A criminal charge in Tampa puts the full resources of the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office against you inside the 13th Judicial Circuit, the court system serving all of Hillsborough County.
The Tampa criminal defense attorneys at Khonsari Law Group defend clients throughout Hillsborough County in state criminal cases from misdemeanors through serious felonies, and in federal matters handled through the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.
If you have been charged or believe you are under investigation, the time to act is now. Call (727) 269-5300 for a free and confidential case review.
Schedule Your Free ReviewWhat Does a Criminal Conviction Actually Cost Someone in Tampa?
A conviction costs far more than the sentence the court imposes. In Florida, the consequences of a criminal record reach into nearly every part of life.
Employment. Most Tampa employers run background checks. Under Florida Statute 775.082, Florida classifies criminal offenses by degree, felony or misdemeanor, and that classification follows you into every job application. Healthcare, finance, real estate, education, and many other licensed fields can revoke or deny professional licenses based on a conviction.
Housing. Private landlords in Hillsborough County screen applicants. Felony convictions close doors to a significant share of available rental properties, and public housing programs carry their own eligibility restrictions.
Immigration. For non-citizens living in Tampa, certain criminal convictions trigger mandatory deportation proceedings, regardless of how long a person has lived in the United States.
Civil rights. A felony conviction in Florida results in the loss of voting rights and the right to possess firearms. Restoration requires a separate legal process after the sentence is completed.
The permanent record. A formal conviction stays on your criminal record unless it qualifies for sealing or expungement under Florida law, and many convictions do not qualify at all. The charge classification determines whether those options are ever available.
Criminal Cases We Defend in Hillsborough County
Khonsari Law Group defends clients across the full range of criminal charges filed in Tampa and Hillsborough County courts.
Are Felony and Misdemeanor Cases Handled in Different Tampa Courts?
Yes. In Hillsborough County, misdemeanors and most first-offense DUI charges are heard in County Court. Felony charges, including drug trafficking, violent crimes, grand theft, and any charge carrying potential imprisonment exceeding one year, are handled in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, the circuit court serving all of Hillsborough County.
This distinction matters in practice. The procedural timeline, assigned judge, and resources available to the prosecution differ significantly between County Court and Circuit Court. So does the range of outcomes your attorney can pursue.
DUI, Drug Crimes, and Violent Offenses
Khonsari Law Group handles misdemeanor and felony DUI cases, drug possession and trafficking charges, assault and battery, robbery, weapons offenses, white collar crimes, theft, probation violations, and juvenile defense matters in Hillsborough County. Related proceedings, license suspension hearings, probation violation hearings, and bond reduction motions, are also handled as part of the representation.
What If Your Case Has Federal Implications?
Tampa's geography creates significant federal criminal exposure. Drug cases involving the Port of Tampa or Tampa International Airport, wire fraud, federal firearms violations, and organized criminal activity frequently result in federal prosecution rather than state charges.
Federal cases in Tampa are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, a mandatory framework that controls sentence length and leaves far less judicial discretion than Florida state court.
Charged in Tampa? Early representation changes what is possible. Call Khonsari Law Group at (727) 269-5300 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
Schedule Your ReviewHow Do Criminal Cases Actually Move Through Hillsborough County Courts?
The Hillsborough County criminal process follows a structured timeline, and where your case sits in that timeline shapes what your attorney can still do.
First appearance. Within 24 hours of arrest, you appear before a judge who sets bail and formally informs you of the charges. Having an attorney at this hearing can meaningfully affect the bail determination.
Arraignment. Typically scheduled within a few weeks of the first appearance, this is when a formal plea is entered. Most defendants plead not guilty at arraignment to preserve time for investigation and negotiation.
Discovery. The State Attorney's Office must produce its evidence within set timelines. What the state has, and what it is missing, defines the defense strategy.
Pretrial motions. Defense attorneys can file motions to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully, dismiss charges lacking legal support, or address constitutional violations in how the arrest was conducted. A successful suppression motion can eliminate the state's ability to prosecute entirely.
Negotiation or trial. Most criminal cases in Hillsborough County resolve through negotiated pleas before trial. Whether to accept a plea offer or fight at trial is the most consequential decision in any criminal case, and it depends on the strength of the evidence, the realistic sentence exposure, and what the specific facts support.
What a Former Prosecutor Brings to Tampa's Courtrooms
Rohom Khonsari spent years as an Assistant State Attorney before founding Khonsari Law Group. In Tampa's courtrooms, that experience translates to a direct understanding of how prosecutors evaluate cases: what evidence they consider essential, when they are likely to negotiate, and where their positions are most vulnerable to challenge.
Criminal defense is not reactive. The attorneys who produce the best outcomes are the ones who understand what the prosecution is building before it finishes, and who knows what a Hillsborough County judge needs to see in a motion, a negotiation, or a trial. That knowledge comes from having worked inside the system.
Khonsari Law Group holds membership in the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and carries a Better Business Bureau (BBB) A+ rating and an Avvo Client Choice designation. The firm has been featured on ABC Action News, Bay News 9, the Tampa Bay Business Journal, and the Tampa Bay Times.
"During the legal process with my case, Rohom Khonsari was fantastic. He was up front and honest, and the results were better than I could have ever hoped for. Most importantly, he never made me feel like a client. He made me feel like a friend." — B.W., former client
Ask Khonsari Law Group
Do I need a Tampa criminal defense attorney for a misdemeanor charge?
Yes. Misdemeanor convictions in Florida are permanent on your criminal record and affect employment applications, professional licensing, and housing. A first-time misdemeanor may qualify for diversion or a withhold of adjudication, where the court declines to formally enter a conviction, but those outcomes require an attorney to pursue.
Showing up to County Court and pleading guilty has consequences that follow you for years.
How much does a Tampa criminal defense attorney typically cost?
The cost depends on the severity of the charge, whether the case goes to trial, and the complexity of the defense. Khonsari Law Group offers a free initial consultation so you understand what your case involves before committing. Call (727) 269-5300 to schedule yours.
What is the difference between a public defender and a private criminal defense attorney in Tampa?
Hillsborough County public defenders are qualified practitioners, but they carry substantial caseloads that limit the time available for each client. A private attorney can dedicate more preparation time, conduct independent investigation, and engage expert witnesses when needed. For cases involving serious felony charges or federal exposure, that difference in preparation capacity matters.
Can criminal charges in Tampa be sealed or expunged from my record?
Under Florida law, sealing and expungement are available for certain charges that did not result in a formal conviction. Charges resolved with a withhold of adjudication may be eligible, subject to statutory requirements. Charges resulting in a formal conviction generally cannot be sealed or expunged. An attorney can evaluate your specific charge and outcome to determine what options exist.
How long does a criminal case in Hillsborough County typically take?
Most misdemeanor cases in Tampa's County Court resolve within 90 to 180 days. Felony cases in the 13th Judicial Circuit take longer: straightforward felonies may resolve in 3 to 6 months, while cases involving significant evidence, multiple charges, or trial can extend a year or more. Discovery timelines, pretrial motions, and whether the case requires trial are the main factors that control the timeline.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 775.082, misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in county jail — first-degree misdemeanors up to 364 days, second-degree up to 60 days. Felonies are prosecuted in circuit court: third-degree felonies carry up to 5 years in state prison, second-degree felonies up to 15 years, and first-degree felonies up to 30 years. Capital felonies can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. The classification determines which court hears the case, what judge is assigned, and the long-term record implications.
Can I be charged with both state and federal crimes for the same incident?
Yes. State and federal governments are considered separate sovereigns under U.S. law, and double jeopardy protections do not prevent both from prosecuting the same underlying conduct. This situation arises most often in drug cases, organized crime, fraud, and matters involving federal agencies. A drug arrest in Hillsborough County can result in state charges, federal charges, or both.
What happens if I miss a court date in Hillsborough County?
Missing a court date results in an automatic Order to Show Cause and typically a warrant for your arrest. The judge may also revoke any bond you posted. Contact an attorney immediately if you have missed a hearing. In many cases, an attorney can file to quash (cancel) the warrant and reschedule, but the longer a warrant sits, the more complicated the situation becomes.
Facing criminal charges in Tampa is serious. The attorneys at Khonsari Law Group are ready to build your defense in Hillsborough County courts and fight for the best outcome available.
Call (727) 269-5300 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. We represent clients across Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
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