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

Why Confidentiality Matters When Speaking With a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 19, 2026 | Criminal Law

When someone is facing a criminal charge or believes they are under investigation, one of the most important things they can do is speak honestly with a criminal defense attorney. That honesty is only possible when the client understands attorney-client confidentiality and how to protect it. Most people know that conversations with a lawyer are generally confidential. What many people do not realize is that confidentiality has limits. Mistakes can happen when a person assumes that every conversation about their case is protected simply because a lawyer is involved. For someone facing...

5 signs you could be the target of a federal investigation

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 14, 2026 | Federal Crimes

An unexpected call from a federal agent can disrupt an ordinary day. An interview request or search may also raise concerns about your reputation, finances and business. Federal inquiries often begin quietly. If agents contact you, knowing the warning signs can help you respond with care before the matter grows more serious. Common indicators that prosecutors are building a case Federal cases do not always begin with an arrest. In most white-collar matters, agents first review records. They also interview witnesses and trace financial activity. A target usually faces a more serious position...

Refusing a Breathalyzer in Florida: What Tampa Drivers Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 13, 2026 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

A DUI stop in Florida can move quickly. One moment, a driver is being pulled over. The next, an officer may be asking questions, requesting field sobriety exercises, or asking the driver to submit to a breathalyzer or other chemical test. Many people assume they can simply refuse a breathalyzer and avoid giving the State evidence. In reality, refusing a breathalyzer in Florida can create serious consequences of its own. For anyone facing a DUI investigation in Tampa, understanding Florida’s implied consent law is critical. A refusal may affect your driver’s license, your criminal case, and...

What Is an Injunction in Florida?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 6, 2026 | Criminal Law

When someone hears the word “injunction,” they may think of a restraining order. In Florida, an injunction for protection is the legal term often used for what many people commonly call a restraining order. It is a court order that directs a person to stop certain behavior, avoid contact with another person, or stay away from certain places. Although injunction cases are civil proceedings, they can carry serious consequences. A person who is seeking protection may need the court’s help quickly. A person who has been served with an injunction may face restrictions that affect their home,...

Can a Passenger Be Charged With DUI in Florida? A Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Explains

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 29, 2026 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

If you were riding in a car with someone who was pulled over for suspected drunk driving, you may be wondering whether a passenger can also face DUI charges. This is a common question after a late-night traffic stop, especially when law enforcement is trying to sort out who was driving and what happened before the stop. For anyone searching for answers, understanding how Florida law treats passengers is important. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we help people facing criminal charges understand what the state must prove and what defenses may be available. In many cases, a...

How Florida DUI Diversion Programs Work: What Tampa Drivers Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 21, 2026 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

A DUI arrest in Florida can create immediate stress and long-term consequences. Even a first offense can lead to serious penalties, including jail time, driver’s license suspension, fines, court costs, required classes, community service, and vehicle-related penalties. A DUI can also bring indirect consequences, such as higher insurance costs and possible professional or administrative problems. For many people, the biggest concern is the criminal conviction itself, especially because a DUI conviction in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged. That is why many people facing a DUI charge want...

How Mental Health and Substance Abuse Can Affect a Criminal Case in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 15, 2026 | Criminal Law, Drug Charges, Drug Crimes

When people think about mental health in a criminal case, they often think only about the insanity defense. While that defense does exist in Florida, it is only one small part of a much larger issue. In reality, mental health conditions and substance abuse problems can affect a criminal case in many different ways. For many people facing charges, these issues may help explain what happened, shape the options available in court, and influence the outcome of the case. For anyone charged with a crime, this is not a minor detail. Mental health and substance abuse concerns can have a direct...

Seven Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI Arrest in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 7, 2026 | Dui

A DUI arrest can leave you feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, and unsure of what comes next. In those first hours and days, it is easy to make choices that can hurt your case, affect your driving privileges, and create problems that could have been avoided. For anyone facing a DUI charge in the Tampa area, the steps taken immediately after an arrest matter. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we understand that people often make mistakes after a DUI arrest because they are scared and under pressure. The good news is that avoiding a few common errors can put you in a much better...

Do Juveniles Have the Same Constitutional Rights as Adults in Florida?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Mar 31, 2026 | Criminal Law

When a child is accused of a crime, parents often have immediate questions about what happens next and what rights their child still has. In Florida, juvenile cases are handled differently from adult criminal cases, but that does not mean minors lose basic constitutional protections. In many important ways, juveniles still have strong legal rights that must be respected throughout the delinquency process. For families facing this situation, understanding those rights can make a major difference. A knowledgeable Tampa, Florida criminal defense attorney can help protect a child’s future by...

Understanding Double Jeopardy in Florida: What Tampa Defendants Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Mar 25, 2026 | Criminal Law

If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa, Florida, you may have heard the term double jeopardy and wondered how it could affect your case. Many people assume it simply means the government cannot try a person twice for the same situation. While that is partly true, the law is more nuanced than most people realize. For anyone accused of a crime, understanding double jeopardy is important because it can impact how charges are filed, whether multiple punishments are allowed, and when the government may or may not be able to continue prosecuting a case. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law...