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

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....

Understanding Common Defenses to Florida Criminal Charges

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Feb 17, 2026 | Criminal Law

Being charged with a crime in Florida can be frightening and overwhelming. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the consequences of a conviction can affect your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. That’s why it’s critical to understand how experienced criminal defense lawyers build strategies to fight charges and protect your rights. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we help clients throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County navigate the complexities of Florida’s criminal justice system and pursue the strongest possible defense. In many criminal...

Appealing a Criminal Conviction in Florida: What Tampa Defendants Need to Know

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

A criminal conviction can feel final, but in Florida, it is not always the end of the road. If you were convicted in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, you may have the right to challenge that outcome through the criminal appeals process. Understanding how appeals work — and acting quickly — can make a meaningful difference in your future. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we help clients evaluate whether an appeal is possible and guide them through this complex legal process. What Is a Criminal Appeal in Florida? A criminal appeal is not a second trial and it is not an...

Understanding Florida’s Double Jeopardy Law: What Tampa Residents Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Feb 3, 2026 | Criminal Law

Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group – Criminal Defense Insights for Potential Clients If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Tampa or elsewhere in Florida, understanding your constitutional protections is critical to protecting your rights. One of the most important—and sometimes misunderstood—protections under both the United States and Florida Constitutions is the prohibition against double jeopardy. This legal safeguard can have a major impact on how your case moves through the justice system and what prosecutors can and cannot do once charges have been filed. What Is...

Guilty vs. Nolo Contendere Pleas in Florida DUI Cases: What Tampa Defendants Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jan 27, 2026 | Dui, Vehicular Crimes

If you are facing a DUI charge in Tampa, Florida, one of the most important decisions you may encounter is how to plead in court. Many people assume their only options are to plead guilty or fight the charge at trial, but Florida law also allows a third option in many cases: nolo contendere, commonly known as a no contest plea. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, we regularly help clients understand how guilty and no contest pleas work in DUI cases and which option may best protect their future. While these pleas can appear similar on the surface, the legal consequences and...

Understanding Withhold of Adjudication in Florida Criminal Cases

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jan 21, 2026 | Criminal Charges, Criminal Law

What It Means for Your Record and Your Future When you are charged with a crime in Florida, the outcome of your case can have long-lasting effects on your life. One legal term that often comes up during criminal proceedings is withhold of adjudication. At Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group, our Tampa criminal defense attorneys regularly help clients understand this option and whether it may be available in their case. A withhold of adjudication can be a powerful tool in Florida criminal cases, but it is often misunderstood. Knowing how it works and why it matters can help you make...

Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa — Even if You’re Considering a Guilty Plea

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jan 14, 2026 | Criminal Law

Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group – Tampa Criminal Defense Insights Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful experiences a person and their family can endure. In many cases, people assume that if they plan to plead guilty — because they believe the evidence is strong or the outcome seems inevitable — there’s no reason to hire an attorney. But that assumption can be costly. Even when a guilty plea feels like the only option, working with an experienced Tampa criminal defense lawyer from Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group can make a significant difference in your...

Were you arrested for drunk driving after a pretext stop?

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jan 8, 2026 | Dui

Being arrested for drunk driving after a pretext stop can be a confusing and intimidating experience. A pretext stop occurs when a police officer pulls a driver over for a minor traffic violation—such as a broken taillight, expired registration or failure to signal—but the real reason for the stop is a suspicion of something more serious, like driving under the influence. While these stops are legal under current constitutional law, they must still be executed following strict standards. If you have recently been arrested for DWI following a pretext stop in Florida, it’s important to...