Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer for State and Federal Cases

A criminal case can start anywhere in Florida: a traffic stop in the Panhandle, a search warrant in Orlando, a phone call from a detective in Fort Myers, or a knock on the door from federal agents in Miami. Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm, LLC is licensed to practice law in Florida and represents people in state courts throughout the state, and in federal court in the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, from our office in Tampa.

Wherever you are in Florida, start with a phone call: (813) 775-2276 or toll-free (844) 766-3739. Your consultation is free and confidential. Rapid response, 24/7.

How Florida’s Criminal Courts Are Organized

Florida is divided into 20 judicial circuits. Some circuits cover a single county, like Hillsborough or Miami-Dade, and others cover as many as six. In every county:

• Circuit Court hears felony cases.
• County Court hears misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases, including most DUIs.
• The State Attorney for that circuit prosecutes state charges.

The rules for what happens after an arrest are the same statewide. A person who is held must see a judge within 24 hours for a first appearance, where release conditions are addressed. Local practice still varies from one county to the next: where first appearances happen, which diversion programs exist, and how particular prosecutors’ offices handle certain charges. Knowing those differences is part of the job.

First-Time Offenders Anywhere in Florida

Many of the people who call us have never been in trouble before. Florida law allows pretrial intervention for some first-time offenders charged with a misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, with the consent of the State Attorney and others. Many circuits also run their own diversion programs and treatment courts. None of these programs is automatic, and early decisions in a case can affect whether they’re available. Learn more about our first-time offender defense.

Computer, Internet, and AI Crimes Across Florida

Computer and internet crime investigations are a major part of Attorney Frey’s practice, and they’re the kind of case where location matters least. The evidence lives on phones, computers, and online accounts, and the investigation may be run by a local police department, a sheriff’s office, a state agency, or federal agents.

Artificial intelligence has added new questions, and Florida and federal law are both changing quickly. Attorney Frey defends people investigated over deepfakes, AI-generated sexual content, voice cloning, and AI-assisted fraud. Learn more:

• Computer and internet crimes
• AI-related crimes
• For national information, visit our dedicated site, InternetCrime.com.

Other Charges We Defend Statewide

• Federal offenses
• White collar and financial crimes
• Sex offenses
• Drug charges
• Violent crimes
• Theft offenses
• DUI and traffic offenses
• Professional licensing matters
• Criminal appeals

See all of our criminal defense practice areas.

Federal Cases in Florida

Federal crimes are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the federal district where the case arises. Attorney Frey is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Middle District of Florida, which covers Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Ocala, and the Southern District of Florida, which covers Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, and Key West. He is also admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Federal investigations often run for months before anyone is charged, and the decision whether a case is brought in state or federal court is often made early. That is a strong reason to talk to a lawyer as soon as you learn you may be under investigation.

Tampa Bay Roots, Statewide Practice

Attorney Frey’s practice is centered in Tampa Bay, in the Hillsborough and Pinellas County courts and the federal courthouse in Tampa. He has over 20 years of experience defending people accused of crimes and people under investigation, and he regularly takes cases elsewhere in Florida.

Learn more about criminal defense in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, and Lee Counties.

Working with a lawyer in another city is easier than most people expect. Consultations are available by phone, by video, or at our Tampa office, and when the situation calls for it, we can come to you. Attorney Frey will explain the process in plain English and go over the options that may apply. No lawyer can promise a result, but you should understand where you stand before you make decisions.

Call Before You Talk to Investigators

Your consultation is free and confidential. Call (813) 775-2276 or toll-free (844) 766-3739. Rapid response, 24/7. Learn more about Attorney Ron Frey.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws, court procedures, and local programs change, and how they apply depends on the facts of each case. Reading this page or contacting The Frey Law Firm, LLC does not create an attorney-client relationship.