Arrest of Active Duty Military
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent both active duty military members after being accused of a crime and civilians accused of a crime at MacDill Air Force Base or other military installations.
MacDill Air Force Base is a secured military facility primarily policed and guarded by military personnel. Most of the base is not within the city limits. On those portions of the base, the military police have exclusive jurisdiction.
A large area south of the northern perimeter fence line, including all of the Dale Mabry Guard House, lies within the city limits of Tampa. Although this property is owned by the federal government, because it is within Tampa City limits, Tampa Police have concurrent jurisdiction on this portion of the base.
For this reason, law enforcement officers with the Tampa Police Department have jurisdiction to arrest persons detained by military police at or near the Dale Mabry Guard House.
If the Tampa Police Department has a valid arrest warrant or capias, the authorities at MacDill will often cooperate in taking the named person into custody.
Attorney for Active Duty Military in Tampa, FL
If you were arrested for a criminal offense in Tampa, FL, or the surrounding areas, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm.
Our attorneys are familiar with the Tampa Police Department’s Standard Operating Procedure, including the special rules for offenses and incidents involving military personnel at MacDill AFB.
We also represent members of the military who are charged with DUI in Tampa, FL. Contact us to discuss the charges pending against you, the typical penalties that come with a conviction, and the best ways to aggressively fight the charges. Call (813) 250-0500.
Privilege From Arrest for Incidents Involving Military Personnel
In general, no person in the Armed Forces will be arrested on any process issued by military authority while going to, remaining at, or returning from any place they may be required to attend for military duty.
Although, on some occasions, it is necessary to issue a traffic citation, effect a physical arrest, or investigate a traffic crash involving a member of the Armed Forces.
Members of the Armed Forces include regular members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and Reserves who are on active duty.
When a physical arrest is made, the investigating officer shall cause the liaison officer of the nearest Armed Forces Investigative Headquarters Division to be notified.
After contacting the liaison officer or the law enforcement department at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, local officers can often make a physical arrest or issue a traffic citation.
When any Armed Forces personnel is involved in a traffic crash and are either killed or injured to the extent that they require hospitalization, the liaison officer should be notified. This policy also applies to civilian employees of the Armed Forces while acting within the scope of their employment.
This article was last updated on Monday, March 6, 2023.
