The Frey Law Firm, LLC was founded by Attorney Ron Frey, a Tampa criminal defense lawyer. From our office in downtown Tampa, Attorney Frey defends people facing criminal charges and investigations in state and federal court. He is licensed in Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina.
Tampa Bay Focus, Statewide Practice
Attorney Frey’s practice is centered in Tampa Bay: in the Hillsborough and Pinellas County courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, whose Tampa Division handles federal cases from across the region. He also represents clients in state courts throughout Florida and in federal court in the Southern District of Florida. Wherever in Florida your case is, you can start with a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, by video, or at our Tampa office, and when the situation calls for it, we can come to you.
Never Been in Trouble Before? Start Here.
An arrest, or a phone call from a detective, is frightening, especially when it’s your first time dealing with the criminal justice system. Many first-time offenders believe that if they just explain themselves to the police, it will all go away. Too often, it makes things harder.
Attorney Ron Frey has represented many professionals and others who had never been in trouble before. He will explain the process in plain English, protect your rights from the start, and review every option that may apply to you. In some Florida cases, that can include pretrial diversion programs.
Three things to do right now:
- Don’t answer questions or give a statement without a lawyer. You can politely say you want to speak with an attorney.
- Don’t discuss your case with anyone else or post about it online.
- Call or text for a free, confidential initial consultation. Rapid response, 24/7.
Facing a computer or internet crime investigation? Visit our dedicated site, InternetCrime.com.
Investigated Over AI-Generated Images, Deepfakes, or AI Fraud?
Artificial intelligence has created new kinds of criminal investigations, and Florida and federal law are changing fast. Attorney Ron Frey defends people in AI-related investigations in Tampa Bay and in federal court.
Attorney Frey has represented individuals, companies, and organizations facing criminal accusations or investigations, including in complex criminal cases in courts throughout the United States and overseas. He has also served as an adjunct professor, teaching criminal law, procedure, computer forensics, and constitutional law to aspiring legal professionals and college students.
Attorney Frey has spoken at legal conferences nationwide on current issues in criminal law, procedure, forensics, and investigation. He has appeared as a legal commentator on criminal and constitutional law, and his cases have received media coverage from outlets such as CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, USA Today, and The Washington Post.
Attorney Frey is a published author in the area of criminal law and defense. You can read more about his background on our About Attorney Ron Frey page. He is licensed in Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina, and is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States and the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, and the Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina.
As a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and an active member of various legal associations, including the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL), the Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA), the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (HCACDL), and the Pinellas County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), Attorney Frey brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to his practice.
Clients who entrust their cases to The Frey Law Firm, LLC can expect diligent representation grounded in experience, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to their defense.
If you are under investigation, have been charged with a crime, or have questions about a criminal matter anywhere in Florida, contact The Frey Law Firm, LLC for a free, confidential initial consultation. Consultations are available by phone, by video, or at our Tampa office, and when the situation calls for it, we can come to you. Rapid response, 24/7.
Facing Criminal Charges in Tampa? What Happens Next
If you or a friend or family member has been stopped, searched, questioned, arrested, or told you are under investigation, or has received a target letter, contact a lawyer before you talk to anyone about it. What happens next can move quickly.
Booking. After an arrest in Hillsborough County, a person is usually taken to the Orient Road Jail at 1201 Orient Road in Tampa to be booked.
First appearance. Florida’s rules require that an arrested person who has not been released be brought before a judge within 24 hours of arrest. This can happen in person or by video. The judge explains the charges and basic rights and decides on pretrial release, including bond and any conditions.
Formal charges. The arrest charge is not the final word. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the case and decides what formal charges, if any, to file. That decision can differ from what was written at the time of arrest.
Arraignment. After formal charges are filed, the court sends notice of an arraignment date. At the arraignment, the person is told the formal charges and enters a plea, and the court may set future dates. Most felony courtrooms in the 13th Judicial Circuit are in the Criminal Courthouse Annex at 401 N. Jefferson Street in downtown Tampa. Learn more in our article, What Is an Arraignment in Florida?
Federal cases. Federal charges in Tampa are handled in the Middle District of Florida at the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, 801 N. Florida Avenue.
Attorney Ron Frey defends people in Tampa and across Hillsborough County in state and federal court. Every case is different, and these steps can vary. For a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person, call or text (813) 775-2276.
How do I choose a criminal defense lawyer in Tampa?
Look for a lawyer who focuses on criminal defense, handles cases in the courts where yours is pending, and explains the process in plain English. Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades and defends people in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco County courts and in federal court. Each case must be evaluated individually, so ask how your situation would be handled.
Is there a criminal lawyer near the Tampa courthouses?
Yes. The Frey Law Firm, LLC’s office is at 625 E. Twiggs St., #101A, in downtown Tampa, near the Hillsborough County courthouses. Attorney Ron Frey meets with clients there, and consultations are also available by phone or video for people anywhere in Florida. When the situation calls for it, we can come to you.
When should I call a Tampa criminal attorney?
As early as possible, ideally before you talk to police or investigators. If you or a friend or family member has been stopped, searched, questioned, arrested, or told you are under investigation, a lawyer can explain your rights and options before important decisions are made. Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense in Tampa
How soon should I call a lawyer after an arrest or a call from a detective?
As soon as you can, ideally before you answer any questions. In Hillsborough County, a first appearance usually happens within 24 hours of an arrest, so there is not much time. A friend or family member can call for you if you are in custody.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor or a first offense?
Yes. A misdemeanor is still a criminal charge, and a conviction can leave a record that follows you on background checks for jobs, housing and school. A lawyer can look for weaknesses in the case, ask about diversion programs early and work to protect your record. Don’t go to court on a misdemeanor without talking to Attorney Ron Frey first.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost, and is the consultation free?
Fees depend on the charge, the court and how much work the case needs, so there is no single price. The first conversation costs nothing. Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.
Does Attorney Ron Frey handle both state and federal cases?
Yes. Attorney Ron Frey has over 20 years of experience defending criminal cases, and The Frey Law Firm, LLC handles charges in state court and in federal court. Federal cases in Tampa are heard at the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse on North Florida Avenue. Read more about federal criminal cases.
Where are criminal cases in Hillsborough County heard?
Most felony cases are heard at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa, a short walk from our office. The county also has a courthouse in Plant City at 301 N. Michigan Avenue. Learn more about criminal defense in Hillsborough County and Plant City cases.
Can I find answers about my case online or from an AI chatbot?
General information online can help you learn the terms, but it can’t tell you how the law applies to your facts. AI tools can get legal details wrong, and what you type into them may not stay private. If police want your phone or computer, speak with an attorney first.
