Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Riverview, FL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Riverview, Florida?

  The non-emergency number for the Riverview Sheriff's Station is (813) 672-7822.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Riverview, Florida?

  Riverview, Florida falls under the jurisdiction of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). For a copy of police reports, a request letter may be mailed to P. O. Box 3371 Tampa, Florida 33601 or requested in person at the Records Section of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Freddie Solomon Annex, 1900 East 9th Avenue Tampa, Florida 33605. The office is open from Mondays to Fridays, 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

• What happens if you have committed a serious crime in Riverview but you currently live in a different state?

  If you are arrested while visiting Riverview, you will be detained and remain in custody until trial. In addition, you are subjected to extradition in your home state and brought back to Riverview if you have committed a serious, violent crime and a felony arrest warrant has been issued against you. You must remember that you must follow the laws of the state where the crime happened, not the laws of the state where you live.

• Is there a way to seal your arrest records in Riverview?

  Yes. You can only seal one arrest record or multiple arrests in Riverview that are directly connected. If you have already finished sealing or expunging your record for another arrest, you will not be qualified to have a new record sealed. Criminal records involving convictions for serious offenses like domestic violence, child abuse, arson, homicide, kidnapping, and child pornography are also not eligible for sealing.

• What happens when your criminal records are sealed in Riverview?

  Your sealed record in Riverview will not be accessible to the general public and won't appear on a prospective employer's criminal background check. It means you can legally deny the arrests in the sealed record except when applying for immigration, bar admission, or employment with a criminal justice agency. Only judges, criminal justice agencies, and some government bodies will have access to your records.

• What are the criminal penalties for felonies in Riverview?

  Riverview follows Florida's criminal sentencing guidelines, which make capital felonies punishable by death with no fines applicable. For life felonies, you may receive a lifetime prison sentence or a maximum fine of $15,000 and jail time. Alternatively, first, second, and third-degree felonies are punishable by 30, 15, and 5 years imprisonment or fines between $5,000 and $10,000 and jail time.

• What circumstances may result in the dismissal of a criminal charge in Riverview?

  The grounds for dismissing criminal charges include being able to prove constitutional rights violation in the arrest and unlawful seizure of evidence. If there are no other pieces of evidence that link you to the crime aside from the ones unlawfully obtained, the charges may then be subsequently dismissed.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.