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

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...

Should You Represent Yourself in a Tampa Criminal Case?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Mar 18, 2026 | Criminal Law

When you are facing criminal charges in Tampa, it is natural to look for ways to protect yourself, control the process, and save money. One question many people ask early on is whether they should represent themselves instead of hiring a lawyer. While Florida law allows you to appear in court on your own behalf, that does not mean it is the right choice. For most people, representing yourself in a criminal case is a serious risk. Even charges that seem minor at first can lead to lasting consequences, including jail time, probation, fines, a permanent criminal record, and damage to your job...

Are insider trading and securities fraud criminal charges common?

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Mar 13, 2026 | White Collar Crimes

Many people have only heard of insider trading and securities fraud in the movies. However, these charges are a frequent reality in the federal legal system. Government agencies have significantly increased their surveillance of financial markets over the last decade. As a result, individuals in various industries now find themselves under intense scrutiny for actions they once considered routine. The frequency of federal financial prosecutions Securities fraud is far from rare in the United States. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) collaborate...

When Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult in Florida?

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Mar 10, 2026 | Criminal Charges

When a child is arrested, most parents assume the case will remain in the juvenile justice system. In Florida, that is not always the case. In some situations, a juvenile can be prosecuted in adult court and face penalties that are far more serious than those typically imposed in juvenile proceedings. For families in Tampa, this can be a terrifying development because an adult prosecution can affect a child’s freedom, criminal record, education, and future opportunities. Understanding when a juvenile can be tried as an adult in Florida is important for any parent whose child has been accused...

Why a local attorney may not be enough for federal charges

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Mar 6, 2026 | Federal Crimes

Facing federal criminal charges can feel stressful, especially when the case involves several states. Many people think a trusted local attorney who handles state cases will be enough. However, federal cases are often more complex than local ones. They may involve different agencies, courts and legal rules. How federal cases cross state lines Federal crimes often involve actions that affect more than one state. For example, investigators may look into internet fraud, drug trafficking or other crimes involving funds moving across state lines. Because these actions cross state borders, federal...

7 Critical Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI Arrest in Tampa, FL

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Mar 4, 2026 | Dui

A DUI arrest is one of the most stressful and unsettling experiences you can face. In the moments after being pulled over or taken into custody, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. But the decisions you make in the hours and days following your arrest can significantly shape the outcome of your case — including your freedom, driver’s license, and future opportunities. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we help people in Tampa and the surrounding communities navigate the complex Florida DUI process with skill and strategic legal advocacy....

Understanding Plea Agreements in Florida: How Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group Advocates for Your Rights

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

When you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Tampa, Florida, understanding your legal options is crucial. One of the most important decisions you might face early in your case is whether to enter into a plea agreement. For many defendants, this choice can dramatically affect the outcome of their case and their future. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys know how to evaluate plea offers, negotiate assertively, and guide clients toward informed decisions that protect their rights and interests. What Is a Plea Agreement? In the U.S....