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

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

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Jun 3, 2025 | Criminal Charges

In Florida, juveniles accused of crimes typically face justice in juvenile courts, which prioritize rehabilitation and offer protections not present in adult criminal courts. However, under certain circumstances, juveniles can be tried as adults, facing more severe penalties and long-term consequences. Understanding when and how a juvenile may be tried as an adult is crucial for parents and guardians navigating the justice system in Florida. Methods of Transferring Juvenile Cases to Adult Court Florida law identifies three primary methods through which a juvenile case can move from juvenile...

Understanding Florida’s Double Jeopardy Law: Protect Your Rights

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 29, 2025 | Criminal Law

If you're facing criminal charges in Florida, understanding your constitutional rights is critical. One key protection is known as "double jeopardy," a principle that safeguards individuals from being prosecuted multiple times for the same offense. This legal doctrine can significantly impact the outcome of your case, making it essential to grasp its nuances clearly. What Exactly is Double Jeopardy? Double jeopardy is a constitutional protection that prevents an individual from being tried or punished more than once for the same crime. This principle is enshrined in both the Fifth Amendment...

Is it possible to fight an extradition order in or out of Florida?

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 22, 2025 | Criminal Charges

If you face an extradition order in Florida, you might wonder if you can fight it. The short answer is yes, but it depends on several factors. Extradition involves one state or country requesting to send someone to another for trial or punishment. The process has strict rules, but you have rights to challenge it. Fighting extradition within Florida In Florida, you can challenge an extradition order through a legal hearing called a habeas corpus hearing. During this hearing, the court checks if the paperwork is complete and accurate. They verify if the person named in the request is really...

Understanding Your Right to Remain Silent in Florida: What You Should Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 21, 2025 | Criminal Law

One of the most fundamental rights you have if you're facing criminal charges in Florida is the right to remain silent. Often referred to as "pleading the Fifth," this constitutional protection helps ensure that individuals do not inadvertently incriminate themselves during interactions with law enforcement. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group in Tampa, we regularly advise clients about the critical importance of understanding and properly exercising this right. Why is the Right to Remain Silent Important? The right to remain silent is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,...

Avoiding Common DUI Mistakes: How Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group Can Help You Navigate a DUI Arrest in Tampa

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 13, 2025 | Dui

Facing a DUI arrest in Tampa can be an overwhelming experience, especially if it's your first encounter with the criminal justice system. The decisions you make immediately following your arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our experienced DUI defense attorneys are here to guide you through this challenging time and help you avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your future. 1. Exercising Your Right to Remain Silent One of the most critical mistakes individuals make after a DUI arrest is speaking to law enforcement without legal...

Understanding Criminal Charges and Penalties in Florida: What You Need to Know

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | May 6, 2025 | Criminal Law

Facing criminal charges in Florida can be a stressful and intimidating experience, and the consequences of a conviction can alter your life significantly. Understanding the differences between various types of criminal charges and their associated penalties is crucial to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome. The experienced Tampa criminal defense attorneys at Brunvand & Wise Law Group can help you navigate these challenging circumstances and build a robust defense tailored to your specific situation. Types of Criminal Charges in Florida Florida categorizes...

Understanding Common Criminal Defenses in Florida: How Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group Protects Your Rights

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 29, 2025 | Criminal Law

Facing criminal charges in Florida can be overwhelming, but understanding your legal defenses can make a significant difference. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Tampa are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case. With decades of combined legal experience, we employ a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, utilizing strategies tailored specifically to your unique situation. Constitutional Challenges and Pre-Trial Motions One effective method of defense involves challenging the admissibility of...

Can you get a DUI if your BAC is below the legal limit?

On Behalf of Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 24, 2025 | Dui

It’s natural to associate a DUI charge with the concentration of alcohol in a driver’s blood at the time of the arrest. However, most drivers may not realize that blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is not the only metric used to determine DUI charges. Did you know that, in the Sunshine State, you can get in DUI trouble even if your BAC is below the legal limit? Understanding how and why this can happen is crucial, especially if you occasionally consume alcohol. The legal threshold and beyond Florida Statute 316.193 stipulates that you can get into DUI trouble if you’re found behind the...

Understanding Your DUI Plea Options in Tampa: Advice from Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 23, 2025 | Dui

Facing a DUI charge in Tampa can be stressful, confusing, and overwhelming. Understanding the differences and implications of your plea options—guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest)—is essential to protecting your rights and future. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to ensuring our clients make informed decisions throughout the legal process. Guilty vs. No Contest: What’s the Difference? When charged with a DUI in Florida, many defendants are unclear about the difference between pleading guilty and pleading no contest....

How the Right Criminal Defense Attorney Can Negotiate the Best Plea Agreement for You in Tampa, Florida

by Brunvand, Wise & Farinella Law Group | Apr 15, 2025 | Criminal Charges

When you’re facing criminal charges in Tampa, Florida, the stakes are high and the consequences can be life-altering. One critical decision you may be confronted with is whether to accept a plea agreement. A skilled Tampa criminal defense attorney from the Brunvand & Wise Law Group can guide you through this intricate process, ensuring that you fully understand your legal options and the implications of any deal. By working with seasoned legal counsel, you position yourself to negotiate the most favorable plea agreement possible. Understanding Plea Agreements A plea agreement, sometimes...