About Law Office of Carl R Hayes, PA — Criminal Defense Tampa Florida

Criminal defense tampa clients facing charges in Hillsborough County turn to the Law Office of Carl R. Hayes, PA for skilled, strategic representation. Tampa is the seat of Hillsborough County, whose criminal court system — anchored at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 East Twiggs Street — processes one of Florida’s most active criminal dockets. The firm handles criminal defense cases alongside personal injury and general practice matters, giving Tampa-area residents a single, trusted firm capable of addressing the legal consequences that often flow from a single incident, such as an accident that results in both criminal charges and civil liability.

Hillsborough County’s criminal docket records broad swings in arrest data, with larceny historically the most common charge type — over 15,500 larceny arrests were recorded in a single recent year. Defendants facing charges here benefit from representation by an attorney who knows the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office charging practices and the specific expectations of the Tampa criminal courts.

What Clients Say

Tampa criminal defense clients consistently identify early intervention as the single most important factor in their case outcomes. Attorneys who engage with prosecutors before charges are formally filed — or immediately after arrest — create options that disappear later in the process. The Law Office of Carl R. Hayes brings that proactive approach to every criminal matter it handles in Hillsborough County.

Criminal Defense Tampa Florida — Practice Areas & Services

• Criminal Defense: Representation for misdemeanor and felony charges at Hillsborough County Court and the 13th Judicial Circuit, including drug offenses, DUI, assault, theft, and weapons charges.
• Personal Injury: Claims for injury victims throughout the Tampa Bay area, seeking fair compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by another’s negligence.
• General Practice: Broad civil representation for Tampa-area individuals and families across a range of legal matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are criminal cases heard in Tampa, Florida?

Criminal cases for Tampa residents are processed through the Hillsborough County courthouse system. Felony cases are heard at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse at 800 East Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa. Misdemeanor cases go to Hillsborough County Court, with arraignments and hearings held at the same complex. The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, located nearby, handles all prosecutorial decisions for cases filed in the 13th Judicial Circuit.

What are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Florida?

A first-offense DUI in Florida carries fines between $500 and $1,000, up to six months in jail, up to one year of probation, 50 hours of community service, and mandatory vehicle impoundment. License suspension runs from 180 days to one year. A second conviction within five years of the first carries mandatory 10-day jail time and a five-year license revocation. Florida’s implied consent law means refusing a breathalyzer results in automatic license suspension, and refusal can be used against a defendant at trial.

Can a criminal record be sealed or expunged in Florida after a Tampa arrest?

Florida allows sealing or expungement of a criminal record under specific circumstances. To expunge a record, charges must have been dismissed or the defendant found not guilty. Sealing is available for cases where adjudication was withheld — meaning the court did not formally enter a conviction. A person can only receive one expungement or sealing in their lifetime under Florida law. The process involves applying through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and then petitioning the Hillsborough County Circuit Court.