Practice Areas in Criminal Justice

At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., we limit our practice to representing clients within the criminal justice system. Our firm takes a full-service approach to criminal defense at each stage of the case.

Our offices are open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. If you were like an appointment after normal business hours or on a weekend, then call the office to schedule the appointment. Our phones are answered 24/7.

Our main office is located at 1005 N. Marion St., Tampa, FL 33602, at the corner of Marion and Harrison. Our second office is located at 7509 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL, directly across from the courthouse at the West Pasco Judicial Center.

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 firm represents clients charged with the most serious felony charges to more common offenses for misdemeanors and DUI offenses throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

We also represent clients for 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 a variety of 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 in between. 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 types of cases that are not related to protecting our client against criminal charges and the collateral consequences.

This focus on criminal laws and criminal 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 that 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 when you start the process of finding the best attorney for your particular case.

Most attorneys offer free consultations. Take advantage of the free consultation to schedule an office consultation. Before making a decision, you should speak with several different attorneys until you find an attorney that has the necessary education, training, and experience.

Find an attorney with both exceptional credentials and the willingness to give your case the time and attention that it deserves.

Experienced Criminal Representation in Tampa, FL

Find out if the attorney that conducts the initial consultation will actually 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 of our clients with a detailed fee agreement that is signed by the attorney that 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

What does a criminal justice attorney do?

Attorneys work within all three parts of the criminal justice system. The vast majority of 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. A smaller number of attorneys work within law enforcement agencies and within 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 give students a working knowledge about how the courts, law enforcement agencies, and correctional institutions operate. Criminal justice programs at colleges and universities tend to 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?

Most people wait too long to hire an attorney. Most people are better off hiring an attorney soon after they learn about the criminal accusation.

At the earliest stage of the case, the criminal defense attorney can prevent the police from interrogating you. 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 types of motions must be filed PRIOR to your arraignment. If you don’t have an attorney at arraignment, then you might inadvertently waive those rights.

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. Feel free to review our website to get more information about the services we provide. 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 then contact the Sammis Law Firm, P.A. We can begin your defense today.

Call 813-250-0500.

This article was last updated by Jason D. Sammis on Friday, February 25, 2022.