Recent Blog Posts

Two Women Arrested for Human Trafficking Across State Lines

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Two women were arrested last week in the state of Florida on charges of felony human trafficking. They are believed to have brought several illegal immigrants across state borders over the past few months. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the suspects – K.R., 21, and J.R., 29 – were pulled over during a routine traffic stop. When a police officer noticed that their vehicle did not have a license plate, they were stopped. The officer also learned that the driver did not have a valid license. While the first two offenses were questionable, police soon learned that one of the suspects had cocaine on her body.

Officers reported that the other suspect had five Mexican citizens in her vehicle, all of whom were illegal aliens. An investigation into the suspect revealed that she has been transporting immigrants from Alabama to Florida on a regular basis. In addition to the drugs, police also found $6,000 in cash in the vehicle. The officers have assumed that this money was obtained through human trafficking efforts across state lines. If you are facing felony charges in Tampa, now is the time to contact Thomas & Paulk so you can seek the aggressive assistance of a Tampa criminal defense lawyer.

Two Protestors Arrested for Assaulting Officers

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:50:00 GMT

A group of protesters brought their message to a busy intersection in Tampa, Florida last week which aggravated motorists during rush hour. Due to the scene made by the protestors, police were called to break up the growing mob and restore traffic patterns. When officers arrived, the group had grown to nearly 50 people that were blocking a busy intersection. The people finally moved when police arrived, but two refused to leave. The two individuals were approached by police officers and both the protesters, a man and a woman, assaulted the officers.

Following the attack on the officers, M.M. and S.C. were charged with opposing an officer without violence and simple assault. If you have recently been arrested for assault, you could be facing serious penalties if you are convicted. For this reason, it is advised that you hire a Tampa criminal defense attorney that has experience litigating violent crime cases, like the attorneys at our law office. Contact a Tampa violent crime lawyer now to get help and representation throughout your case.

Tampa Police Track Down Car Wash Bandit

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:10:00 GMT

In Tampa, Florida, police have been looking into a case involving theft crimes committed at a local car wash. Allegedly, there were five thieves working together to steal money from the establishment. Officers became involved once the theft was reported and were able to catch the man thought to be the ring leader. His arrest led to the capture of the four other suspects several days later. According to the police report, the ring leader J.M. was stealing cash from money dispensers at a local car wash. Police finally caught up with him during a routine traffic stop. After interrogating him about the car wash robbery, he admitted to at least 19 other business and residential burglaries that he had committed over the past month.

The items that he stole were then taken to a couple in Tampa. This couple, A.W. and S.L., would either trade in the items or sell them for cash. In addition to finding several stolen pieces at the residence, police uncovered marijuana, crack cocaine residue, and $1,200 in cash. Following the couple's arrest, two more people were arrested in connection with the string of robberies. If you have been accused of theft, whether accusation were related to a misdemeanor or a felony offense, it is important that you consult a Tampa criminal defense attorney from our team immediately. To arrange a time to speak with our legal team, contact Thomas & Paulk now.

Young Woman in Trouble with the Law for Harboring Fugitive

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:40:00 GMT

A young woman, A.R., was sentenced to five years behind bars and three years of supervised probation after harboring a fugitive. The suspect was a man known as D.M. that has since been found guilty of shooting and killing two police officers in Hillsborough County, Florida. The 27-year-old woman pleaded guilty to charges of aiding and abetting and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Police say A.R. let her cousin stay with her and lied to officers when they questioned her about his whereabouts.

According to news sources, her mother was also charged for helping to harbor the fugitive. The mother actually wound up losing her job with the Tampa Police Department when fellow officers discovered that she was hiding D.M., a murder suspect. If you have been charged with serious criminal offenses in Florida, such as weapon crimes, now is the time to consult a Tampa criminal defense lawyer from our legal team. After you contact Thomas & Paulk, an attorney from our firm will get involved in your case immediately so you are not alone as you go through the criminal process.

Victim Reports Sexual Abuse from Babysitter to Police

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:40:00 GMT

A man who just completed a prison sentence may go back to jail because new charges have been filed against him by state authorities. This week, the registered sex offender was charged with more offenses due to the crimes he committed against another victim. News sources say that the victim, now a grown man, came forward and told police about the sexual abuse that he suffered at the hands of the suspect in the 1980s. The 42-year-old suspect worked as the man's babysitter over twenty years ago. It was in that capacity that he committed sex crimes against victim, a child at that time. The abuse went on for a period of four years until the boy was twelve and did not require a babysitter.

Police were familiar with the suspect as he had just finished serving a jail sentence for molesting two boys back in 2004. He was at his parole officer's office when he was arrested on new charges for sexual abuse. If you have been convicted of a sex crime in Florida, you face enhanced legal penalties if you commit a subsequent sexual offense. For this reason, you'll want to contact a Tampa sex crime attorney who can help you contest your charges. With help from a Tampa criminal defense lawyer, you may be able to avoid harsh legal penalties such as a lengthy jail sentence.

Rapist Poses as Security System Representative

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:10:00 GMT

Recently, it was reported that police have detained a young man for raping a woman in her own home. According to the police report, the 19-year-old sexual predator pretended to work for a home security systems company when approaching the victim's home.

When the young woman told the suspect that she does not make decisions about her household security, she then sent him away. He returned ten minutes later, claiming to have talked to her fiancé. When she opened the door just enough to speak to him, the young man forced his way into the house.

Based on her description, police were able to identify and locate the suspect quickly. He is being held on charges of committing a sex crime. Police were shocked and disgusted when the young man admitted to the rape and that he bragged that he could have killed the victim in her own home.

Have you been charged with a felony sex crime? Now is the time to get legal help by contacting a Tampa sex crime lawyer from our office. With help from a Tampa criminal defense attorney, you may be able to contest your charges.

Man Facing Assault Charges for His Repeated Violent Actions

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:57:00 GMT

One man just cannot seem to get enough violence in his life. He first came to national fame for encouraging his son to fight in a video that was posted online; last week, he was arrested for allegedly head-butting his wife.

Officers arrested the man on domestic violence charges. However, prosecutors are now worried that this will weaken the case they were already building against the 42-year-old man. When police found out about the father encouraging his son to fight, he was arrested and charged with felony child abuse and misdemeanor contribution to the delinquency of a minor. As a result of the earlier charge the man was forced to complete an anger management class as well as a parenting class.

Have you recently been arrested on assault charges? Know that these charges are serious, but they can be fought with the help of a Tampa criminal defense attorney. To get legal help, contact Thomas & Paulk today!

Victim Killed due to Drunk Driving

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:45:00 GMT

One woman is not only responsible for causing a serious car accident but killing the other driver in the process. She now faces charges of DUI as well as vehicular manslaughter.

According to the police report for the DUI accident, the 55-year-old suspect drove through a stop sign and crashed into another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, a 71-year-old woman, was fatally injured. Although the victim was rushed to a local hospital, she died shortly after. A passenger in the second vehicle was also brought to the hospital but with non-life-threatening injuries. She is expected to make a complete recovery.

Have you recently been charged with DUI? If so, contact a Tampa DUI attorney from our law office as soon as possible to get the defense you need. Once you get in touch with a Tampa criminal defense lawyer from our firm, we will do all that we can to help you fight your drunk driving charges.

Driver Facing DUI Manslaughter Charges

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 03:25:00 GMT

Tragedy struck last Sunday when an older woman caused an auto accident that took the life of an elderly woman. The 55-year-old woman has since been charged with DUI manslaughter, driving under the influence and DUI causing property damage.

According to the police reports, the first woman failed to stop at an intersection. She drove into the side of the second woman's vehicle, severely injuring her. Although she was transported to the hospital just minutes later, the victim eventually died at the hospital. Neither the driver of the second vehicle nor the woman who caused the accident received any injuries from the DUI accident.

Have you recently been arrested for driving under the influence? If so, don't wait to contact the Hopper Law Firm to engage the services of a Tampa criminal defense lawyer from our legal team. Even if it is your first DUI offense, you'll want to put every effort into fighting your charges.

Woman Pushing Stroller Tied to Shooting

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

A young woman pushing a stroller is believed to be involved in a fatal shooting that took place in Tampa, Florida last week. According to police, the 22-year-old woman was pushing a stroller that carried her two children when she handed the shooter the gun. The man then used it to shoot the victim, a 22-year-old male, after they got into an argument.

At this time, police are still searching for the shooter. They went to his apartment shortly after the crime but were unable to locate the suspect. As for the young woman, she is behind bars on multiple charges including child neglect, carrying a concealed firearm and attempted first degree murder with a firearm.

Being convicted of a crime such as murder can result in serious penalties, like years of jail time. For this reason, people should think about fighting their charges with the aid a Tampa criminal defense attorney from our firm. To get legal assistance, contact a Tampa murder lawyer from our legal team now.

10 Year Sentence Given in DUI Manslaughter Case

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:20:00 GMT

A young man forever changed his life by deciding to drink and drive one night in Florida.

The 25-year-old man was driving along a local road in northeast Florida last March when he lost control of his vehicle. He crashed into a cement wall, injuring himself and killing his passenger, a 21-year-old woman. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered that the young man had been drinking. His blood-alcohol level was recorded at 0.185, well above the state's legal limit of 0.08.

After working out a deal with the prosecution, the man agreed to plead guilty to DUI manslaughter. In return, the rest of the charges against him were dropped. He went before a judge in Jacksonville, Florida this week and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

If you have recently been arrested for DUI, contact a Tampa DUI lawyer from our law office as soon as possible. With help from our team of Tampa criminal defense attorneys, you can fight your charges and the suspension of your driver's license.

Coach Caught Selling Drugs

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:40:00 GMT

A community was shocked to learn that a beloved youth football coach was in the business of selling drugs.

Earlier this year the 39-year-old male coach was arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine. Officers were granted a search warrant for his home where two kilograms of the illegal narcotic were discovered. They also found marijuana, crack cocaine and evidence of intent to sell the cocaine. Along with the drugs, he was arrested for illegally possessing a .40 caliber handgun that was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.

Thanks to the suspect's own surveillance system, police were able to obtain additional evidence of drug sales out of the coach's home. This was not the first time that the coach had been arrested for a drug crime. He has a long record of criminal activities including grand theft, aggravated assault, burglary and drug trafficking.

If you have recently been detained for a drug crime, don't wait to contact a Tampa drug crime lawyer from our law office. With help from our Tampa criminal defense lawyers, you can challenge your criminal charges.

Flight Leads to Arrest

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:30:00 GMT

A woman on her way to face one court battle managed to get herself arrested in the process.

The ex-girlfriend to the estranged father of a Hollywood starlet was heading back to Florida last week to appear in court. She was going to request a restraining order against the father for allegedly assaulting her during their courtship. Yet, on the way to the airport, she was detained and charged with misdemeanor battery.

At the time, she was sitting in the first-class section of the airplane and was seriously intoxicated. It is uncertain what prompted the assault and who the victim of the assault was.

The father is preparing to fight back against her assault charges. He claims that she is responsible for setting him up for his initial arrest for assault earlier this year.

Have you recently been arrested on assault charges? If so, contact a Tampa assault attorney today from our law office to learn how you can contest your charges. Our Tampa criminal defense lawyers have immense experience fighting violent crime cases in Florida!

School Accountant Steals $580,000

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:40:00 GMT

After years of keeping the books, one woman decided to steal from her employer.

The 57-year-old woman worked as the bookkeeper for a technical school in Tampa, Florida. After working at the school for 29 years, the woman had gained the trust and respect of her fellow employees. Little did they know that she had been stealing from the school for years. The total theft amounted to $580,000 from school funds.

After pleading to the charges of official misconduct and grand theft, the judge took leniency on the former bookkeeper. In lieu of jail time, she was sentenced to twenty years of probation as well as two years of community service. She was also told to repay $300,000. However, since she is currently unemployed, she will only have to pay the school $200 per month.

When the woman went before the judge, she explained that she stole some of the money to pay back gambling debts. As a result, she will also have to go to counseling for her gambling addiction as well.

Facing serious theft crime charges? Now is the time to contact a Tampa theft crime lawyer who can serve as your legal advocate. To get legal help immediately, speak with our Tampa criminal defense attorneys about your case today.

Elderly Man Arrested for Assaulting Roomate

Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:00:00 GMT

Think that the elderly are never arrested? Think again.

Last week, a 72-year-old man was taken into custody for assaulting his roommate. He was arrested on the charges of battery on a person over 65 and elderly abuse. His roommate, an elderly woman, was actually under his care. As part of the living arrangement, he had agreed to take care of her. Yet, for some reason last week the man snapped and started attacking the woman.

He struck her multiple times on her left arm with his fist and an open hand. The woman is already unable to use her right arm and is confined to a wheelchair. At this time, officers with the sheriff's department are investigating the case of elderly abuse but have yet to discover the reason behind it.

The man is being held without bail at a local jail in Florida.

Have you recently been arrested for a violent crime such as assault? If so, contact Thomas & Paulk now to set up a time to meet with one of our Tampa criminal defense lawyers. We can review your case and inform you of your legal options during our meeting.