Florida Criminal Defense Blog | Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group

Understanding Criminal Pleas in Florida: A Guide

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jan 7, 2025 | Uncategorized

Facing criminal charges in Florida can be a frightening experience, especially if you’ve never encountered the criminal justice system before. One of the most critical moments in any criminal case is when the defendant is asked, “How do you plead?” This question sets the stage for the next steps in your defense and ultimately influences the outcome of your case. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our experienced Tampa criminal defense attorneys believe that understanding your options is vital. Below, we explore the different types of pleas in Florida, their implications, and how our firm can...

Understanding Juvenile Constitutional Rights in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Dec 30, 2024 | Criminal Law

Navigating the criminal justice system is never easy—especially if your child is involved. One critical aspect many families grapple with is understanding that juveniles have the same constitutional rights as adult defendants. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group in Tampa, Florida, our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is committed to protecting those rights and advocating for positive outcomes in each case. Why Juveniles Have the Same Constitutional Rights In the eyes of the law, every individual—minor or adult—has a set of fundamental rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution....

Common DUI Myths Debunked: Protect Your Rights with Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Dec 25, 2024 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

Facing a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge can be one of the most daunting experiences in your life. Misinformation about DUI cases often leaves individuals confused, uncertain, and fearful of potential consequences. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our Tampa, Florida criminal defense attorneys understand the gravity of these charges. We’re committed to defending your rights and providing clarity, so you can make informed decisions about your legal future. Below, we’ll address some of the most common DUI myths (drawing on insights from Jax Criminal Defense Attorney’s blog post) and...

Can Passengers Be Charged With DUI in Florida?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Dec 16, 2024 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

When most people think of driving under the influence (DUI) charges, their minds immediately focus on the driver of the vehicle. After all, the “D” in DUI stands for “driving.” But what if you’re a passenger? Is it ever possible for a passenger to be charged with DUI in Tampa, Florida? The short answer is generally no—passengers are not directly responsible for operating the vehicle. However, under certain circumstances, a passenger may find themselves entangled in a DUI-related legal issue. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our experienced Tampa criminal defense attorneys want you to...

How a DUI Conviction Can Impact Child Custody and Family Law Matters in Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Dec 11, 2024 | Dui

A DUI conviction in Florida doesn't just carry legal penalties like fines and possible jail time—it can also have profound effects on your family life. If you're a parent facing DUI charges, it's crucial to understand how this can influence child custody arrangements and other family law matters. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, we're committed to helping Tampa residents navigate these complex issues. The Legal Consequences of a DUI in Florida In Florida, driving under the influence is a serious offense. Penalties can include: Fines and Court Costs: Substantial financial penalties that can...

What are the consequences of DUI offenses in school zones?

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Dec 5, 2024 | Dui

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime, but the stakes are even higher when the offense occurs in a school zone. The presence of children and heightened traffic safety concerns mean that DUI charges in school zones carry severe penalties. Increased fines and penalties A DUI offense in a school zone results in significantly increased fines and penalties. The law recognizes that driving impaired in an area where children are present poses a greater risk, and the consequences reflect this. Fines can be double or even triple what they would be for a standard DUI offense. In...

Understanding the Impact of Mental Health and Substance Abuse on Criminal Cases in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Dec 3, 2024 | Criminal Charges, Criminal Law, Drug Charges, Drug Crimes

Brunvand & Wise Law Group: Your Trusted Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys Mental health and substance abuse issues are increasingly prevalent in today's society, and Tampa, Florida, is no exception. These factors often play a significant role in criminal cases, influencing both the circumstances of the alleged offense and the legal strategies employed in defense. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, we understand the complexities surrounding mental health and substance abuse in the criminal justice system. Our experienced Tampa criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing...

Florida’s New Racing on Highways Laws: What Tampa Drivers Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Nov 28, 2024 | Criminal Law, Vehicular Crimes

As of July 1, 2024, Florida has implemented significant changes to its laws regarding racing on highways. These amendments carry serious implications for drivers in Tampa and throughout the state. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, we're committed to keeping our community informed about these legal updates and how they may affect you. Understanding the New Legislation The updated statutes expand the definitions and penalties associated with racing on public roads. Previously, the law primarily targeted organized street racing events. However, the new regulations broaden the scope to include a...

Understanding Sentencing in Florida Criminal Cases: What You Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Nov 20, 2024 | Criminal Law

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Tampa, Florida, understanding the sentencing process is crucial. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your case. In this blog post, we'll break down how sentencing works in Florida criminal cases and what factors can influence the outcome. The Sentencing Phase Explained After a defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty in a Florida criminal case, the court moves to the sentencing phase. This is when the judge determines the appropriate punishment based on...

What If the State Doesn’t Give You a Speedy Trial?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Nov 12, 2024 | Criminal Law

When you're facing criminal charges in Florida, time is of the essence. The stress and uncertainty can be overwhelming, and the last thing you want is for your case to drag on indefinitely. Fortunately, both the United States Constitution and Florida law protect your right to a speedy trial. But what happens when the State doesn't uphold this right? At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, a premier criminal defense firm in Tampa, Florida, we're here to help you understand and navigate this critical aspect of your case. Understanding Your Right to a Speedy Trial in Florida The Sixth Amendment to...