Tampa Criminal & DUI Defense Lawyer

Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tampa

You can contact Tampa criminal defense attorney Jeff Paulk with the confidence that we will be there to answer the phone. Beyond our around-the-clock availability, we provide aggressive defense rooted in our years of hands-on experience with both sides of criminal proceedings: prosecution and defense. When your future is on the line, you can find a powerful ally in The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk.

Get the criminal defense attorney you need on your side. If we take your case, we'll fight relentlessly to protect your rights.

Criminal Defense FAQ

What Should I Do If I Am Arrested?

• If you're arrested, remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement, but do not answer questions about the alleged crime. 
• Provide basic identifying information if required, but politely decline to discuss the details of your case. 
• Ask for an attorney immediately and clearly state that you are invoking your right to counsel. 
• Do not consent to any searches beyond what is legally required. 

Once you're able to make a phone call, contact The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk right away. We're available 24/7 to assist clients who have been arrested, and we can often get involved early in the process to protect your rights and begin building your defense.

Should I Talk to the Police Without a Lawyer Present?

No. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you in court, even if you think you're helping your case or simply explaining your side of the story. Police officers are trained interrogators, and seemingly innocent statements can be twisted or taken out of context. The best course of action is to politely decline to answer questions and immediately request an attorney. Once you invoke your right to counsel, law enforcement must stop questioning you. 

Contact a local DUI lawyer in Tampa as soon as possible so your rights can be protected from the very beginning.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney varies depending on the complexity of your case, the charges you're facing, and the amount of time and resources required to defend you. At The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk, we offer free and confidential initial consultations, during which we can discuss the specifics of your case and provide transparent information about our fees. While hiring an attorney is an investment, the cost of not having skilled legal representation—including the potential for conviction, jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record—can be far greater. 

Can I Get My Charges Dismissed or Reduced?

It depends on the specific facts of your case. Charges can be dismissed if there are problems with the evidence, if your constitutional rights were violated, if the prosecution cannot prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, or if there are other legal defenses available. Even when dismissal isn't possible, an experienced attorney may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges reduced to lesser offenses with lighter penalties. 

Do I Need a Lawyer If I'm Planning on Pleading Guilty?

Even if you believe you're guilty or plan to plead guilty, you should never do so without first consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney. A guilty plea has serious and lasting consequences, and once entered, it's extremely difficult to undo. An attorney can review your case to determine whether the prosecution actually has sufficient evidence to convict you, whether your rights were violated during your arrest or investigation, and whether there are defenses you may not be aware of. Additionally, even in cases where a guilty plea is the best option, an attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, lighter sentences, or alternative sentencing options that may not be available if you simply plead guilty on your own. 

At The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk, we ensure you understand all of your options before making any decisions about your case.