Our Criminal Justice Practice Areas
At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., we limit our practice to representing clients within the criminal justice system. Our criminal defense law firm takes a full-service approach.
Our offices are open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you were like an appointment after normal business hours or on a weekend, call the office to schedule the appointment. Our phones are answered 24/7.
Visit our main office at 1005 N. Marion St., Tampa, FL 33602, at the corner of Marion and Harrison.
We have offices at 7509 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL, directly across from the West Pasco Judicial Center courthouse, and 14010 Roosevelt Blvd #701, Clearwater, FL.
We welcome your call to discuss your case.
Call (813) 250-0500 to speak with an attorney today.
What Kind of Criminal Cases Does the Firm Handle?
The criminal defense law firm represents clients charged with all criminal charges from the most serious felony to less serious misdemeanor offenses.
We also represent clients with Hillsborough County Ordinance Violations and municipal violations issued by the City of Tampa, the City of Plant City, the City of Temple Terrace, and other local municipalities.
We fight various criminal cases throughout Hillsborough County, Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, and Polk County, Florida.
We take a scholarly approach to fighting criminal charges by using cutting-edge legal research techniques and filing innovative motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charges.
Why We Focus Exclusively on Criminal Defense
Some attorneys take family law cases, personal injury cases, and everything else. When the opportunity presents itself, these attorneys might take a criminal case.
At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., we focus exclusively on criminal defense. We do not take other cases unrelated to protecting our client against a criminal charge’s direct and collateral consequences.
This focus on criminal laws and procedures allows us to stay ahead of recent changes in the law. It allows us to be in the courtroom every day negotiating with prosecutors, arguing motions in front of the judges, and asking jurors to return a “not guilty” verdict.
How Do I Schedule an Initial Consultation with an Attorney?
At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., we know your time is valuable. If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a felony or misdemeanor crime, this is a very stressful time.
Once you have recovered from the initial shock after the arrest, new stress is added as you search for the best attorney for your case.
Most attorneys offer free consultations. Take advantage of the free consultation to schedule an office consultation. Before deciding, you should speak with several attorneys until you find an attorney with the necessary education, training, and experience.
Find an attorney with exceptional credentials and the willingness to give your case the time and attention it deserves.
Experienced Criminal Representation in Tampa, FL
Find out if the attorney conducting the initial consultation will represent you throughout the case or merely pass your case to a less experienced associate. All of the attorneys at our firm are experienced and tested trial attorneys.
Make sure that before you pay the attorney, you get a written fee agreement that sets out all of the terms of the representation so that there are no surprises.
At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., we provide each client with a detailed fee agreement signed by the attorney who will handle the case from beginning to end.
We strive to provide a high level of personal service. When you call our office, we can schedule a consultation over the phone or in our office. Many clients prefer to speak with the attorney over the phone about their case before scheduling a free office consultation.
Attorneys within the Criminal Justice System
The term “criminal justice attorney” might include:
- a State Attorney elected pursuant to s. 27.01, F.S.;
- an Assistant State Attorney appointed under s. 27.181; F.S.;
- a Justice or Judge of a court described in Art. V of the State Constitution;
- a court-appointed counsel appointed under s. 27.40, F.S.;
- a privately retained criminal defense attorney.
Most attorneys in the criminal justice system work with the adjudication component as judges, prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys. Criminal defense attorneys work in private practice or as public defenders for the federal, state, county, or city government. Some attorneys work within law enforcement agencies and the corrections industry.
The purpose of the criminal justice system is to protect the innocent after a false accusation, protect individual constitutional rights, discourage officers from illegally gathering evidence, and punish the guilty.
Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree for a criminal justice major. Criminal justice classes teach students how the courts, law enforcement agencies, and correctional institutions operate. Criminal justice programs at colleges and universities focus on careers and training for law enforcement officers.
Most people attending law school do NOT have an undergraduate degree in criminal justice (even if they intend to pursue a career in the criminal justice system after graduation from law school).
When should you hire a criminal defense attorney?
If you are accused of a crime, consider hiring a criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Hiring an attorney might prevent law enforcement from coming to your home or business to interrogate you about the accusations. The attorney can present favorable evidence on your behalf.
After an arrest, the attorney can appear for you at the first appearance advisory hearing to request the most favorable pre-trial release conditions.
In some cases, like a DUI, you must file a demand for a formal review hearing within ten (10) days of the arrest to contest the administrative suspension of your driver’s license.
Hiring an attorney early in the case is important because some motions must be filed before your arraignment. You might inadvertently waive those rights if you don’t have an attorney at arraignment.
Finding a Criminal Justice Lawyer in Tampa, FL
If you are under investigation for a crime, then seek out the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Most provide a free consultation to discuss the charges pending against you. During the consultation, you should accomplish several goals:
- Discuss the facts of your case to determine what defenses can be used at trial or during pre-trial negotiations;
- Learn what you may need to do immediately to protect all of your rights;
- Discuss collateral issues that are affected by your arrest, such as concerns about your family, employment, driving license, and criminal record;
- Learn more about what you can expect during the time your case is pending, including which alternative sentencing options and diversion programs might be available (where the charges are dropped after you successfully complete certain conditions);
- Discuss how the courts and prosecutors in your particular division typically handle similar charges;
- Learn more about the benefits of filing viable motions to suppress or motions to dismiss;
- Discuss exactly what the fees will be for your case and what fee arrangements are available; and
- Get the information you deserve so that you can have all the time and space needed to make an informed decision.
Contact us today for a phone or office consultation with an experienced Tampa criminal lawyer. You can also complete an online form in the “Contact Us” section of our website.
If you need an experienced and aggressive attorney for your case, contact the Sammis Law Firm, P.A. We can begin your defense today.
Call 813-250-0500.
Jason D. Sammis last updated this article on Friday, August 25, 2023.
