Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer for State and Federal Charges

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 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:

1. Don’t answer questions or give a statement without a lawyer. You can politely say you want to speak with an attorney.
2. Don’t discuss your case with anyone else or post about it online.
3. Call or text for a free, confidential 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.

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 consultation by phone, video or in person, call (813) 775-2276.