Clearwater Criminal Defense Law Blog

If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Tampa, Florida, and believe mistakes were made during your trial, you still have options. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, we understand how overwhelming a conviction or harsh sentence can feel. The appeal process provides a way to challenge parts of your case—if specific legal errors occurred. Knowing how this works empowers you to make informed decisions about your future. What Is an Appeal? An appeal is not a second trial. Instead, it's a review of your trial record to determine whether errors were made—by the prosecutor, the trial judge, or...

If you’ve been served with an injunction (also called a restraining order or protective order) in Tampa, the next few days matter. An injunction can affect where you live, who you can contact, your ability to carry firearms, your employment, and even child-timesharing arrangements. Below is a plain-English guide to how Florida injunctions work, what to expect at the hearing, and how the defense team at Brunvand & Wise Law Group helps protect your rights. What is an injunction? An injunction is a civil court order designed to prevent harassment, violence, or credible threats of harm....

When you are accused of a crime in Tampa, the first question is simple: where were you when it happened? If the truthful answer is “somewhere else,” an alibi can be the centerpiece of your defense. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our Tampa criminal defense attorneys use alibi evidence strategically to challenge the State’s timeline, raise reasonable doubt, and protect your record. What counts as an alibi? An alibi is proof that you were not at the scene when the crime occurred. It can come from people who were with you (alibi witnesses) and from neutral records that track your location or...

Facing new charges after a case was dismissed or after a trial can be confusing and frightening. Florida’s double jeopardy protections limit when the State can try you again or stack multiple convictions for the same conduct. Here’s a plain-English guide to how double jeopardy works in Florida courts and what it could mean for your case in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the surrounding area. What is double jeopardy? “Double jeopardy” protects you from: A second prosecution for the same offense after an acquittal, A second prosecution for the same offense after a conviction, and Multiple...