We credit our success to our experience & focus on excellent client service
2018 #1 DUI Defense Lawyer in Tampa
We credit our success to our experience & focus on excellent client service
After an arrest, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Tampa. Our team will explain what charges you face, walk you through your options, and begin building your defense strategy. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Brett Metcalf understands exactly how the state builds its case—and he uses that knowledge to protect you.
Learn more about your first court appearance and what to expect.
If someone you care about is in custody and you are seeking help on their behalf, we are happy to speak with you. Metcalf Falls is available around the clock to answer your questions about bond, charges, and next steps.
Request a free consultation and let us start working on your loved one’s defense right away.
A DUI is most people’s first encounter with the criminal justice system, and Florida’s penalties are severe. You only have 10 days to fight an administrative license suspension after a DUI arrest. A Tampa DUI lawyer from Metcalf Falls can protect your driving privileges, challenge the traffic stop and chemical test results, and pursue the best possible outcome.
If this is your first offense, visit our first DUI defense page to learn about your options.
Many licensing boards require disclosure of criminal charges, and even an accusation can jeopardize your career. Metcalf Falls fights to have cases dismissed or resolved in ways that minimize the impact on your professional license. Our attorneys understand the stakes for nurses, teachers, CDL holders, and other licensed professionals facing charges in Tampa.
Never speak to the police without a lawyer present. When you are accused of a crime, anything you say can be used against you in court. Even casual, seemingly harmless statements can be twisted into evidence.
Exercise your right to remain silent and contact a Tampa criminal defense attorney before answering any questions.
Brett is the best attorney I’ve ever had. I would recommend his services to anyone in need.
06.07.2021
“James Falls did an amazing job helping my son get some charges dismissed. He communicated with us and explained situations where we would’ve otherwise been clueless to maneuver the justice system. Highly recommend their service!”
Sherri Albert
05.20.2021
“This firm is the real deal … James does not mess around when it comes to his clients. Very professional.”
Adrian Reyes
01.20.2021
“Brett Metcalf is the best lawyer in the Tampa Bay area. He puts 100% into his work and goes far and beyond what you would expect out of a lawyer. If it wasn’t for Brett and Sam, my husband and…
Janice Luke
11.19.2020
“This guy treated me like I was a paying customer. He didn’t give me his opinion, he got on the phone to two separate places and got answers. Very impressed. Great free consultation. Telicia Rose went above and beyond in…
Lee Yates
08.03.2020
“Brett is an awesome professional attorney! I highly recommend him. Great responsive time and needed information.I will be calling Brett anytime legal advice is needed!!!! GREAT JOB BRETT”
Heidi Taylor
Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A. know what it takes to defend against:
DUI
From jail time to the impact on your license, a DUI in Tampa carries harsh penalties under Florida Statutes §316.193. With our skill and experience, we fight for the best possible outcome—whether that means challenging the traffic stop, disputing breathalyzer accuracy, or negotiating for reduced charges. Learn more about Tampa DUI defense
Visit DUI Defense Page
Domestic Violence
A domestic violence allegation can upend your life, restrict where you live, and threaten your relationships. Sometimes situations escalate, and accusations do not always tell the full story. Our Tampa domestic violence defense lawyers investigate the facts thoroughly and challenge weak or exaggerated claims.
Visit Domestic Violence Page
Violent Crimes
A violent crime conviction will follow you for life, affecting employment, housing, and civil rights. Whether you are charged with assault and battery, robbery, or a more serious offense, our Tampa violent crime defense attorneys have the courtroom experience to fight back.
Visit Violent Crimes Page
Sex Crimes
A sex crime accusation can shatter your reputation, career, and freedom. A conviction may result in prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. Our Tampa sex crime defense attorneys handle these sensitive cases with discretion and aggressive advocacy.
Visit Sex Crimes Page
Drug Crimes
Florida’s drug laws carry severe penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking. Whether you are facing a simple possession charge or a more serious distribution allegation, a Tampa drug crime lawyer from Metcalf Falls will challenge the evidence, explore diversion options, and pursue the strongest defense.
Visit Drug Crimes Page
Personal Injury
You shouldn’t be held responsible if you or a loved one is hurt because of someone else. You deserve the chance to recover and we can help. Get the facts, know the value, and claim what’s right.
Visit Personal Injury Page
Criminal law covers violations of public law. In Florida, offenses are divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies.
Felonies are prosecuted in Hillsborough County Circuit Court and carry the possibility of more than one year in Florida state prison. Felonies are classified by degree:
Third-Degree Felony: Crimes in this category include aggravated assault, felony DUI, and carrying a firearm without a permit. Convictions can result in up to five years in prison, up to five years of probation, and fines up to $5,000.
Second-Degree Felony: Examples include DUI manslaughter, aggravated battery, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Penalties include up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
First-Degree Felony: This level includes offenses such as drug trafficking, armed robbery, and aggravated child abuse. Convictions can lead to up to 30 years in prison.
Capital and Life Felonies: Capital felonies, such as murder, carry the death penalty, while life felonies—including sexual battery and kidnapping—may result in a life sentence.
Misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies and are heard in Hillsborough County Court. Penalties include up to one year in county jail.
Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Typically punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and fines up to $500. Common examples include disorderly conduct and leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage only.
First-Degree Misdemeanor: These offenses can result in up to one year in jail, up to one year of probation, and fines up to $1,000. Examples include simple battery, DUI first offense, and petit theft.
Misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies and carry penalties of up to one year in county jail. These cases are handled in County Court and are classified as either first- or second-degree. Repeat offenses can lead to enhanced penalties.
Typically punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and fines up to $5,000. Common offenses include disorderly conduct and leaving the scene of an accident.
These offenses can result in up to one year in jail, up to one year of probation, and fines as high as $1,000. Additional penalties may include community service, diversion programs, counseling, or drug and alcohol treatment. Examples include domestic violence, simple battery, and marijuana possession.
We’ll Support And Defend You Through Every Step.
Metcalf Falls has spent years practicing in Tampa’s courtrooms. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the procedures at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse and the Hillsborough County courthouse complex. This familiarity allows us to support and defend you through every step of the process.
You may learn you are a suspect in an investigation or be contacted by police for questioning. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Contact Metcalf Falls immediately so we can protect your rights from the outset.
If you are taken into custody, remain silent and call Metcalf Falls immediately. Booking typically takes place at the Hillsborough County Jail on Orient Road or the Falkenburg Road facility. We will begin building your defense from the moment you call.
At your arraignment, we will explain your options, enter a plea on your behalf, and argue for reasonable bail. Arraignment in Hillsborough County typically occurs within 21 days of arrest for felonies. Learn about your plea options in a criminal case.
During the pretrial phase, we represent your best interests at hearings, file strategic motions, and negotiate aggressively to have your charges reduced or dismissed. Depending on the severity of your charge, your case may proceed through the Hillsborough County Criminal Court. You can look up case information through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.
Depending on the type and severity of charge you’re facing, your case could proceed through either county or circuit court. If you have a case pending, you can search it in the online records of the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.
Your case may be held at Hillsborough County Criminal Court if you’re charged with a felony, assault and battery, minor drug crimes, disorderly conduct, or other misdemeanors.
Types of Cases:
Call Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
813-258-4800The possible consequences might be harsh, but working with an experienced criminal defense attorney will greatly improve your situation. Our goal will always be to have your charges dismissed, either through negotiation or pre-trial motions. If the charges cannot be completely dismissed, we will work to have them reduced or mitigated because a single incident should not define your life.