As a Criminal Defense Lawyer, I am often asked “Are my communications wiretapped?” and how prevalent the use of wiretaps or electronic monitoring of communications is by the government. There is a general concern in our society that many communications may be monitored by the government. This concern is not limited to those engaging in criminal activity.

Many are surprised to learn that the court authorized use of wiretaps or electronic monitoring by law enforcement is not as statistically widespread as one may suspect. On June 30, 2020, the United States Courts published its 2019 Wiretap Report. The report provides information as to wire, oral, or electronic intercepts that concluded between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. (These statistics do not include interceptions subject to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978).

Question: How many wiretaps were authorized by federal judges in 2019?

Answer: 1,417. (a 3% decline form 2018).

Question: How many wiretaps were authorized by state judges in 2019?

Answer: 1,808. (a 22% increase from 2018).

In sum, 3,225 wiretaps were authorized in 2019.

94% of the applications for the interception of communications involved portable devices, such as cellular telephones. Narcotics investigations and Drug offenses comprised 76% of all wiretap applications in 2019.

Although Federal and state laws serve to limit surveillance to a period of 30 days, that period can be extended if a judge determines an extension is warranted. The longest state-authorized wiretap came out of New York where the original order was extended 27 times in order to complete a wiretap investigation into corruption that spanned 756 days.

What is the average cost of a wiretap? The average cost of a wiretap in 2019 was $75,160.

It is important to remember that these statistics do not include any foreign intelligence intercepts and do not include circumstances involving a consenting party to the communication.

In 2019, 10,584 people were arrested as a result of wiretap investigations.

The next time a person wonders whether communications are wiretapped, it might be useful to gain statistical perspective from the available reports. The United States Courts full 2019 Wiretap Report: Orders and Convictions Increase is available by clicking this link:

2019 Wiretap Report: Orders and Convictions Increase

If you have a question for a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer, please call Attorney Ron Frey, The Frey Law Firm, LLC for a free initial consultation.

The Frey Law Firm and Attorney Ron Frey successfully defended an air traffic controller and firefighter who was indicted for alleged crimes involving a purported weapon of mass destruction. Following nearly two years of exhaustive review and litigation, all charges were completely dismissed.

In a televised interview with WSOCTV, Channel 9 News, Attorney Frey maintained his client’s innocence: “From the start, [our client] has denied any wrongdoing in this case, and we’ve always said we’ve looked forward to addressing this in court.”

“Obviously, we’re very pleased with the decision to dismiss the charges and as a respected firefighter, paramedic and EMTand air traffic controller, [our client] looks forward to moving on with his life.” Frey told WSOCTV, Channel 9 News.

If you, or someone you know, is in need a consultation with a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney, please contact The Frey Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.

Tampa Criminal Attorney Ron Frey represents clients who are facing criminal investigation or who have been charged in State or Federal Court. If you have a question, or are facing charges, please contact our office today for a free initial consultation.

Autonomous Vehicles have the potential to dramatically alter the legal landscape. Although traffic stops are not systematically tracked around the country, it is reported by OpenPolicing.Stanford.edu that “Police pull over more than 50,000 drivers on a typical day, more than 20 million motorists every year.” Further, in 2017 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were an estimated 6,452,000 police-reported motor vehicle crashes in the United States, resulting in 37,133 fatalities and 2,746,000 people injured. How will these numbers be impacted by Tesla Autopilot and the rise of autonomous vehicles?

Motor Vehicles and the Legal System

From traffic and criminal courts, to civil and probate courts, our justice system is saturated with cases that originate from police interaction with motorists and motor vehicle crashes. From wrongful death cases, to worker’s compensation claims, to drug and weapons charges, there is a wide variety of cases involving motor vehicles.

Tesla & Autonomous Vehicles

Tesla & Autonomous Vehicles

We live in an age of rapidly accelerating technological advancement. We are on the precipice of another significant modification to our everyday lives. I have followed with great interest the progress being made by Elon Musk and Tesla over the years with respect to autonomous vehicles. The roll-out of their hardware and software is methodical and remarkable. Their current vehicles, as of April 2019, offer Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving Capability” which has been interpreted to mean that the hardware and processing power within the onboard computer are capable of full self-driving and that as the system improves and regulatory agencies allow for it, software updates will be released that will continue to expand the autonomous capabilities of the fleet. It is not a matter of if Tesla vehicles will be fully autonomous, it is only a question of when. I suspect these developments will come much sooner than expected.

Autonomous Vehicles, Law Enforcement & the Criminal Justice System

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the most common reason for contact with the police is being a driver during a traffic stop. According to reports, there are over 50,000 traffic stops by law enforcement per day in the United States. As a result, traffic courts swell with people who have been cited with various traffic infractions and citations. From morning court to night court and in small towns and big cities throughout our country, traffic citations fill courthouses with litigants, witnesses, administrators, law enforcement officers, judges and lawyers. The costs of traffic citations to those cited can be severe. Fines, court costs, opportunity costs, lawyer fees, license suspensions, insurance points, rate hikes, lost time and more. On the government side, the costs of enforcing traffic violations are immense. However, there is also a large revenue stream from the payments of the various fines and costs associated therewith.

As a criminal defense attorney, I can attest to the fact that many criminal cases commence with traffic stops. Traffic stops uncover all types of alleged criminal activity, including drug trafficking, weapons charges, probation violations, theft charges, DUI charges, open containher violations, and almost any other offense one can imagine. Further, since traffic stops are the most common reason for contact with law enforcement, they result in a large number of arrests for outstanding warrants. As a result, law enforcement at every level devotes a great deal of time, resource and personnel to traffic enforcement.

The Evolution to Autonomous Vehicles

Imagine a world where the majority of the vehicles on the road, if not nearly all of them, are fully autonomous and operated by way of onboard computers receiving data from cameras, radar, GPS and other sources. Imagine these vehicles are many times safer than any vehicle operated by a human. So safe, in fact, that any human intervention into the operation of the vehicle would only increase the risk of error or crash. Imagine a world where we are all passengers within our autonomous vehicles. Vehicles that continue to become safer over time as more data is gathered and as processing power and sensor technology continues to improve. Imagine a world where car accidents are extremely rare, perhaps to the point that they are nearly eliminated.

On April 12, 2019, Elon Musk sat down with Lex Fridman of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Podcast. It was a fascinating interview. Elon opines that maybe by the end of this year, “having a human intervention will decrease safety.” He uses the example of elevator operators from the past and how the automated elevators of today are far safer and any human intervention into that system would only serve to increase risk unnecessarily. Tesla is expected to have further announcements with respect to autonomous vehicles on April 22, 2019. Their technology will continue to advance and disrupt industries and change the transportation environment as we know it.

Elon Musk Appearance on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Podcast with Lex Friedman

The End of the Traffic Stop?

Imagine a world where vehicle safety improves exponentially year over year as more autonomous cars and trucks enter upon our roadways. Efficient, safe, and lawful driving will be the norm. In order for law enforcement to stop a vehicle, there must be reasonable suspicion that a traffic violation has occurred or criminal activity is occurring. Most traffic stops involve speeding, failure to stop, following too closely, weaving, and many of these stops result in the issuance of traffic citations or criminal charges for other criminal offenses. It is interesting to ponder a future where autonomous vehicles navigate with efficient, lawful and safe precision. Of course, there will still be reasons to stop in certain circumstances, but the numbers will likely be greatly diminished when compared to our current transportation environment.

If these results come to fruition, it should be cause for celebration. After all, traffic citations are the result of alleged conduct that our communities, through legislation, have determined to be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of society. However, a world without traffic stops, or with dramatically less traffic stops, will have a significant impact upon the resources of state and local governments, both the expenditure of resource and the collection of fines and court costs. Entire groups will be impacted, including law firms and attorneys who litigate traffic tickets, prosecutor’s offices, court administrative staff and law enforcement branches. Autonomous vehicles will have a potentially disruptive impact upon the traffic court system.

Criminal Investigations and DUI Offenses

The impact of autonomous vehicles will also be felt in the criminal justice system. Are autonomous vehicles the ultimate solution to the continuing problem of driving under the influence? Will these types of charges and crimes be a relic of the past? If so, that alone would have a significant impact upon the operations of local court systems, prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement and DUI defense attorneys. Obviously, the benefits of not having intoxicated drivers on the roads would be tremendous. If autonomous vehicles fulfill their potential, the increase in safety on our roads and highways will be incredible. I previously composed a blog post about the first DUI arrest, https://freylegal.com/the-first-dui-arrest-drunken-cab-driver-1897/ perhaps a blog can be written in the near future about the last DUI arrest. Only time will tell.

In addition to DUI offenses, the precise operation of autonomous vehicles should generally remove the reasonable suspicion that is so often relied upon to effectuate traffic stops that are often pre-textual in order to investigate other possible crimes, such as drug offenses. If autonomous vehicles essentially remove the possibility of weaving, distracted driving, following too close, speeding, and various stop sign and other violations, the ability for law enforcement to stop motorists will be much more limited than it is in the current environment where it is not difficult to establish reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle. The impact of autonomous vehicles on the criminal justice system will likely be quite significant.

Personal Injury and Car Accident Litigation

The promise of autonomous vehicles is the ability to minimize the risks associated with human error and maximize the processing power, speed and awareness of the onboard computer to ensure the most safe motor vehicle operation possible. As the technology improves and becomes more widespread, we can only expect that car accidents will decrease, as well as personal injuries and fatalities associated therewith. This would be absolutely tremendous and will save countless lives and keep so many safe from injuries that would have otherwise been sustained. This could have incredible economic benefits and could reduce healthcare costs, insurance costs and so much more. It will also have a significant impact upon the legal system, the courts, and plaintiff and defense law firms as the number of personal injury cases rapidly declines.

The Future

The changes in our society always end up with corresponding changes in the types of cases and evidence that enter into court. Autonomous vehicles will change the legal landscape in so many unpredictable ways. New types of issues will certainly arise, new legislation will be passed, and new causes of action will be explored. In looking at the current trends, I expect all car companies will follow Tesla’s lead and rapidly deploy new capabilities with respect to autonomy. The potential is simply incredible, and if only partially realized, the societal, economic and legal impacts will likely be much more significant than expected.

Lincoln’s Last Trial – The Murder Case That Propelled Him to the Presidency – By Dan Abrams & David Fisher

Abraham Lincoln is remembered for many things, most notably his presidency, the civil war, and the abolition of slavery. What many may not realize is that Lincoln was an active and seasoned attorney who handled a wide range of cases involving everything from simple civil contract disputes, to complex corporate railroad litigation. It may come as a surprise to learn that Lincoln also served as an attorney for those accused of criminal conduct. Abraham Lincoln was a criminal defense lawyer.In Lincoln’sLastTrial,wefindLincolnfighting forayoungmanaccusedofmurder.

Abraham Lincoln – Criminal Defense Lawyer

Throughout his career Lincoln represented clients charged with a wide range of criminal offenses, including forgeries, rape, attempted murder, murder, and everything in between. Lincoln’s Last Trial takes the reader back to Springfield, Illinois in 1859 and the murder case against Quinn “Peachy” Harrison.

The Facts

Lincoln was retained to represent Mr. Harrison, a young man charged with the murder of another young man, Greek Crafton. It was alleged that Harrison brutally slashed Crafton with a hunting knife during an altercation with Crafton and his brother, while within a small Springfield general store. Crafton had a deep cut in his stomach that went from one side of his body to the other. The wound was gruesome and Crafton’s bowels had to be pushed back into place by a doctor. He was on his death bed in agonizing pain for three days before passing. Harrison was arrested and charged with murder. The prosecution claimed that the act was premeditated and planned by Crafton in advance. If convicted, the sentence was the death penalty, by way of a public execution (hanging). Harrison’s family retained Lincoln to represent him.

The Defense

Harrison claimed he acted in self-defense. He alleged that Crafton and his brother had threatened him on a previous date and that they viciously attacked him within the store. Ultimately, the case would be decided by way of a jury trial with Abraham Lincoln for the defense.

Criminal Procedure

The book is a true story that is primarily told by way of a court reporter’s transcript that was produced during the trial. It is fascinating to observe the many similarities between a modern day criminal case and a criminal case from 1859.

In many respects, the procedures in 1859 were quite similar to those employed today. There was a jury trial with a twelve person panel; over one hundred people were questioned during voir dire, or jury selection; there was a claim of self-defense; there was litigation and pre-trial hearings on issues involving hearsay; there were alleged statements made while on a deathbed; and many other evidentiary issues. However, there were many noteable differences as well. For instance, the law in Illinois at the time restricted those serving on a jury to naturalized white males who were property owning citizens.

Over seventy-five witnesses were subpoenaed and most testified at some point during the pre-trial hearings and trial proceedings. The trial itself carried with it all of the suspense you would expect from a murder case that rocked a very small and tight-knit community, where everyone knew everyone else.

The case involved eyewitness testimony, credibility contests, expert testimony from a doctor, dying declarations, tactical maneuvers by the prosecution and defense, questions from the jury and more.

Abraham Lincoln – Criminal Defense Lawyer

Lincoln’s skill as a trial attorney is exhibited throughout the book. From his storytelling technique, to the manner with which he framed his arguments, it is apparent that he had an extremely persuasive and impactful approach. The book provides anecdotal looks into other cases Lincoln handled, including an interesting story about a women he represented who was charged with the murder of her husband. The book details her apparent escape as a fugitive from justice following her consultation with Lincoln, and some of the rumors that followed. These interludes, as well as anecdotes regarding Lincoln’s law partners and his law office (he didn’t lock the doors, panes of glass were missing, and the office was so cluttered that there was dirt and plants growing in the corner), make for an interesting read.

The book provides profound insight into the legal system and the right to a trial by jury. This trial was late in Lincoln’s career as an attorney and shortly before his nomination as a presidential candidate by the Republican Party in 1860. Like President John Adams before him, one of our nation’s greatest leaders served as a criminal defense lawyer for those accused of the most heinous of crimes.

This murder case was not a singular event for Lincoln. He appeared in approximately twenty-seven murder cases throughout his career as an attorney. In addition to representing the accused in cases, he also served as a prosecutor in others. The book discusses how he was once offered two-hundred dollars to represent a City and prosecute a case against alleged murder suspects. He turned down the offer and instead represented one of the accused for a quarter of that amount.

The role of the criminal defense attorney is as vital to our functioning system of justice as any other role within the system. In order to get the most accurate results, it is imperative that the accused have not just adequate representation, but a skilled attorney who has the time, resource and experience to defend his or her client against the government’s allegations. When prosecutors, defense lawyers, judges, and juries all perform their roles to the best of their abilities and within the bounds of the law, tragic errors are generally minimized, the truth can be determined, and justice can be secured.

Lincoln’s Last Trial is a great read for those interested in the roots of our criminal justice system, American history, Abraham Lincoln and the law.

Reviewed by Attorney Ron Frey

• Hillsborough Sheriff Unveils Body Cameras in Tampa
• Tampa Criminal Attorney Ron Frey
• “Are my Communications Wiretapped?”
• Hillsborough County Bar Association Event in Tampa
• All Charges Dismissed Against Air Traffic Controller & Firefighter

According to reports, on September 10, 1897, a drunken motor cab driver in London, England was arrested for drunk driving (DUI) after crashing his vehicle. The driver entered a guilty plea and was fined.

The American Bar Association tweeted out the following image from a newspaper article that provided details of the arrest and subsequent case:

It is interesting to note the following from this article:

First, apparently “driving furiously” was an actual infraction or crime that could have been charged, but was not. Instead, the report indicates that the charge was for “being drunk.”

Second, the “divisional surgeon” was called upon and was able to certify that the Defendant was drunk. Whether or not a driver is impaired is typically one of the main issues in dispute when challenging an allegation of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated or operating a vehicle while intoxicated (DUI/OVI). There are a series of tests that are employed in the modern era, including the breath test, blood test, and a variety of field-sobriety tests. These tests, and their results, are subject to criticism by DUI Defense Attorneys with respect to their methodology, employment, and reliability.

Next, it is interesting that a dispute is recorded as to the speed at which the vehicle was traveling. The driver claimed a speed of perhaps six (6) m.p.h. The constable alleged eight (8) m.p.h. It is interesting how these disputes seem to echo throughout the centuries. As long as there are vehicles and authorities, disputes regarding speed, speeding tickets and speeding allegations are here to stay.

Finally, according to the article, the driver admitted to consuming “two or three glasses of beer.” This is the same type of admission that is repeated so often by those charged with DUI and DUI offenses that it is often a standard expectation that the police report will contain an admission to consuming “a couple beers.”

Although much has changed, so much has remained the same. If you or someone you know has a question regarding a traffic ticket in Tampa, Florida or needs to speak with a Hillsborough County DUI Lawyer, please contact Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm today.

The general perception seems to be that homicides involving firearms are on the rise. However, the headlines from HumanProgress.org read otherwise: “Firearm Related Homicide has Fallen 28% in the U.S. since 1990.” Although it seems unbelievable, that is what the statistics from HumanProgress.org demonstrate. The statistics and methodologies are outlined within their articleHomicide Rate from Firearms.This raises the question, why does it seem that violent crime is on the rise, even if that may not be statistically accurate? Is it reality, our perception, or the prevalence of Surveillance and digital evidence? Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Attorney Ron Frey will explore this question in greater detail below:

PERVASIVE SURVEILLANCE

Many may recall a time when you could go outside, go to the store, go through an intersection, knock on a neighbors door, and walk your dog at the park all without being recorded by a single surveillance camera. Today, this would be nearly impossible to accomplish. Stop and look around next time you are near, or within, a commercial establishment. Take note of the number of cameras that are present. Next time you are at a busy intersection look up and see how many cameras are surveying the area. In many cities, it is routine to have surveillance cameras at major intersections and elsewhere. Combine this with the fact that most Americans are carrying incredibly advanced digital cameras on their person in the form of a smartphone. These devices easily capture crisp clear video and audio and can record for extended periods of time. Gone are the days of significant public events being left undocumented by way of video or photographic evidence. This pervasive state of surveillance is apparent. (It seems Bigfoot and the aliens who used to visit so often prior to everyone having easy access to recording devices also received the memo.)

CAMERAS ARE EVERYWHERE

In 2014, it was estimated that there were approximately 245 million surveillance video cameras active and operational.As a result of all of this recording, it has become commonplace within the courts to encounter significant evidence that is captured by way of video recording and surveillance. I received a packet of discovery in a case involving an alleged breaking and entering that included multiple discs of video footage from around the city that purported to show my client riding within a certain vehicle. The footage was crisp and spanned multiple roads, highways, and intersections.

In addition to the surveillance employed by the government, at the local, state and federal levels, the costs of home security video systems has dropped drastically and the quality continues to rise. Whether it is a Nest camera system or a Ring doorbell, the number of residences and small businesses with video recording systems continues to increase. As a result, the evidence within courtrooms across the country often include video surveillance footage from these devices.

PERVASIVE SURVEILLANCE + CRIME

When pervasive surveillance is combined with criminal activity, the result is often horrifying depictions of the crime being carried out. This is especially true with respect to violent crime. However, it is not uncommon for all kinds of criminal activity to be captured by surveillance cameras. Whether it is a theft attempt, a trespasser, or a violent robbery, video footage is often captured as part of the investigation.

In addition to all of the cameras utilized by companies, individuals and municipalities, law enforcement continues to expand its use of video surveillance. When I first began practicing law, it was rare to have a case that involved any video footage. At that time, most law enforcement vehicles were not equipped with any dash cameras and the ones that did have dash camera capabilities seemed to fail often. Today, law enforcement generally employs dash cameras, body cameras and surveillance cameras within their booking and interview (interrogation) rooms. As a result, many cases now include hours of video surveillance evidence. For instance, in a typical DUI or DUI case, it is common to have dash cam footage from multiple vehicles, camera footage from within the cruisers, footage of the booking room and footage within the room where the breathalyzer or other tests are administered.

PERVASIVE SURVEILANCE + CRIME + MEDIA

We live in the era of the 24/7 news cycle. Our society consumes media very differently than it did even a decade ago. The written word and print media continues to lose ground to the audio-visual elements broadcast by the major news outlets. Viewers are now exposed to footage from around the world, often including crisp and clear video. Out of the billions of people around the world and the 100’s of millions of digital cameras collecting footage, it is not difficult to fill the cycle with engaging and often dramatic content.

Crime reports and descriptions of criminal activity are no longer limited to the written or spoken word. Reports on criminal activity often include video of the crime actually occurring. Even if that footage is not available, there is often footage of the suspect being arrested, appearing in a booking room, or appearing in court.

Prior to the advent of pervasive surveillance, it was a rare sight to see a recording of any crime actually taking place. Even in the cases where video footage may have been available to the criminal defense lawyer, whether from a casino or bank, the footage was often grainy and in black and white. This is no longer the case. Most of our phones are capable of recording high-definition content.

PERVASIVE SURVEILANCE + CRIME + MEDIA + SOCIAL MEDIA

Social and online media continues to grow exponentially. The ability for a person to simply broadcast live from their phone in high-definition was completely unheard of until very recently. Whether it is YouTube, Livestream, Facebook, Periscope, or Twitter, the number of platforms available to distribute content to millions of users continues to expand.

As a result, the number of crimes, violent and otherwise, that are readily available for viewing at any time continues to expand. I often come across a video on my Facebook feed about an incident on a subway, or a fight at a schoolyard. After watching the video that often depicts a crime of violence, you are immediately fed a stream of sometimes 100s of other videos related thereto and depicting additional incidents of fights and crimes and violence. This is true for all of the major platforms.

Viewing criminal activity and acts of violence’s a different impact than simply hearing about the conduct or reading about it. We are regularly confronted within our social media feeds with depictions of violence and criminal activity. Some of it is shared and promoted to seemingly increase ratings. Some watch because it is dramatic, and sometimes it is apparent that it is broadcast due to the entertainment value. How many videos of robberies gone wrong are there where the suspects fall through the roof of the store, or engage in some other conduct that is more entertaining than traumatic for the viewer.

Our continued exposure to crimes and video depictions of violence impacts our perception. It has an effect on how we view the world. It seemed that prior to the pervasive surveillance, the footage that we were exposed to was very infrequent. When we were exposed to the footage, it was almost a national event. Whether it was the Kennedy assassination footage, or the Rodney King beating, the footage of dramatic criminal conduct was often few and far between. Now, an avalanche of content is a click or tap away.

PERVASIVESURVEILLANCE+ (ALLEGED) CRIME + MEDIA + SOCIAL MEDIA + LAW

Digital video footage of alleged criminal activity is found on the news, in our social media feeds and, most significantly, within our courts. As Tampa Baycriminal defense lawyer, I have witnessed first-hand this evolution within our criminal justice system. The number of cases involving some sort of surveillance footage continues to rise. It seems technology is recording nearly all of our activities. (Smart mattresses can even detect alleged infidelity). Even in cases that do not include any video footage, the question is often raised: “Where is the video?” – As a criminal defense lawyer, I am always looking to investigate the integrity of the evidence against my client and the nature of the investigation the law enforcement conducted. A comprehensive investigation should include the gathering of any and all relevant evidence. There are times when video surveillance footage or digital evidence is not properly preserved. This can lead to significant issues in the litigation of the case.

If trends continue, we can expect that surveillance will become even more pervasive than it already is. With the advent of wearable technology (watches, glasses) and the continuing declining costs of such devices, one can only guess as to how much of our daily life will be recorded. In court, this evidence, or the lack thereof, can often benefit one side or the other and can often greatly assist in determining the truth of the matter. However, as to whether all of this surveillance is a net-positive or negative for society, that remains to be determined.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Tampa Bay law firm and Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Attorney Ron Frey.

If you are wondering if you should hire a criminal defense lawyer, that is often a very strong indication that counsel is needed. Before making the decision to hire, The Frey Law Firm offers initial, no-risk, consultation.

Due to a variety of circumstances, people may find themselves wondering if they need to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Typically, the question arises due to an event that causes them a great deal of concern that they may be the subject of a criminal prosecution or investigation by law enforcement. Some of the more common events that can trigger this question are as follows:

• knock and talk (where law enforcement comes to talk to you)
• vehicle pulled over
• search warrant execution
• inquiry by an investigator, either the police or a private investigator
• receipt of a letter from a government agency
• rumors, or second-hand information
• an actual arrest
• charges filed, either by way of an Indictment, Citation, or Complaint
• arrest warrant outstanding

The Sooner, the Better

Generally speaking, the sooner an attorney or law firm gets involved in a situation, the more effective the representation can be for the client. There is perhaps nothing more frustrating to a client than learning that certain things that could have been done, or should have been done, cannot now be accomplished due to the passage of time. Whether it is the preservation of evidence, the ability to identify and interview witnesses, or the opportunity to make strategic decisions that can have a positive impact upon the circumstances going forward, the earlier an attorney gets involved in a matter, the more impact they can potentially have with respect to the overall outcome.

Discretion

There is a great deal of discretion within the criminal justice system. That discretion tends to lessen as a case progresses. For instance, when a person is stopped by a police officer on the side of the road for a speeding violation, the officer may choose to site the driver or give a warning. Similarly, in cases that are under investigation, even situations involving potential felony charges, both law-enforcement and prosecutors have a great deal of discretion as to what charges will be brought, if any at all. If there is any way to avoid a charge, or any steps that can be taken to minimize the exposure, it is imperative that those steps be taken in a timely manner in order to attempt to secure the best possible outcome.

Too often clients come to the law firm and indicate that they were subject to a search warrant sometimes many months, or years, previously. They indicate that they were not arrested or charged at the time of the search warrant execution and hoped it would simply go away. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, they are indicted or charged with a criminal offense. The opportunity between the execution of the search warrant and the filing of the criminal charges to have an impact upon the direction of the case is lost forever. Further, any opportunity to strategize, communicate with law enforcement or prosecutors, prepare a defense, or prepare mitigation is severely limited due to the passage of time and the urgency of the charge now at hand. Do not waste that valuable time.

If you feel that you may need a criminal defense lawyer, it does not make sense to wait. The prudent approach is to contact a criminal defense attorney in order to discuss the situation and determine what steps can or should be taken.

No-Risk Initial Consultation

To better serve our clients, the Frey Law Firm offers a free initial consultation to potential clients and those seeking representation by a Criminal Justice Attorney. In anticipation of representation, the communications are confidential. Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Frey will explain the confidentiality provisions with you in greater detail. Instead of wondering whether you should hire an attorney or attempting to research your particular situation on the Internet, take the prudent step and contact Attorney Frey for a free initial consultation. We will review the circumstances of your case and advise as to what possible steps may be warranted. In the event the Frey Law Firm is unable to take on your case, we will ensure that we will refer you to other attorneys who may be in a position to assist, or refer you to a lawyer referral service.

Stop worrying. Stop wondering what may or may not happen next. Stop guessing. Take control of the situation and contact The Frey Law Firm for a free initial consultation.