Clearwater Criminal Defense Law Blog

Facing criminal charges in Tampa, Florida can be one of the most stressful and consequential times in your life. Among the earliest decisions you’ll need to make — often at your arraignment — is what plea to enter. In Florida, there are four primary types of pleas a defendant can make: not guilty, guilty, nolo contendere (no contest), or remaining mute. Each has important legal consequences and should be considered carefully with the guidance of experienced counsel. Why the Plea You Choose Matters Your plea determines the course of your case. It affects your rights, your options, and your...

When you face criminal charges, even the legal jargon alone can feel like a mountain to climb. One term that often causes confusion is “withhold of adjudication” (also called “adjudication withheld”). For many defendants in Florida, this can be the difference between a formal conviction and avoiding one altogether—but it comes with both benefits and risks. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, a Tampa criminal defense firm, we're committed to helping clients understand this option and whether it might apply to your case. What Does “Withhold of Adjudication” Mean in Florida? Normally, when...

When an arrest happens, it doesn’t just threaten your freedom—it puts your job, license, immigration status, and reputation on the line. Florida’s criminal process moves quickly, and what you say or do in the first days can ripple through your entire case. If you’re facing charges anywhere in Hillsborough County—or nearby in Pinellas or Pasco—working with an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney immediately can make a real difference in the outcome. The Stakes Are Bigger Than the Charge It’s easy to think a misdemeanor is “no big deal” or that a first offense will be forgiven. In...

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....