Criminal Defense

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys Fighting for Your Future

A criminal charge can turn your life upside down overnight. Beyond the risk of jail time and fines, a conviction can affect your job, your housing, your family, and your reputation in the community for years to come. At Michael P. Maddux, P.A., we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all defense. Every case starts with a chain of decisions made by police, prosecutors, and the court, and each one is a chance for the right defense strategy to change the outcome. Whether your case is in state court, federal court, or the juvenile system, here is how we approach it.

The Hours After an Arrest Matter

What you say, what evidence gets collected, and how quickly you get a lawyer involved can all shape the rest of your case. We move quickly to understand the circumstances of the arrest or investigation, protect you from further questioning, and start identifying constitutional issues, like an unlawful search or an improper stop, before they get buried in paperwork.

State, Federal, and Juvenile Defense

Criminal cases move through very different systems depending on where they are filed and who is involved.

State charges are handled in Hillsborough County and surrounding State courts under Florida law.

Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and often carry mandatory minimum sentences, leaving far less room for negotiation and making early, aggressive representation critical.

Juvenile cases follow their own track, with separate records protections and a system built around rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.

We know that defending a federal fraud case looks nothing like defending a juvenile in delinquency court, and we build our strategy around the system your case is actually in.

DUI Defense

A DUI arrest can lead to license suspension, fines, mandatory education programs, and even jail time, even for a first offense. Prosecutors lean heavily on breath test results, field sobriety exercises, and officer observations, but each of these can be challenged. We examine whether the stop was lawful, whether the testing equipment was properly calibrated, and whether procedure was followed from the stop through the arrest.

Drug Crime Charges

Penalties for drug charges in Florida depend heavily on the type and amount of substance involved, where the offense allegedly occurred, and your prior record. Charges range from simple possession to trafficking, which carries mandatory minimum sentences. We scrutinize how the evidence was obtained and look for opportunities to suppress evidence, pursue diversion programs, or negotiate a reduced charge.

Fraud and White Collar Crime

Fraud and white collar allegations often involve complex financial records and lengthy investigations before charges are ever filed. These cases call for an attorney who can dig into the documentation and find the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We represent clients facing fraud schemes, identity theft, and related financial crimes, from the investigation stage through trial if necessary.

Building Your Defense

Once we understand the full picture, we get to work: reviewing the evidence, questioning how it was obtained, and preparing whichever path serves you best, whether that is a motion to suppress, a negotiated resolution, or trial. We will keep you updated on what happens next.

Talk to a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you or someone you love is facing a criminal charge or investigation, the most important step is getting a lawyer involved before saying anything else to police. Contact Michael P. Maddux, P.A. today to talk through your situation and figure out your next move.