Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer for State and Federal Charges

Arrested, charged or contacted by investigators in Tampa Bay? Attorney Ron Frey is a Tampa criminal defense lawyer with over 20 years of experience. He defends people in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco County courts and in federal court. Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation.

Attorney Frey founded The Frey Law Firm, LLC and works from our office in downtown Tampa, a short walk from the Hillsborough County courthouses. 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.

Criminal Charges Attorney Ron Frey Defends in Tampa Bay

The Frey Law Firm, LLC handles misdemeanor and felony cases in state court, as well as federal investigations and charges. These are some of the cases Attorney Frey defends in Tampa, Hillsborough County and Pinellas County.

DUI and Criminal Traffic Charges

A DUI arrest in Tampa, St. Petersburg or Clearwater can affect your driver’s license and your record. Hillsborough and Pinellas each handle DUI cases a little differently, including the programs that may be offered for a first DUI. Learn more about Tampa DUI defense and what happens after a DUI arrest in Tampa.

Drug Charges

Drug cases range from simple possession to trafficking and federal conspiracy charges. The facts of each stop and search matter. Read about Tampa drug charge defense and drug charges when drugs are found in a car you’re in.

Theft and Shoplifting

A petit theft, retail theft or grand theft charge can show up on background checks long after the case ends. Some first-time cases may be eligible for diversion. Learn more about theft and shoplifting charges.

Violent Crimes and Domestic Violence

Battery, assault and domestic violence cases often come with bond conditions, such as no-contact orders, from the start. Learn more about violent crime defense and domestic violence charges in Tampa.

Sex Offenses

A sex offense allegation can affect your work and your reputation for years. Attorney Frey handles these cases with discretion. Learn more about sex offense defense.

Computer and Internet Crimes

Attorney Frey is nationally recognized for defending people investigated for or charged with computer and internet crimes in state and federal court. Learn more about computer and internet crime defense.

Federal and White Collar Cases

Federal cases in Tampa are prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida. Many begin with a long investigation, a target letter or a search warrant. Learn more about Tampa federal criminal defense and white collar and financial crimes.

Probation Violations and Warrants

An open warrant or a probation violation can come up during a routine traffic stop. Read about violation of probation in Tampa and warrants in Hillsborough County.

Not listed here? See all practice areas or call (813) 775-2276.

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.

If you are not sure what to do next, talk to a lawyer before you respond. Call or text Attorney Frey for a free, confidential initial consultation. A friend or family member can call for you.

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.

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, talk to a lawyer before you respond. 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 of the 13th Judicial Circuit’s felony and misdemeanor courtrooms 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, and before you respond 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.

Where Your Case May Be Heard in Tampa Bay

Where a case goes depends on the county where the arrest happened and whether the charge is state or federal. The court notice will list the courthouse.

Hillsborough County

Most felony and misdemeanor cases are heard at the Courthouse Annex, 401 N. Jefferson Street. The public enters through the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 E. Twiggs Street. Some misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases from the eastern part of the county go to the Plant City Courthouse. See our guide to Tampa courthouses.

Pinellas County

Many Pinellas criminal cases are heard at the Pinellas County Justice Center, 14250 49th St. N. in Clearwater, near the county jail. Attorney Frey defends clients from St. Petersburg, Clearwater and the rest of the county.

Pasco County

Pasco has two criminal courthouses: the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey and the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City. Learn more about Pasco County criminal defense.

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, and before you respond to police or investigators. 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. Call Attorney Ron Frey at (813) 775-2276 before your first court date.

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 and misdemeanor courtrooms are in downtown Tampa, a short walk from our office on E. Twiggs Street. 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 contact you, talk to a lawyer before you respond.

What if I think there is a warrant for my arrest?

Call Attorney Ron Frey at (813) 775-2276 to talk it through in a free, confidential initial consultation. For general background, read our guides to warrants in Hillsborough County and warrants in Pinellas County.

Do you handle cases in St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pasco County?

Yes. Attorney Ron Frey defends people across Pinellas County, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, and in Pasco County, as well as in Tampa and the rest of Hillsborough County. Consultations are available by phone, by video or at our Tampa office.

Will people find out about my arrest?

Arrest information and court records are often public, and some cases get news coverage, but not every case does. Attorney Frey can talk with you about privacy concerns in a free, confidential initial consultation. Read more in Are People Going to Find Out About My Criminal Case in Florida?

Talk With a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation or have been charged in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater or anywhere in Tampa Bay, call or text Attorney Ron Frey at (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation. Consultations are available by phone, by video or at our Tampa office. We can come to you.