Who Prosecutes Federal Cases in Florida?
Federal criminal cases are prosecuted by the United States, not the State of Florida. If you or a friend or family member has been contacted by federal agents, received a target letter or been charged in federal court, this page explains, in general terms, who the federal prosecutors are. For an overview of state and federal offices, see Who Is Prosecuting My Case in Florida?
Assistant United States Attorneys
Most federal criminal cases are prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). They work in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a particular federal district, under the U.S. Attorney for that district. Florida has three districts: the Middle, Southern and Northern Districts.
Middle District of Florida
The Middle District includes Tampa and the surrounding area, with divisions in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers and Ocala. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District lists its Tampa office at 400 North Tampa Street, Suite 3200, Tampa. Federal criminal cases in the Tampa Division are generally heard at the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse. Learn more about the Middle District of Florida and initial appearance in the Middle District.
Southern District of Florida
The Southern District covers South Florida. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District lists its main office at 99 N.E. 4th Street, Miami. Learn more about the Southern District of Florida and initial appearance in the Southern District.
Department of Justice Attorneys in Washington
Some federal cases also involve prosecutors from the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. These attorneys may work alongside local AUSAs on certain types of cases, such as complex fraud, computer crime, child exploitation, drug trafficking and money laundering, racketeering, public corruption and criminal tax matters.
Related pages: White Collar and Financial Crimes, Computer and Internet Crimes, federal drug conspiracy charges in Tampa and across Florida.
Cases Charged or Moved to Another District
Federal rules on venue generally require a case to be filed in a district where some part of the alleged offense took place. A person who lives in Tampa can be charged in another district, inside or outside Florida, and may be arrested at home and then required to appear in the charging district. Cases can also be transferred between districts in some situations, subject to the court’s approval. See what happens after a federal arrest in Florida and federal pretrial detention and release.
Federal Agencies Versus Prosecutors
Agencies such as the FBI, DEA, HSI and IRS-CI investigate. Prosecutors decide whether to charge, and a judge oversees the case once it is filed. See federal agency investigations in Tampa.
Communicating With the Prosecutor
A lawyer handles communication with the prosecutor and the agents. If you face any stop, search, seizure, inquiry, investigation, arrest or target letter, contact a lawyer.
How Attorney Ron Frey Can Help
Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades and is admitted to practice in the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. The Frey Law Firm is located at 625 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, near the Gibbons courthouse. See also Federal Offenses.
Every case is different. Attorney Ron Frey offers a free, confidential consultation by phone, video, or in person. Call (813) 775-2276; the line is answered 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AUSA?
An Assistant United States Attorney is a federal prosecutor in a U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Who prosecutes federal cases in Tampa?
Generally AUSAs in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, sometimes with Justice Department attorneys from Washington.
Can I be charged federally somewhere I don’t live?
Yes. A case can be filed in a district where part of the alleged conduct took place.
Is a federal target letter the same as being charged?
No. A lawyer can explain what a specific letter means.