Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Lakeland, Winter Haven & Bartow

Looking for a Polk County criminal defense lawyer? Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm, LLC is based in Tampa and represents people throughout Florida, including in Polk County. Whether a case starts in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, or Lake Wales, state charges are handled in Polk County’s Tenth Circuit courts, and a federal case from Polk County goes to Tampa.

If you have been arrested or contacted by investigators, call before you do anything else. Your consultation is free and confidential: (813) 775-2276 or toll-free (844) 766-3739. Rapid response, 24/7.

Polk County Courts: The Tenth Judicial Circuit

Polk County is part of Florida’s Tenth Judicial Circuit, which also covers Hardee and Highlands Counties. The Office of the State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit prosecutes state charges. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court, and misdemeanors and criminal traffic cases, including most DUIs, are heard in County Court.

The main courthouse is the Polk County Courthouse, 255 N. Broadway Avenue in Bartow, the county seat. The circuit also has a Lakeland Branch at 930 East Parker Street and a Northeast Polk Government Center at 200 Government Center Boulevard in Lake Alfred. Check your court notice carefully: going to the wrong building is an easy mistake.

Who Makes Arrests in Polk County

• Polk County Sheriff’s Office covers unincorporated Polk County and six contract cities: Frostproof, Polk City, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Dundee, and Mulberry.
• Larger cities with their own police departments include Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Bartow, and Lake Wales.
• Federal agents may be involved in computer, fraud, and drug investigations.

People arrested in Polk County are booked into the county jail, which is run by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Under Florida’s rules, a person who is held must see a judge within 24 hours of arrest for a first appearance, where release conditions are addressed. Calling a lawyer early means someone can be speaking for you at that hearing.

Pretrial Intervention and Problem-Solving Courts

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. If the program is completed, the charges are dismissed.

Polk County also has Problem-Solving Courts, including Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Behavioral Health Court. They are generally for non-violent defendants, and entry is voluntary and screening-based.

None of these options is automatic. Learn more about our first-time offender defense.

Charges We Defend in Polk County

Attorney Frey represents people in Polk County on state and federal charges, including:

• Computer and internet crimes, a major part of his practice, often for people with no record
• AI-related investigations, including deepfakes and AI-assisted fraud
• DUI and traffic offenses
• Drug charges
• Violent crimes
• Sex offenses
• Theft offenses
• White collar and financial crimes

See all of our criminal defense practice areas.

Federal Cases From Polk County Go to Tampa

A federal case from Polk County is not heard in Bartow or Lakeland. Polk County is part of the Tampa Division of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, so federal cases go to the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse, 801 N. Florida Avenue in downtown Tampa.

Attorney Frey is admitted to practice in the Middle District of Florida. Computer, internet, and AI investigations can end up in either state or federal court, and that is often decided early. Learn more about our federal criminal defense.

Call Attorney Ron Frey

Attorney Ron Frey has over 20 years of experience defending people accused of crimes and people under investigation. He will explain what is happening in plain English and go over the options that may apply. No lawyer can promise a result, but you can understand where you stand before you make decisions.

Your consultation is free and confidential, by phone, by video, or at our Tampa office, and when the situation calls for it, we can come to you. Call (813) 775-2276 or toll-free (844) 766-3739. Rapid response, 24/7. Learn more about Attorney Ron Frey.

We also represent people in neighboring Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and Manatee County. Elsewhere in Florida? We represent clients throughout Florida.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Court locations, agency practices, and program rules can change. Reading this page or contacting The Frey Law Firm, LLC does not create an attorney-client relationship.