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Tampa Gun and Weapons Charges Defense
A firearm or weapons charge anywhere in Hillsborough County — Tampa, Brandon, Riverview or Plant City — is prosecuted in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which covers Hillsborough County alone. Felony courts and first appearance are in the Courthouse Annex, 401 N. Jefferson Street.
Central booking is at the Orient Road Jail, 1201 Orient Road. First appearance is held on weekdays at 1:30 p.m. and on weekends and holidays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., within the 24 hours required by Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.130. The Thirteenth Circuit State Attorney's Office also offers Pretrial Intervention for certain first-time felony offenders; whether a particular gun charge qualifies depends on the charge and the person's record.
Chad Seibel is a former Florida prosecutor (Assistant State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit, 2013–2016) who now defends people charged with serious felonies across Florida. His office is in Kissimmee, and consultations and meetings can be arranged in Tampa by appointment.
Florida gun and weapons charges
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (§ 790.23, Fla. Stat.) — a second-degree felony. Under § 775.087, a 3-year mandatory minimum can apply when a firearm was possessed.
Using, displaying or carrying a concealed weapon or firearm while committing a felony (§ 790.07) — a third-degree felony for a weapon, a second-degree felony for a firearm.
10-20-Life (§ 775.087(2)(a)) — for listed felonies such as robbery, burglary, aggravated battery, sexual battery, kidnapping, carjacking, home-invasion robbery and drug trafficking: a 10-year minimum for actually possessing a firearm, 20 years if it was discharged, and 25 years to life if the discharge caused death or great bodily harm.
Related: Crimes with firearms · Aggravated assault and battery · Robbery · Home invasion · Carjacking · Stand your ground
Why early defense matters in a gun case
Many firearm cases turn on how the gun was found: a traffic stop, a search of a car or home, or a statement about who owned it. Whether the search was lawful and whether the State can prove you knowingly possessed the firearm are questions a lawyer can start investigating right away.
Posting bond in Hillsborough County
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, cash bonds are paid at the Orient Road Jail, 1201 Orient Road, for the exact amount, with a valid ID; money orders are accepted, and credit and debit cards are not. Surety bonds are accepted only from registered bail bond agents. Inmate Records can be reached at (813) 247-8400.
Specialty courts in the Thirteenth Circuit
The Thirteenth Circuit runs problem-solving courts that include Adult Drug Treatment Court, Adult Mental Health Treatment Court, Drug Pretrial Intervention and a Veterans Treatment Court. Each has its own eligibility rules, and whether a case involving a firearm can be considered is decided individually.
Looking up a Hillsborough County case
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller offers HOVER (Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records), which allows electronic viewing of many court records, indexes and dockets, including felony and misdemeanor cases. The Clerk's legacy Court Record Access System remains available for name and case-number searches. To find out whether someone is in custody, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office links an arrest inquiry search ("Who's in Jail") from its website, and its Inmate Records line is (813) 247-8400.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a diversion program in Hillsborough County?
The State Attorney's Office offers Pretrial Intervention for certain first-time felony offenders. Eligibility depends on the charge and the person's record.
Can a lawyer from Kissimmee handle a Tampa case?
Florida lawyers can practice in any Florida circuit court. Ask any lawyer how they will handle hearings and meetings in your county.
Are the 10-20-Life minimums automatic?
The minimums apply only when the firearm facts are charged and proven, or admitted in a plea. How the State charges those facts — and whether it can prove them — is often where the defense work begins.
Should I answer questions about where the gun came from?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Ask for a lawyer and stop answering questions.
Can I pay a Hillsborough bond with a credit card?
No. The Sheriff's Office says credit and debit cards are not accepted for cash bonds at the Orient Road Jail; money orders are.
Call or text 407-846-8008 for a free, confidential consultation. Office: 517 W. Bryan St., Kissimmee, FL 34741 · Office line 407-530-4920. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment.