With decades of combined experience at both state and federal levels, including a team comprised of a former Assistant United States Attorney, an Assistant Hillsborough State Attorney, and an Assistant Pinellas County State Attorney, our law firm represents clients facing federal grand jury investigations and trials, state criminal charges, regulatory investigations, business crimes, torts, and complex civil litigation with distinction.

When searching for a skilled criminal defense attorney, your risk of exposure and the penalties associated with the accusations waged against you or your company can be overwhelming. Allow our talented defense lawyers to assess your case, outline your rights and options, and explain all potential legal strategies based on how your unique circumstances align with state and federal laws.

Trombley & Hanes provides insightful and practical advice bolstered by our intrepid team with over 110 years of combined skill and dynamic legal experience to produce actual results for your case — just as we have for hundreds of clients before you. Do not let the fear of the unknown overwhelm you. Contact our Florida criminal defense attorneys for help today.

Trombley & Hanes Tampa, Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers

Trombley & Hanes is equally qualified and committed to representing clients in response to state criminal investigations by local law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial offices, including agencies in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk Counties, and the surrounding communities, and complex state and federal investigations, arrests, and charges brought by U.S. Attorneys.

Our Florida, Tampa criminal defense attorneys represent clients throughout the state of Florida in the following ways:

• Federal grand jury investigations.
• Administrative and regulatory actions.
• Complex white-collar crimes, including antitrust, embezzlement, money laundering, bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, racketeering, and conspiracy.
• Defense contracting crimes.
• Government fraud, including bribery and illegal kickbacks.
• State criminal and civil matters, including DUI charges, administrative investigations before the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, drug offenses, theft, and fraud.
• Internet crimes, including child pornography and child enticement.
• False claims against the government, including healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, and private qui tam whistleblower lawsuits.
• Civil litigation and disputes involving two or more parties seeking monetary damages or specific performance.
• Civil and criminal asset seizure and forfeiture cases.
• CARES Act fraud investigations/charges for COVID-19, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
• Immigration violations.
• Juvenile crimes.
• Maritime offenses.
• Opioid defense strategies for Pharmaceutical Companies, doctors, and pharmacists.
• Personal injury cases.
• State and federal extradition matters.
• Sex Crimes
• Domestic Violence, Cyberstalking Crimes and Injunctions

Whether you are an individual or organization facing criminal or civil legal action, your reputation, finances, and potential freedom are all at risk when an investigation begins or when an arrest occurs. Contact our skilled Florida state and federal defense lawyers today to learn how we can protect you from the risks associated with these accusations so that you can take back control of your life.

What is the Difference Between Federal and State Criminal Charges in Florida?

The Florida criminal and civil defense attorneys at Trombley & Hanes have over 110 years of combined experience representing individuals and organizations investigated for and charged with state and federal crimes — and those that overlapped in both jurisdictions.

The first difference between state and federal criminal cases is the parties involved in the investigation, arrest, charges, and prosecution.

• For state crimes, city police, county sheriffs, or Florida law enforcement will make the arrest, gather evidence, and build the case while local prosecutors pursue the charges. Common state crimes include but are not limited to, driving under the influence, certain drug offenses, and theft.
• For federal crimes, law enforcement in charge of the arrest will be from federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), or the S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), among others. Instead of local prosecutors, U.S. Attorneys pursuing a federal criminal conviction will lead the prosecution. Common federal crimes may include, but are not limited to, drug trafficking, bank robbery, acts of terror, wire fraud, racketeering, and sexual exploitation of children.

Another significant difference is that federal crimes carry much harsher penalties than state criminal charges, which may include federal prison sentences and steep fines. If you or your organization has been charged with a Florida state or federal crime, it is critical that you have a team of experienced defense attorneys by your side to help ensure you have the legal skills, resources, and knowledge necessary to pursue the best outcome. That is why we are here.

Contact our Tampa criminal defense lawyers today to discuss your case.

Can I Avoid Official Criminal Charges from Being Filed Against Me or My Company?

At Trombley & Hanes, our trusted federal and state criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to produce the best outcome for each of our client’s unique cases. Sometimes, that means using our expertise to influence what charges are brought against our clients or challenging how an arrest was made to keep charges from being filed in the first place.

Our skilled legal professionals counsel clients making grand jury appearances and assist with ancillary matters ranging from extradition to forfeiture proceedings, so our clients are protected from the start of their cases — even when there is no case.

Being convicted of a crime can have profound consequences, including prison time, significant fines and fees, and a loss of future opportunities. At Trombley & Hanes, our Tampa criminal lawyers are here to advocate for you and protect your best interests throughout the process — no matter which state prosecutor or federal U.S. Attorney manages your case.

Have You Been Accused of a State or Federal Crime in Florida? We Can Help.

Our Tampa criminal defense lawyers at Trombley & Hanes will provide you with superior legal representation throughout your criminal case.

If you are arrested or receive a notice to appear in court from a Tampa law enforcement officer, the first thing that you should do is contact an attorney who can advise you of your rights and make sure that your rights are not violated from the start.

That includes providing precise legal representation during your:

• First appearance. After being arrested, you will have your first appearance in court within 48 hours. During this time, the charges against you will be read, the court will set bail, and the court will see if you have legal counsel.
• Preliminary hearing. The preliminary hearing is one of the most important in the criminal defense process. During this time, prosecutors will need to present the evidence that they have; there must be sufficient evidence for probable cause. As your lawyer, our job will be to dispute the evidence and argue that it does not show probable cause and that the charges against you should be dropped.
• Plea bargaining. If the case moves forward, the next step will be plea bargaining. The goal here is for the parties to work together to reach a plea deal—a bargain where the defendant pleads guilty to the crime in exchange for some concession from the prosecution, such as a reduction in charges. During this time, formal charges against the defendant will be read, and the defendant will enter their guilty or not guilty plea. If you plead guilty, the case will commence with sentencing.

Trial and sentencing. If you have pleaded “not guilty” to the charges against you, you have the right to a trial. While having an attorney at all steps in the process is essential, this is the time when it is perhaps the most critical.

Contact Our Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tampa, Florida, for Help Today

When you are facing criminal charges and the potential consequences of a conviction, you need a skilled Tampa criminal defense lawyer by your side from the beginning. Do not let state or federal law enforcement intimidate you into providing a statement before you have an attorney to protect your best interests. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. Invoke both and contact our trusted criminal defense lawyers in Florida, who have been producing actual results for real people for more than 110 combined years.

Contact us at 813-229-7918 or online to schedule a consultation to learn more.

Related Links:-

• Stages In A Florida Criminal Proceeding: What To Know
• What is “Hearsay” in A Florida Criminal Trial?
• What To Know About The Right To Appeal in Florida Criminal Cases
• What is “Hearsay” in A Florida Criminal Trial?