Why Choose Our Tampa Drug Charge Lawyers to Defend You
Attorney Brett Metcalf is a passionate and successful Tampa drug defense attorney. He began his career as a prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office. Attorney Metcalf learned firsthand how the prosecution prepares for drug crime cases and wins convictions. Since establishing his criminal defense and personal injury firm in 2012, attorney Metcalf has used this knowledge to his client’s advantage.
Award-Winning Drug Defense Attorneys in Tampa, FL
Metcalf Falls, Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A., has received more than 70 five-star reviews and a perfect 10 rating on Avvo.com.
In addition:
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers & Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers
- Rising Star, 2018, Super Lawyers
Choosing a drug charge lawyer who truly cares about the future of his clients could make all the difference in your case.
Proven Results in Tampa Drug Cases
Metcalf Falls has achieved favorable outcomes for clients facing a wide range of drug charges in Hillsborough County, from simple possession to felony trafficking. Here are a few representative results:
- In a fentanyl trafficking case, the judge agreed to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and the entire trafficking case was dismissed. Fentanyl trafficking, dismissed.
- In a drug possession case, through aggressive negotiation, felony possession charges were reduced to a misdemeanor with no jail time.
- In a marijuana possession case, our client completed a pretrial diversion program and all charges were dismissed, leaving no criminal record.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different. View all case results.
Our attorneys appear regularly in the Hillsborough County Courthouse and are familiar with the assistant state attorneys who handle drug dockets, the local court procedures, and the diversion programs available in this jurisdiction. This local knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage.
Personalized Drug Crime Defense in Tampa
Our Tampa drug crime lawyers leave no stone unturned in investigating the allegations against you. We will gather all the evidence available, analyze your case from every angle, and determine the most effective defense strategy to pursue a reduction in your drug charges, a dismissal, or an acquittal.
If you want an aggressive drug charge lawyer and a skilled negotiator, call attorney Brett Metcalf.
How Our Tampa Drug Charge Lawyers Help
No two drug cases are the same. Our defense attorneys in Tampa conduct a thorough process to determine the best defense for you.
- Investigates the facts surrounding the police stop
- Reviews the validity of a search and seizure warrant or arrest warrant
- Reviews whether you were adequately Mirandized
- Gathers witness statements
- Researches the backgrounds of the officers involved in your arrest
- Submits legal documents on your behalf
- Helps you arrange bail and obtain your release from jail
- Represents you in court
- Challenges any violation of your constitutional rights in court
- Pursues an aggressive pretrial motion practice
- Pursues a reduction in the charges or dismissal of the case
- Pursues an acquittal at trial
- Explains the advantages and disadvantages of a plea bargain
- Strategizes to mitigate the consequences of a drug crime conviction
What Happens After a Drug Arrest in Hillsborough County
Understanding the criminal process helps you make informed decisions at every stage. Here is the typical timeline for a drug case in Tampa:
Arrest and Booking
After arrest, you are transported to the Hillsborough County jail (Orient Road or Falkenburg Road facility) for booking. You will be photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Bond amounts depend on the severity of the charge. Simple possession typically has a standard bond schedule, while drug trafficking charges may carry very high bond or a bond hearing.
First Appearance and Bond
Within 24 hours, you appear before a judge who sets bond. The judge considers the type and quantity of drugs, your criminal history, flight risk, and community ties. Our attorneys attend first appearances to argue for the lowest possible bond. Understanding the bail bond system in Florida is essential for families trying to secure a loved one’s release.
Discovery and Pretrial Motions
This is the most critical phase of a drug case. Your attorney obtains all discovery: police reports, body-cam footage, search warrant affidavits, lab analysis results, chain of custody records, and witness statements. We file motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches or stops. If the drugs are suppressed, the case often collapses entirely. We also challenge the reliability of field testing and lab procedures. Understanding how the Fourth Amendment protects your criminal case is critical at this stage.
Diversion and Plea Negotiations
For first-time offenders and certain non-violent drug charges, Hillsborough County offers diversion programs that can result in charges being dismissed upon completion. These include pretrial intervention programs and drug court. We evaluate your eligibility and advocate for program placement when it serves your interests. You may qualify for Florida diversion programs depending on the circumstances of your case.
When diversion is not available, we negotiate aggressively with prosecutors for charge reductions, reduced sentencing, or favorable plea terms. In many cases, it is possible to get drug possession charges dropped or reduced.
Trial and Sentencing
If no favorable resolution is reached, your case proceeds to trial. The prosecution must prove every element, including knowing possession, beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys regularly try drug cases in the Hillsborough County Courthouse and understand the local prosecutors, judges, and jury dynamics. Florida sentencing guidelines determine the range of penalties a judge may impose.
