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Tampa Criminal Defense FAQ

No one wants to accept criminal charges, but unfortunately, you might have been pulled over, arrested, or served a warrant for a crime. That’s a tough situation, and it can be overwhelming.

So, what can you do? You likely have a lot of questions, which means you need a lawyer from Hersem Law to help you answer them. If you’re struggling with your claim, check out our Tampa criminal defense FAQ and then reach out to a Tampa defense attorney.

When I’m released from prison, will my record affect me?

Unfortunately, your record will make a difference in key parts of your life. While you may have served your time, you’ll still be labeled a felon, and that may be used against you. Employers and housing providers will often screen for a criminal record, which can reduce your opportunities. It can even affect your child custody rights if you and your spouse divorce.

That’s why it’s so important to fight now. You’re not just trying to avoid prison time—you should be protecting your future.  

Is fighting a misdemeanor worth it?

While a misdemeanor may not seem so serious, it can impact your life like a felony. In some misdemeanor cases, you may still serve jail time, which can disrupt your life. You don’t want to deal with the fines, either, which can put you in debt.

Worse, a misdemeanor may be bumped up to a felony. For example, if the charges also involved the use of a deadly weapon, you might be facing more serious charges than you expect. As such, it’s best to fight back now, rather than deal with the fines, jail time, and long-term consequences later.  

I have a warrant out for my arrest. What do I do?

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, the first thing to do is to not panic. A warrant is serious, but it doesn’t mean you’re staying in jail long. Fortunately, a lawyer can help with the process, so you don’t have to worry about an embarrassing arrest at home, at work, or in public.

Your lawyer can contact the Tampa police, arranging a more discrete way for you to turn yourself in. You’ll need to wait at the police station until they’ve booked you, meaning that they’ve put your information into their system. Once they’ve done this, your bail will be posted, which you may prearrange with your lawyer. This method makes your arrest as easy as possible, so speak to your lawyer soon.  

Learn How a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

When you’re dealing with a criminal case, you need someone on your side. You shouldn’t be left to suffer, but if you don’t act now, you could be left alone in a tough situation. You’ll need someone on your side to get through this difficult time.

That’s why you’ll want to go beyond our Tampa criminal defense FAQ and seek out a lawyer from Hersem Law. We’ll fight for you, starting with a free strategy session. So, if you have some questions about your criminal defense and you need answers now, reach out by calling 813-251-7291 or completing the online form below.