Criminal Defense Attorney in Pasco County, FL

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When you face criminal charges in Wesley Chapel or elsewhere in Pasco County, Florida, someone should stand up and fight for you. At Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A., that’s what we do. You can count on us to provide accurate information, compassionate guidance, and an aggressive defense.

Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A., has an office in Wesley Chapel, Florida, conveniently located between the west and east Pasco County courthouses in New Port Richey and Dade City.

If You've Been Arrested in Pasco County — What Happens Next

An arrest in Pasco County triggers a fast-moving criminal process. Understanding what happens at each stage helps you make informed decisions and gives your attorney the best chance to build a winning defense:

Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself

  • Invoke your right to remain silent. Tell the officer: "I want to speak with my attorney before answering any questions." Do not explain, apologize, or try to talk your way out of the situation.
  • Do not consent to any search. You have the right to refuse consent to search your home, vehicle, or person. If officers have a warrant, comply—but do not volunteer access to anything not covered.
  • Preserve evidence. Write down everything you remember: the officer's name, badge number, what was said, the sequence of events. Save text messages, photos, and contact information for witnesses.
  • Do not discuss the case. Do not talk to cellmates, friends, or family about the charges—especially on jail phones, which are recorded.
  • Contact Metcalf Falls at (813) 694-5778 immediately. We serve Pasco County clients and can attend your first appearance, argue for bond, and begin building your defense from day one.

First Appearance and Bond

After booking at the Pasco County jail, you will appear before a judge within 24 hours for a first appearance hearing. The judge reviews probable cause and sets bond. Our attorneys attend first appearances in court to argue for the lowest possible bond and favorable release conditions. Understanding the bail bond system in Florida is essential for families trying to secure a loved one's release.

Arraignment

At arraignment, the charges are formally read and you enter a plea. Your attorney can typically waive your appearance and enter a written plea of not guilty. This begins the formal defense process. Learn about plea options in your criminal case.

Pretrial: Discovery, Motions, and Negotiations

During the pretrial phase, your attorney obtains all discovery—police reports, body-cam footage, forensic evidence, witness statements—and files motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges. Many cases are resolved through pretrial intervention programs or negotiated plea agreements. Learn about Florida diversion programs and whether you qualify.

Trial and Sentencing

If no favorable resolution is reached, your case proceeds to trial in Pasco County court. The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Learn about Florida sentencing guidelines.

Post-Conviction: Expungement and Record Sealing

If your case is dismissed, if you are acquitted, or if you complete a diversion program, you may be eligible to have your arrest record sealed or expunged. Our Pasco County expungement lawyers can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process.

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How Can We Help You?

Now’s the time to call a New Port Richey, Florida, criminal defense lawyer. Whether or not you’ve been arraigned, Brett Metcalf can help you with the next steps. He’ll get to know you and your case to figure out how to reach the best possible outcome.

Your First Court Appearance

 

Call us right away if your loved one is in the Pasco County Jail, Dade City Jail, or New Port Richey Jail. We’re available 24/7 and offer free consultations. We can help with the bail hearing and get your loved one home as soon as possible.

Request a Free Consultation

 

If the police stop you, you have to give them your name, and if you’re driving, you have to show them your license and proof of insurance. If they ask you to get out of the vehicle, you must comply. But you never have to answer questions. You can and should say, “I’m choosing to remain silent.” If the police arrest you, call a Pasco County criminal defense lawyer right away.

 

Being pulled over and arrested for a DUI is scary. It might be your first encounter with the police and criminal courts. Call us right away to get started on your defense. You only have 10 days to fight a DUI license suspension.

Get a Free DUI Case Review

 

The stakes are high when you’re a licensed professional charged with a crime. Your governing board may have something to say about it. Call our New Port Richey, Florida, criminal defense lawyers to discuss fighting the charges and protecting your career.

Consequences of a Conviction

 

A criminal record opens you up to all sorts of discrimination. You may feel punished for years after your sentence. Call Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A., to find out if you’re eligible to seal or expunge your record.

Expungements in Florida

 

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Why Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A. is Right for You

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Practice Areas

Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A. know what it takes to defend against:

DUI:

A drunk driving conviction can have a profound impact on your life. Let us help you keep your license or get it back as soon as possible. We want you to be free to go to school, work, and take care of your family.

 

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Domestic Violence:

False allegations of domestic abuse can ruin your reputation. The best way to defend yourself is by remaining calm and calling a Pasco County criminal defense lawyer.

 

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Violent Crimes:

A violent crime conviction can lead to incarceration, high fines, and immense stigma. Let us defend you vigorously in court.

 

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Sex Crimes:

Don’t take any chances with your future. If someone accuses you of a sex offense, don’t say anything to the police or alleged victim. Remain silent and call a lawyer.

 

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Drug Crimes:

Florida law enforcement and courts take drugs seriously. They also harshly punish drug crimes. Hiring a lawyer right away is your best chance to avoid a conviction and imprisonment.

 

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Expungements:

Sometimes, the law gives you a second chance. You might be eligible to have your criminal record sealed or erased. Let us help you get a fresh start.

 

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Criminal Defense Law

Criminal law covers violations of public law. In Florida, offenses are divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies.

Felonies are handled in Circuit Court and punishable by potentially more than one-year in prison. Felonies are further classified into degrees based on their severity.

Third-Degree Felony

Examples include aggravated assault, felony DUI, and carrying a firearm without a permit. Punishable by up to five years in prison, five years’ probation, and a $5,000 fine.

Second-Degree Felony

Examples are DUI manslaughter, aggravated battery, and leaving an accident involving death. Penalties include up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.

First-Degree Felony

Examples are drug trafficking, robbery with a weapon, and aggravated child abuse. They are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Capital and Life Felonies

Capital felonies, like murder, are punishable by death. Life felonies are punishable by a life sentence and a $15,000 fine. Examples include sexual battery and kidnapping.

 

Misdemeanors are less serious and punishable by up to one year in county jail. Misdemeanors are handled in County Court and classified as first or second-degree. Some misdemeanor penalties can be heightened based on a second or subsequent conviction.

Second-Degree Misdemeanor

These are punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000. Common examples are disorderly conduct and leaving the scene of an accident.

First-Degree Misdemeanor

Punishable by up to one year in jail, one year of probation, and a $1,000 fine. Other penalties are community service, diversion classes, counseling, and/or drug and alcohol treatment. Examples include domestic violence, marijuana possession, and simple battery.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Pasco County

What types of criminal cases do you handle in Pasco County?

We defend clients facing the full range of criminal charges in Pasco County, including DUI, domestic violence, assault and battery, drug crimes, sex crimes, weapons charges, warrants, and expungement.

How quickly can you help after an arrest in Pasco County?

We are available 24/7 and can begin working on your case immediately. We attend first appearances in court to argue for bond, and we can have an attorney at the Pasco County courthouse the same day or next morning. The first 24–48 hours after an arrest are critical—call (813) 694-5778 now.

Do you handle court appearances in Pasco County?

Yes. Our attorneys appear regularly in Pasco County courts, including the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City and the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey. We handle arraignments, bond hearings, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and jury trials in Pasco County.

What courts handle criminal cases in Pasco County?

Criminal cases in Pasco County are heard in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which covers Pasco and Pinellas counties. Felony cases are heard in Pasco County Circuit Court, and misdemeanor cases are heard in Pasco County Court. The main courthouses are the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center (38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City) and the West Pasco Judicial Center (7530 Little Road, New Port Richey).

Can charges be dropped or reduced in Pasco County?

Yes. Charges can be dropped if the evidence is insufficient, if constitutional violations occurred during the investigation, or if the prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We file motions to suppress evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for charge reductions, and pursue diversion programs when available. Learn about defense motions that can get your case dismissed.

Pasco County, FL Resources


Pasco County
Courts

We recommend talking with our Dade City and New Port Richey, Florida, criminal defense lawyers before attending a hearing. Whether it’s your arraignment or further into your case, you should always be represented in court.

The Pasco County Clerk of the Court has two locations:

West Pasco Judicial Center
7530 Little Rd.
New Port Richey, FL 34656
Phone: 727-847-8031
Toll-Free: 800-368-2411, Ext. 8031

Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center
38053 Live Oak Ave.
Dade City, FL 33523
Phone: 352-521-4542
Toll-Free: 800-368-2411, Ext. 4542

If you’ve already gone through arraignment, it’s not too late. You can bring a lawyer onto your case at any time.

 

Pasco County Police Departments & Jails

Pasco Sheriff’s Office
Administration Office
8700 Citizens Dr.
New Port Richey, FL 34654
727-847-5878

The Pasco Sheriff has offices for District 1: New Port Richey, District 2: Dade City, and District 3: Trinity, Florida.

Pasco County Jail
20101 Central Blvd.
Land O Lakes, FL 34637
813-996-6982

Dade City Police Department
38030 Meridian Ave.
Dade City, FL 33525
Operations: 352-521-1493

Dade City Jail
38042 Pasco Ave.
Dade City, FL 33525
352-521-1493

New Port Richey Police Department & Jail
6739 Adams St.
New Port Richey, FL 34652
727-841-4550

If you believe the police arrested your loved one, but you aren’t sure where they’re held, give us a call. We can help locate your loved ones and ensure they have legal representation for their bail hearing and arraignment.

We’re Personal Injury Lawyers in Wesley Chapel

Metcalf Falls also handles personal injury cases in Pasco County, including car accidents and truck accidents. Learn more about our personal injury practice.

Contact a Pasco County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing criminal charges in Pasco County, do not wait. Attorney Brett Metcalf is a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of criminal cases. He understands how the state builds its case—and he knows how to dismantle it. Our firm serves clients throughout Pasco County, including New Port Richey, Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and surrounding communities.

Call (813) 694-5778 now or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more about Attorney Brett Metcalf and Attorney James Falls. View our case results and read client testimonials.

 

Our Results
2nd DUI Dismissed We reviewed the evidence and uncovered several issues with the initial stop. Based on our presentation, the judge dismissed the DUI charge and our client was free to go.
Armed Robbery – Declined to File We negotiated with the prosecutor, and they ultimately declined to file formal charges based on having such limited information.
Woman Paralyzed by Tow Truck Driver Obtains Confidential Settlement Attorney Metcalf obtained a confidential settlement from both the tow truck company’s insurance and his client’s own insurance company.
Probation Violation Dismissed Prior to the final hearing, attorney Metcalf negotiated to have the probation violation dismissed.

The 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.

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