Trusted criminal defense lawyers serving clients across Tampa, FL for nearly 15 years.

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Tampa, the decisions you make in the first hours and days will shape the trajectory of your case. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the stakes are real. A conviction can mean jail time, a permanent record, lost employment, and consequences that extend into every part of your life.

StechLaw Criminal Defense has represented individuals accused of crimes throughout the Tampa Bay area for nearly 15 years. Our Tampa, FL criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the charges against you during a free consultation and help you understand what comes next. Contact our office to get started.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Tampa, FL

A criminal defense lawyer represents individuals who have been accused of committing a crime, whether at the state or federal level. The role involves far more than showing up in court. Defense counsel investigates the facts, reviews the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, negotiates with prosecutors, and, when necessary, takes the case to trial.

The criminal justice system in Florida is adversarial by design. The government has investigators, prosecutors, and forensic resources. A person facing charges needs an attorney who can push back at every stage, from the initial arrest through sentencing. A criminal defense attorney in Tampa who understands how local courts and federal agencies operate brings a practical advantage that matters from day one.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Tampa

StechLaw Criminal Defense handles a broad range of criminal matters at both the state and federal level. Every case begins with a thorough review of the evidence and a clear-eyed assessment of the options available. We represent individuals accused of the following types of offenses.

DUI defense. A DUI arrest in Tampa triggers both criminal and administrative proceedings. We challenge traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and blood draws to protect our clients’ rights and driving privileges.
Drug defense. Drug charges range from simple possession to federal trafficking allegations. The defense strategy depends on the substance, the quantity, and how law enforcement obtained the evidence.
Domestic violence. Domestic violence arrests in Florida trigger automatic no-contact orders and mandatory arrest policies. We work to protect our clients’ rights while addressing the unique procedural aspects of these cases.
White collar crime. Fraud, embezzlement, and other financial crime allegations require an attorney who can work through complex financial records and challenge the government’s forensic conclusions.
Gun crimes. Firearms offenses at both the state and federal level often carry mandatory minimum sentences. We handle possession charges, trafficking allegations, and federal firearms violations.
Sex crimes. Sex crime allegations carry severe penalties and lasting consequences, including registration requirements. We defend individuals against charges ranging from sexual battery to internet-based offenses.
Assault and battery. Assault and battery charges vary from misdemeanors to aggravated felonies depending on the circumstances. Self-defense, defense of others, and lack of intent are all potential defenses.
Federal criminal defense. Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and carry heightened penalties. We represent clients facing federal charges in the Middle District of Florida.
Theft crimes. Theft charges in Florida are classified by the value of the property allegedly taken. We handle cases ranging from petit theft to grand theft and scheme to defraud allegations.
Juvenile defense. The juvenile justice system operates differently from adult criminal court. We defend minors facing delinquency charges and work to minimize the long-term impact on their futures.

Why Choose StechLaw Criminal Defense as My Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tampa, FL?

Board Certified Trial Lawyer With Nearly 15 Years of Practice

Ben Stechschulte founded StechLaw Criminal Defense to provide serious criminal defense representation in the Tampa Bay area. He is board certified in criminal trial law by The Florida Bar, a distinction earned by a small percentage of attorneys statewide. That certification requires demonstrated trial experience, peer review, and ongoing continuing education in criminal law.

Ben has practiced for nearly 15 years, tried over 60 cases to verdict, and earned his law degree from Stetson Law. Super Lawyers® recognized him as a Rising Star in 2015. His trial record spans state and federal courts, and he has handled cases involving everything from DUI arrests to complex federal fraud investigations. Prosecutors know which defense attorneys prepare for trial. That preparation changes how a case is negotiated, charged, and ultimately resolved.

What Is Important to Understand About Criminal Defense Cases?

Charges, Penalties, and Defense Strategies for Criminal Defense Cases

Criminal penalties in Florida depend on the severity of the charge, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether the case is prosecuted at the state or federal level. Federal courts use the sentencing guidelines published by the U.S. Sentencing Commission, while Florida courts apply the Criminal Punishment Code. Several factors influence the outcome:

The classification of the offense as a misdemeanor or felony
Whether mandatory minimum sentences apply
The presence of mitigating factors such as lack of prior record, cooperation, or mental health issues
Whether the case involves a victim, and the severity of any injuries
The strength of the evidence and the availability of witnesses
Whether the defendant is willing to accept responsibility or proceed to trial

Defense strategies vary by case. They may include challenging the legality of a stop, search, or arrest; filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence; attacking the credibility of witnesses; presenting alibi or self-defense arguments; and negotiating reduced charges or alternative sentencing.

What Are Important Aspects of a Criminal Defense Case?

Understanding how the criminal justice system works in Florida can help you make informed decisions about your case from the outset.

You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercising both of these rights early is one of the most important things you can do after an arrest.
The FBI, ATF, and other federal agencies investigate cases that fall under federal jurisdiction. If federal agents contact you, do not answer questions without an attorney present.
The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense does not have to prove innocence. A strong defense highlights the gaps and inconsistencies in the government’s case.
Criminal cases can have collateral consequences beyond the courtroom, including immigration issues, loss of professional licenses, and ineligibility for certain employment or housing.

What Is the Criminal Defense Case Timeline?

The timeline for a criminal case in Florida depends on the complexity of the charges, whether the case is in state or federal court, and how the defense and prosecution approach resolution.

Arrest and first appearance. After an arrest, the defendant appears before a judge within 24 hours for a bond determination. An attorney can advocate for reasonable bond conditions or argue for release.
Arraignment. The defendant enters a formal plea. This stage sets the case on a track for either resolution or trial.
Pretrial proceedings. Discovery, depositions, and motions take place during this phase. The defense may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel disclosure. Plea negotiations also occur during this period.
Trial. If the case does not resolve, it proceeds to trial before a jury. The defense presents its case, cross-examines witnesses, and challenges the prosecution’s evidence. A prepared defense attorney can make the difference between conviction and acquittal.
Sentencing. If convicted, the court determines the sentence based on statutory guidelines, the facts of the case, and arguments from both sides.

Florida’s statute of limitations varies by offense. Misdemeanors generally have shorter filing deadlines, while felonies carry longer periods. Capital offenses have no statute of limitations.

What Should You Bring to Your Criminal Defense Consultation?

Having the right documents ready when you meet with an attorney helps move the evaluation forward quickly.

The arrest report, booking paperwork, and any charging documents
Names and contact information for witnesses
Photos, videos, or other evidence related to the incident
Records of prior arrests, convictions, or pending cases
Any communications from law enforcement or prosecutors

Your consultation at StechLaw Criminal Defense is free and confidential. We will review the evidence, explain the charges, and outline the defense strategies available to you.

What Are Important Florida Legal Resources for Criminal Defense Cases?

Criminal defense cases in Florida involve a combination of state statutes, federal laws, constitutional protections, and local court rules. The following resources can help you research the legal framework that applies to your case.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission publishes the guidelines that federal judges use to determine sentences in federal criminal cases.
The FBI investigates criminal conduct that falls under federal jurisdiction, including organized crime, public corruption, and complex fraud.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida prosecutes all federal criminal cases in the Tampa area.
The Middle District of Florida covers Tampa and handles federal criminal proceedings. Court procedures and case filings are accessible through the court’s website.
Florida’s criminal case process follows a defined sequence from arrest through sentencing, with specific deadlines and procedural requirements at each stage.

Reach Out to StechLaw Criminal Defense to Schedule a Consultation

If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa, FL, speaking with a defense attorney early gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome. StechLaw Criminal Defense offers a free initial consultation to review the facts of your case, explain the potential consequences, and discuss your defense options. We also offer payment plans for clients who need flexibility. Contact us to speak with a Tampa criminal defense attorney today.

Criminal Defense Statistics in Tampa, FL

The criminal justice system moves quickly, and most cases resolve long before a jury is ever seated. Understanding how these cases typically proceed helps a person facing charges make informed decisions early. The figures below give context on the system a Tampa defendant enters.

The data comes from federal sentencing and Florida law-enforcement sources. It describes broad patterns rather than any individual case, but it shows why preparation and early counsel carry so much weight in a system that resolves the overwhelming majority of matters without a trial.

Most cases never reach a jury. Roughly 97 percent of people sentenced in federal court pleaded guilty rather than going to trial.
When a federal case ends in conviction, incarceration is common. A prison sentence was imposed in about 90 percent of federal criminal cases.
The federal courts carry a steady criminal docket, with tens of thousands of new criminal cases filed each year.
At the state level, Florida law enforcement agencies report hundreds of thousands of arrests annually across the state’s counties.

Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer Before Hiring

Choosing the right attorney is one of the most consequential decisions a person makes after an arrest. The questions below can help you evaluate a lawyer and understand what to expect. It is worth knowing what to ask before hiring anyone to handle your case.

Are you board certified in criminal trial law? Certification signals demonstrated trial experience and peer review. A board certified attorney has met a standard that a small share of Florida lawyers reach, which matters when a case may go to trial.
Have you handled cases like mine? Ask whether the lawyer has defended the specific charge you face, at the same level, in the same courts. Familiarity with local judges and prosecutors, and with the role of defense counsel, shapes how a case is negotiated.
Were you ever a prosecutor? An attorney who has worked on the other side understands how the government builds and values a case. There is real value in hiring a former prosecutor who can anticipate the state’s approach.
Will you take my case to trial if needed? Some lawyers rarely try cases. Ask directly. Prosecutors know which attorneys prepare for trial, and that knowledge affects how they charge and negotiate.
What are the likely outcomes? A candid lawyer will explain the realistic range of results and the paths toward resolving the charges, rather than promising a specific outcome no one can guarantee.
How do you charge, and can you work with my budget? Understand the fee structure and whether the firm offers flexibility. Cost matters, and affording an attorney should be part of an honest early conversation.
Who will handle my case directly? Confirm which attorney will appear in court and manage your defense, so you know who is responsible for the work from start to finish.

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. We offer free, confidential consultations to people arrested or charged with a crime in Tampa. The meeting is a chance to understand the charge, review the evidence, and hear how a Tampa criminal defense attorney would approach the case. A complete file is not required to meet. Even a partial account of what happened helps us identify where the state’s case may be open to challenge, and there is no obligation to hire the firm after that conversation.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

Cost depends on the charge, the complexity of the case, and whether it resolves early or proceeds to trial. A misdemeanor differs greatly from a serious felony with extensive discovery. We explain the fee structure during the consultation, and we understand that affording an attorney can be a real concern, so we discuss options openly rather than leaving you guessing.

Do I really need a lawyer for a first offense?

Yes. Even a first arrest can carry lasting consequences, from a permanent record to effects on employment and housing. The role of a defense lawyer is to protect your rights, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and pursue outcomes that limit the long-term impact. Handling a first offense without counsel often forfeits options that a lawyer could have preserved, including diversion or reduced charges that keep a conviction off the record.

Should I talk to the police?

Beyond identifying yourself, you are not required to answer questions, and doing so often causes harm. The right to remain silent exists for a reason, and pleading the fifth is not an admission of guilt. The safest course after an arrest is to decline to discuss the details and ask to speak with an attorney before saying anything further.

Can my charges be dismissed or dropped?

Sometimes. When a stop, search, or arrest violated your rights, a motion can remove key evidence and lead to a case being dismissed. Weak proof, unreliable witnesses, and procedural errors all create room to fight or negotiate. No lawyer can promise dismissal, but a careful review of the record often reveals problems worth pressing, and identifying them early gives the defense the most leverage.

Should I take a plea or go to trial?

That decision belongs to you, made with clear advice. It turns on the strength of the evidence, your exposure at trial, and what any offer provides. We explain the plea options and the risks and benefits of each path honestly. Some cases are best resolved by agreement, and others are worth trying before a jury. The facts, not a preference for speed or convenience, should drive that choice.

Will a conviction stay on my record?

It can, but not always. Depending on the charge and outcome, sealing a record may be possible, which limits who can see it. Eligibility depends on the offense, how the case was resolved, and prior history. We factor these long-term options into how we approach a resolution, because the record often matters as much as the sentence.

How long do I have before charges can be filed?

Florida sets a statute of limitations that varies by offense. Misdemeanors generally carry shorter filing deadlines, felonies carry longer ones, and the most serious offenses have none. These deadlines can affect a case in ways that are not obvious, which is one reason an early review by counsel is worthwhile.

What happens after an arrest?

A case moves through predictable stages, beginning with a first appearance and moving through arraignment, discovery, motions, and either a plea or trial. Knowing how a case begins and what each stage involves helps a defendant prepare. We keep clients informed at every step so the process feels understandable rather than overwhelming, and so no deadline passes without a plan in place.

What does the state have to prove?

The prosecution carries the burden of proof and must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense does not have to prove innocence. A strong defense highlights the gaps, inconsistencies, and doubts in the government’s case, and holds the state to the high standard the law requires.

Tampa Criminal Justice Resources

What Are Important Local Resources for a Tampa Criminal Case?

Beyond the federal agencies listed above, several Hillsborough County offices are involved in how a criminal case proceeds. We provide the following for general information only and do not endorse any office listed.

The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, at (813) 272-5894, handles criminal matters for Hillsborough County and publishes court information and procedures.
The State Attorney’s Office for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, at (813) 272-5400, files and prosecutes state criminal charges in the county.
The Public Defender for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, at (813) 272-5980, represents defendants who cannot afford private counsel.

About StechLaw Criminal Defense

Choosing a defense attorney is easier when you know what the lawyer has done and how they work. Ben Stechschulte founded StechLaw Criminal Defense after serving as a Hillsborough County prosecutor, and he brings that dual perspective to every case. He is board certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction held by a small fraction of attorneys statewide, has tried more than 100 jury trials and 250 non-jury matters, and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star. Our results span DUI, drug, federal, and violent-crime matters, and that trial record shapes how we defend clients across the Tampa Bay area.

What Our Clients Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I had a short consultation with Mr. Stechschulte, and it was evident that he is very knowledgeable and experienced! He left a personalized voice memo addressing my questions, with a lot of detail. He was even able to pull from examples from cases he had personally worked on. He was able to easily identify nuances in the law that I would have had no idea about otherwise, and how they could influence the situations I had asked about.” – Makayla Frisse

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Tampa Criminal Defense Cases

Contact StechLaw Criminal Defense

If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa, FL, the choices you make early can shape the entire case, so speaking with a defense attorney soon gives you the best footing. Our firm reviews the evidence, explains the charges and potential consequences in plain terms, and builds a defense around the facts. We offer free consultations and respond quickly. To speak with a criminal defense lawyer in Tampa, FL about your case, contact us to talk through what happened and what comes next for you.

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer