The Law Office of Bryant A Scriven, P.A.
1808 North Morgan Street
Tampa, FL 33602

Ph:813-226-8522

Tampa Criminal Attorney

CRIMINAL DEFENSE FAQ

Do I have any rights during an arrest?

Yes. Some of the most important protections in the U.S. constitution provide you with the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent and the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. Remember to take advantage of these rights and always ask to speak with your Tampa criminal lawyer and refuse to answer any questions until you are permitted this right.

If the police approach me about a crime, what should I do?

Be polite. Answer all questions related to your identity, but do not answer any questions about the crime until your attorney is present.

If the police violated my rights, will the case automatically be dropped?

No. Unless there were gross rights violations, the case will not be automatically dropped. Your Tampa criminal attorney can help have evidence against you suppressed as a result of rights violations though and if enough of this evidence is withheld, there may be too little to hold trial against you and then the case will be dropped.

Why should I pay for an attorney when I can get a public defender for free?

Public defenders are good, but they don’t have the time and resources to help you build the strongest possible defense. If you have been charged with a crime, you are generally much better off paying for a private Tampa criminal lawyer.

Why do I need a lawyer when I want to plead guilty?

Because you shouldn’t plead guilty when there is not enough legal evidence to convict you. Many trials have inconclusive or illegally obtained evidence. When there is enough evidence to convict you though, a Tampa criminal attorney can still provide you with a major benefit by helping you negotiate a great plea bargain to minimize your sentence.

If you have any other questions, please call the Law Office of Richard D. Leal.