Tampa Warrants and Procedures – The Fernandez Law Group

LABOR DAY DUI ENFORCEMENT IS UNDERWAY

FLG — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:46:43 +0000

Labor Day DUI Enforcement Is Underway

With Labor Day approaching, Florida law-enforcement agencies are participating in the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”impaired driving enforcement campaign.

The campaign began August 19 and continues through September 7. Further south, Sarasota County law enforcement has also urged drivers to avoid impaired driving ahead of the holiday period as part of the same campaign.

Tampa Bay Area drivers should plan their ride home before drinking or using any substance that could impair driving. A DUI stop can have consequences beyond the criminal case, including an immediate driver-license issue that may require quick action.

If You Are Stopped

A traffic stop can feel stressful. It is important to stay calm and consider the following general approach:

Pull over safely as soon as practical
Keep your hands visible and remain calm
Provide the documents Florida law requires you to provide
Avoid arguing, resisting, or making roadside admissions about alcohol, drugs, speed, or driving conduct
Read and preserve every piece of paperwork you receive
Write down what you remember as soon as you can, including the location, time, statements made, and any witnesses

Cases are determined based on the facts. The stop itself, observations by the officer, field exercises, video, breath-testing procedures, and documentation can all have a major influence and impact on the outcome of the case.

A DUI Arrest Can Trigger Criminal Charges and a License Suspension

A DUI allegation may involve both a criminal charge and a separate administrative driver-license suspension process. Under Florida Statute § 322.2615, a person issued a DUI suspension notice generally has 10 days after issuance to request a formal or informal review by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Eligible drivers may receive a 10-day temporary permit when the notice is issued.

That deadline is an easy one to miss – especially after an arrest, towing situation, or weekend detention. Reviewing any such notice and seeking immediate legal advice can help a driver understand available options and deadlines while preserving any and all available rights for the client.

Do Not Ignore Medical Symptoms After Any Accident

DUI enforcement is not the only late-summer driving issue worth watching. If you are involved in a Florida car crash, it is important to prioritize safety and medical care. Symptoms from concussions, soft-tissue injuries, and other conditions may not always be obvious at the scene.

Florida’s Personal Injury Protection law generally requires initial services and care within 14 days after a motor-vehicle accident for PIP medical benefits to be available. The statute also contains requirements that affect the amount and type of benefits potentially available, so accident victims should not wait to understand their medical and insurance options.

Important steps to take after a crash include:

Call 911 when there are injuries, danger, or a reportable crash
Exchange information and photograph vehicles, roadway conditions, and visible injuries when safe
Preserve dashcam footage, app-based rideshare records, and witness contact information
Seek appropriate medical attention promptly if you are hurt or develop symptoms
Notify your insurer, but be cautious about recorded statements or quick settlement offers before you know the extent of your injuries

Some “Traffic” Cases Carry Criminal Consequences

Not every moving violation ends up resulting in a simple ticket. Allegations involving DUI, reckless driving, leaving a crash scene, driving on a suspended license, or fleeing police can result in additional criminal charges.

Florida law makes it a third degree felony to willfully refuse or fail to stop after a known lawful order from an authorized law enforcement officer, or to flee after initially stopping. The law provides for more serious aggravated charges in certain circumstances, including cases involving injury or property damage.

Do not assume that a citation, notice to appear, or arrest paperwork is routine. Read the alleged charge exactly, calendar all hearing dates and deadlines, and seek individualized legal advice promptly.

If you or a family member is dealing with a DUI arrest, crash injury, hit-and-run allegation, criminal traffic charge, or license suspension issue in the Tampa Bay Area, timely action is extremely important. Our team is available to review the facts, explain the next steps, and help you protect your rights and you can get started right away with our free consultation and detailed case evaluation.

14-Day Deadline After an Accident

After a car crash, many people focus on vehicle damage, work schedules, and insurance calls. But one deadline can be especially important: Florida’s PIP statute generally requires a person to receive initial services and care within 14 days of a motor-vehicle accident for PIP medical benefits to be available.

That alone is not a reason to seek unnecessary treatment, however, it is extremely important not to dismiss any potential symptoms or delay an appropriate medical evaluation whenever there is a possibility you may have been injured.

Why Symptoms Can Be Delayed

Adrenaline and shock can mask pain immediately after a collision. In the following hours or days, a person may begin experiencing headaches, neck pain, back pain, dizziness, numbness, trouble sleeping, or cognitive changes.

When symptoms appear, seek appropriate medical attention. Your health comes first, and a proper medical evaluation and resulting documentation can also help further establish what happened after the crash.

What To Preserve

Evidence can disappear quickly. If possible, preserve:

Photos and video of the vehicle damage, roadway, weather, and scene
The crash report exchange or incident number
Names and contact information for witnesses
Dashcam, security-camera, or nearby business-camera leads
Medical records, receipts, work-loss documentation, and insurance communications
Rideshare trip records or delivery app details, if applicable

A recent fatal crash involving a Tampa man who reportedly lost control of a trailer on Florida’s Turnpike is a reminder that commercial, trailer, and multi-vehicle incidents can require especially quick evidence preservation. The causes of any individual crash must be investigated rather than assumed.

Do Not Let an Insurer Set the Timeline

Insurance companies may contact you quickly. You can report a claim and cooperate with reasonable policy obligations, but do not feel pressured to give an expansive recorded statement or accept an early settlement before your medical condition and losses are clear.

For a serious injury, death, disputed fault, commercial vehicle, uninsured-driver, or rideshare crash, legal advice early in the process may help identify evidence and deadlines. You can get started today with our free consultation and detailed case evaluation.

EXPERIENCE. STANDARDS. RESULTS.

With a combined legal experience of over 50 years in both State and Federal courts, the Tampa Lawyers at Fernandez Law Group are committed to providing quality service to clients while maintaining a high level of respect, integrity, and appreciation for each individuals’ legal needs.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers work aggressively seeking compensation for damages and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements.

Our Criminal Defense Lawyers fight to protect the rights of our clients and have successfully litigated to reduce thousands of sentences and fines.

We offer free initial consultations with detailed case reviews.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn More: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com

labor day dui enforcemebt is underway in the tampa bay area – 8/20/26

The post LABOR DAY DUI ENFORCEMENT IS UNDERWAY appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.

RELEASED ON RECOGNIZANCE (ROR)

FLG — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:07:19 +0000

RELEASED ON RECOGNIZANCE (ROR)

After you’ve been arrested in Florida, you may qualify for a release on recognizance (ROR) under certain conditions. An ROR means that you are released from jail without posting bond so that you don’t have to spend weeks or months behind bars while waiting for a court date.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

Learn more: https://thefernandezlawgroup.com/criminal-defense/tampa-warrants-and-procedures/released-on-own-recognizance-ror/

#Arrest #arrested #ror #criminaldefense #criminaldefenseattorney #CriminalDefenselawyer #tampalawyer #tampalawyers #lawyers #attorneys

The post RELEASED ON RECOGNIZANCE (ROR) appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.

WHAT IS A VOP WARRANT?

FLG — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 20:44:27 +0000

WHAT IS A VOP WARRANT?

A Violation of Probation Warrant is an arrest warrant that can be issued for violations of the conditions of probation as quickly as the same day as the violation. In some cases, warrants may take a day or two to issue. A probation officer must prepare all necessary documents and refer the issue to the prosecutor in order to get the arrest warrant.

What is a VOP Warrant?

VIOLATION OF PROBATION WARRANT:A Violation of Probation Warrant is an arrest warrant that can be issued for violations of the conditions of probation as quic…

We can often have the judge release the Defendant on a low bond or perhaps even released on their own recognizance, depending on the circumstances.

If it’s a new crime, we can challenge the probable cause on that, so just because a Defendant has a violation of probation warrant doesn’t mean that their no bond is going to remain that way.

We’ve often been able to get clients out of custody on low bonds or none, even on a violation of probation (VOP) warrant.

OUR DEFENSE LAWYERS ARE READY TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A DETAILED CONSULTATION FOR FREE!

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

#violation #probation #criminaldefenseattorney #criminaldefenselawyer #lawyer #lawyers #attorney #attorneys #tampa #tampabay

The post WHAT IS A VOP WARRANT? appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.

OUT OF COUNTY AND OUT OF STATE WARRANTS

FLG — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:22:35 +0000

OUT OF COUNTY AND OUT OF STATE WARRANTS

Out of County and Out of State Warrants are usually issued by a Judge who is outside of the present jurisdiction.

As per the Florida Statutes, Chapter 901.08, the issue of warrant when offense triable in another county.—

When a complaint before a trial court judge charges the commission of an offense that is punishable by death or life imprisonment and is triable in another county of the state, but it appears that the person against whom the complaint is made is in the county where the complaint is made, the same proceedings for issuing a warrant shall be used as prescribed in this chapter, except that the warrant shall require the person against whom the complaint is made to be taken before a designated trial court judge of the county in which the offense is triable.
If the person arrested has a right to bail, the officer making the arrest shall inform the person of his or her right to bail and, on request, shall take the person before a trial court judge or other official having authority to admit to bail in the county in which the arrest is made. The official shall admit the person to bail for his or her appearance before the trial court judge designated in the warrant.
If the person arrested does not have a right to bail or, when informed of his or her right to bail, does not furnish bail immediately, he or she shall be taken before the trial court judge designated in the warrant.

If you’re facing an out of county or out of state warrant, it’s very important to obtain solid legal representation right away.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

#SearchWarrant #defenselawyer #tampacriminaldefense #tampalawyer #tampaattorney #criminaldefenseattorney #criminaldefenselawyer #defenseattorney #lawyers #lawyer #attorney #attorneys #tampa

The post OUT OF COUNTY AND OUT OF STATE WARRANTS appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.

What To Expect at an Arraignment Hearing in Hillsborough County

FLG — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 20:29:18 +0000

What To Expect at an Arraignment Hearing in Hillsborough County

Jeff Quisenberry of Fernandez Law Group discussing what to expect at an Arraignment Hearing in Hillsborough County Courthouse in Tampa, and the rest of Florida.

In between the First Appearance and the Arraignment is another opportunity where a criminal defense lawyer can help you. A criminal defense lawyer will be able to speak to the prosecutor and persuade them not to file charges or file less serious charges, or fewer charges.

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND CASE EVALUATION.

The post What To Expect at an Arraignment Hearing in Hillsborough County appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.

Out of County and Out of State Warrants

FLG — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 15:13:59 +0000

OUT OF COUNTY AND OUT OF STATE WARRANTS

Out of County and Out of State Warrants are usually issued by a Judge who is outside of the present jurisdiction.

As per the Florida Statutes, Chapter 901.08, the issue of warrant when offense triable in another county.

(1) When a complaint before a trial court judge charges the commission of an offense that is punishable by death or life imprisonment and is triable in another county of the state, but it appears that the person against whom the complaint is made is in the county where the complaint is made, the same proceedings for issuing a warrant shall be used as prescribed in this chapter, except that the warrant shall require the person against whom the complaint is made to be taken before a designated trial court judge of the county in which the offense is triable.

(2) If the person arrested has a right to bail, the officer making the arrest shall inform the person of his or her right to bail and, on request, shall take the person before a trial court judge or other official having authority to admit to bail in the county in which the arrest is made. The official shall admit the person to bail for his or her appearance before the trial court judge designated in the warrant.

(3) If the person arrested does not have a right to bail or, when informed of his or her right to bail, does not furnish bail immediately, he or she shall be taken before the trial court judge designated in the warrant.

#WANTED #warrant #warrants #Arrest #Arrests #outofstate #defenseattorney #defenselawyer #criminaljustice #criminaldefense

OUR TAMPA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ARE READY TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A DETAILED CONSULTATION FOR FREE!

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CRIMINAL LAW? CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND DETAILED CASE EVALUATION.

The post Out of County and Out of State Warrants appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.

What is a bench warrant?

FLG — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:16:12 +0000

WHAT IS A BENCH WARRANT?

A bench warrant is a written order issued by a judge authorizing the arrest of a person charged with contempt, a crime, or misdemeanor.

Typically, bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court for a hearing such as a traffic hearing, DUI hearing or Felony hearing, without providing a legal and sufficient reason.

If someone has been arrested on a bench warrant, the judge and the court have determined a defendant has failed to appear in court. That warrant is known as a bench warrant and it’s something that will keep someone in jail with no bond.

Our criminal defense lawyers can often persuade the judge at a hearing to allow defendants to set some type of bond or some type of release by showing, for example, that it was inadvertent mistake that caused someone to miss their court date.

We might also remind the judge that a defendant has otherwise never missed court before and we’ll make guarantees that they will appear in court in the future.

We can also make a suggestion for the judge to impose, perhaps, a minimal bond to ensure there’s no further failures to appear in court.

If you or someone you know is facing a Bench Warrant, contact Jeff Quisenberry with the Fernandez Law Group today – we can help.

#warrant #criminalcase #criminaldefense #criminaldefenseattorney #criminaldefenselawyer #law #tampa #tampabay

The post What is a bench warrant? appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.

Improper Search & Seizure

FLG — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 18:25:19 +0000

IMPROPER SEARCH & SEIZURE

An unreasonable or improper search and seizure is a search and seizure by a law enforcement officer without a search warrant and without probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime is present.

OUR DEFENSE LAWYERS ARE READY TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A DETAILED CONSULTATION FOR FREE!

#search #seizures #warrant #evidence #law #Crime #defense #defenseattorney #lawfirm #lawfirms #tampa #tampabay

CALL US TODAY AT 813-489-3222, USE OUR CONTACT FORM, EMAIL OR TEXT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND DETAILED CASE EVALUATION.

The post Improper Search & Seizure appeared first on The Fernandez Law Group.