Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  Below you will find information on specific topics which will lead you to further pages about that subject. Click on the highlighted topics to find out more about each type of criminal defense case and how our firm can help you.
• DUI/DWI
  Being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving while intoxicated is a serious matter. The state of Florida does not take this lightly, imposing fines, possible jail time, community service, probation, license suspension, and potential vehicle impoundment for those convicted. Click here to read more about DUI / DWI. Have you been charged with drunk driving in or around Tampa, Florida?
• Wrongful Death
  A Tampa personal injury lawyer at the firm offers a unique and experienced legal background which can benefit you in your quest for justice following such a situation. Our attorneys have former experience as insurance defense lawyers, which give them a deep insight into how insurance companies develop their cases against claims. This works to your advantage when making your claim or going to trial in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. We encourage you to consult with an attorney at the firm to discuss your legal options and to get the aggressive and skilled legal representation needed to achieve the best results.
• Traffic Violations
  Accidents involving cars and trucks are a common occurrence in the Tampa area as well as around the state and nation. Every day, thousands of individuals are injured or killed in such accidents, often as the result of a negligent driver. Auto accident negligence can be manifested in many ways, from drunk driving to speeding to driver distraction or inattention. When this happens, victims can be injured in various degrees, from cuts, bruises, and whiplash to serious and catastrophic injuries, such as broken bones, burns, loss of limbs, internal injuries, brain, neck, back, and spinal cord damage. Such injuries can be short term or last a lifetime, with victims needing extensive medical or personal assistance just to function.
• Sex Crimes
  A felony is a more serious criminal offense than a misdemeanor, generally punishable by more than a year in prison, fines, probation, possible restitution, and other consequences. Felony charges may stem from a wide variety of criminal offenses, including: DUI / DWI, vehicular manslaughter Drug crimes, including distribution, manufacture, and trafficking Sex crimes, such as sexual assault, sexual battery, and rape Domestic violence Aggravated assault and battery Armed robbery Carjacking Kidnapping Murder and manslaughter Arson Terrorism White collar crimes, such as various forms of fraud, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, money laundering, and more Burglary and theft crimes Juvenile crimes Click here to read more about felonies.
• Robbery
• Burglary
  Misdemeanors are criminal offenses that are more serious than an infraction and less serious than a felony. A misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to one year in jail, fines, probation, and other potential penalties, such as license suspension, anger management classes, alcohol or drug evaluation or treatment, or DUI school. Even though a misdemeanor may seem like a minor offense, you will have a permanent criminal record if convicted which can adversely affect your future in regards to job or career opportunities, housing, educational applications, or professional licenses. Anyone running a routine background check on you can have access to your criminal conviction. Getting the legal representation you need to fight a misdemeanor is important. In Tampa and the surrounding Florida counties, you can find aggressive and accomplished legal help from the law firm of Byrd & Gonzalez. A Tampa criminal defense attorney at the firm can evaluate your situation, advise you on all of the legal factors, and help you make an informed decision about your options. Our firm is dedicated to providing the highest quality of legal representation to our clients. We have 55 years of combined legal experience along with outstanding qualifications and a dedication to service that sets us apart. Florida Misdemeanor Cases Misdemeanors include DUI and DWI, marijuana possession, assault, battery, shoplifting, domestic violence, criminal mischief, weapons violations, probation violations, burglary, trespassing, driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, loitering, resisting arrest, and more. Having experienced legal representation is a must if you wish to be effective in fighting the charges, which may result in a case dismissal or reduced penalties. Going it alone in any legal matter is not recommended as you will be facing a prosecutor who knows much more about the law and criminal justice procedure than you do. That is why we recommend that you consult with one of our attorneys who can provide the knowledge and legal abilities needed in any criminal matter.
• White Collar Crimes
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  When facing misdemeanor or criminal charges, it is not the time to stint on legal representation. You will want an experienced, skilled, and aggressive defender. That is what you will find at Byrd & Gonzalez. A Tampa criminal defense lawyer at our firm understands how important and vital your defense strategy will be to you, your family, and your future. Our experience in criminal defense has resulted in the legal skills and knowledge needed when it comes to fighting for our clients. We pride ourselves on our top qualifications, client service, and dedication to success.
• Embezzlement
• Drug Crimes
  Drug crimes range from simple possession of marijuana to possession with intent to sell, as well as the manufacture, cultivation, transportation, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, club drugs, and more. Drug crimes also include the possession of drug paraphernalia such as pipes and bongs as well as the unauthorized use or sale of prescription drugs, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other painkillers or narcotics. Drug crimes generally fall into one of three groups with increasing seriousness: possession, sales or distribution, and trafficking. Depending on which group your charges fall under, the nature and quantity of the drugs involved, and other factors, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony with varying penalties. Getting aggressive and competent legal representation in the face of drug charges is vital. If you are facing simple possession charges, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing options which could keep you out of jail. You can discuss your situation with a Tampa criminal defense attorney at Byrd & Gonzalez to get the competent legal advice you need and to learn what options may be available to you. Our attorneys have 55 years of combined legal experience; they know and understand all of the legal factors involved in drug crime cases and will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most positive outcome possible. Florida Drug Crimes You may be charged with drug trafficking if you are found with a specific quantity of any drug, such as more than 28 grams of cocaine. Upon conviction of a trafficking charge, you will be subject to a minimum mandatory sentence starting at three years in prison. Furthermore, if you are convicted of a drug crime, you will face the future with a permanent criminal record which can be accessed on a routine background check by future employers, landlords, and education institutions. These consequences point up the importance of hiring an accomplished attorney to aggressively fight the charges on your behalf.
• Assault
• Murder
• Juvenile Crimes
• Probation Violation
  A misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to one year in jail, fines, probation, community service, possible license suspension, restitution, or other consequences, such as anger management education or drug or alcohol evaluation, treatment, or education. A misdemeanor charge may be based on drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, other traffic crimes, drug possession, domestic violence, juvenile offenses, shoplifting or other theft or property crimes, lewd conduct, weapon charges, probation violations, and more. Click here to read more about misdemeanors. Are you facing misdemeanor charges in or around Tampa?
• Arson
• Shoplifting
• Money Laundering
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter
• Extortion

Business and Corporate Law

• Trade Secrets

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
• Wrongful Termination
• Employment Discrimination
• Non-compete Agreement
• Severance Agreement
• Sexual Harassment

Property Law

• Premises Liability
  What Are Premises Liability Claims? Premise Liability claims encompasses several areas such as: Slip and falls resulting from slippery floors, …

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Nothing can wreak physical and emotional havoc on your life like a personal injury following an accident or other forms of negligence. You may be subject to enormous discomfort, pain, and disability which prevents you from working or caring for yourself and your family and which leads to severe financial consequences. Spiraling medical expenses or copayments as well as loss of wages or earning capacity can turn a physical nightmare into a financial one. When all of this has occurred in a preventable accident or incident, you are entitled to and deserve fair compensation for what you have suffered. That is the law in Florida and that is what our firm, Byrd & Gonzalez, is all about. PERSONAL INJURY INFO
• Medical Malpractice
  Medical malpractice refers to injuries or deaths caused by the negligence of a medical professional, such as a doctor, nurse, therapist, pharmacist, chiropractor, dentist, emergency technician, or others as well as clinics and hospitals. Medical errors and deviations from standard medical practice which result in physical harm or death to a patient may result in a claim for damages. Read more about medical malpractice.
• Auto Accidents

Trusts and Estates

• Wills
• Trusts