Pumphrey Law Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

After getting arrested for a criminal offense in Tallahassee or the surrounding areas such as Leon County, Franklin County, Gadsden County, Jefferson County, Liberty County or Wakulla County, you should hire an experienced defense attorney to help you fight against a criminal conviction.

Over the years serving as a defense attorney, Don Pumphrey, Jr. has handled thousands of criminal law cases. Prior to opening his own firm, Don gained valuable experience working as a law enforcement officer and as an Assistant State Attorney for the State Attorney’s office in Pinellas County, Florida. This has given the attorneys with Pumphrey Law a huge advantage when tackling criminal cases.

Although our site is geared to provide invaluable information regarding criminal charges in Florida, there is no substitute for speaking to an experienced lawyer. Each situation surrounding allegations of a crime is different. Even the most miniscule of details in your case can make a stark difference in how can be resolved. With that in mind, we’ve provided a list of our practice areas along with real case results from our past clients. That way you can make an educated decision when obtaining legal representation for your case.

Pumphrey Law Firm’s goal is to provide you with the legal insight needed to understand the charges you face, along with strategizing a defense plan to get the most ideal outcome for your case.

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tallahassee, FL

The attorneys at Pumphrey Law Firm can help you formulate the most suitable defense for the criminal charge(s) you face. We can assist in finding any exculpatory evidence or mitigating factors that might lead to substantial reductions in the charge, or even an outright dismissal of all charges. Our firm provides free consultations to go over the circumstances surrounding your case when you call (850) 681-7777 or leave us a message on our website.

Types of Criminal Charges in Florida

The state of Florida has a wide variety of criminal offenses that a person can be charged with. The defense attorneys with Pumphrey Law Firm proudly represent those in Tallahassee and the surrounding areas for the following charges:

• Misdemeanor Charges – In Florida, criminal charges are broken into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. These offenses are either charged as first-degree misdemeanors, resulting in up to 364 days in the county jail, or as second-degree misdemeanors, resulting in up to 60 days in jail. Certain misdemeanor offenses such as reckless driving are punishable by up to 90 days in jail while other offenses such as a first DUI is punishable by up to six months in jail.
• Felony Charges –Felony offenses are divided into three categories: third-degree felonies which are punishable with up to five years in Florida State Prison, second-degree felonies which are punishable with up to fifteen years in Florida State Prison, and first-degree felonies which are punishable with up to thirty years in Florida State Prison.
• Drunk Driving / DUI – Driving drunk in Florida can result in a DUI charge. Our page provides insight into the penalties for a first, second, third or subsequent drunk driving offense under Florida law. Read about the pros and cons of refusing to take a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine. The penalties for suspected DUI offense depend on factors such as a BAC over .15 or DUI with property damage. Additional charges include DUI with Serious Bodily Injury and DUI Manslaughter.
• Serious Traffic Violations – Pumphrey Law represents clients accused of serious traffic offenses such as fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, driving while license suspended as a Florida habitual traffic offender, or driving with no valid driver’s license.
• Drug Charges – The state of Florida harshly prosecutes suspected drug offenses. Pumphrey Law represents individuals accused of drug charges from simple possession of a controlled substance to more serious charges such as possession with intent to sell or deliver, and drug trafficking.
• Marijuana Charges – Florida’s laws on marijuana / cannabis / weed can seem confusing due to its changes involving legalized medical marijuana and hemp products. However, any drug conviction, including a misdemeanor conviction for possession of marijuana less than 20 grams, can carry strict penalties including a two-year driver’s license revocation. The attorneys with Pumphrey Law understand that you should not be convicted for marijuana-related offenses. Find out more about how our attorneys aggressively fight these cases to protect our clients.
• Domestic Violence – Domestic violence charges involve alleged acts of violence against a family or household member. These charges can range from assault or battery to more serious felony charges such as domestic battery by strangulation.
• Violent Crimes – These offenses cover criminal acts that are violent in nature. It’s important to stress that violent crimes are harshly prosecuted in Florida. Consider hiring an attorney with Pumphrey Law if you’ve been accused of a violent crime such as assault, battery, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and sexual battery.
• Guns / Firearms / Weapons Charges – Similar to marijuana charges, Florida has recently updated its legislation regarding concealed carry. Find out more about how Pumphrey Law protects individuals charged with relative weapon charges such as the improper exhibition of a weapon, improper discharge of a firearm, or the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
• Theft / Shoplifting / Property Crimes – A person accused of stealing an item or property belonging to someone else can be charged with a theft or property crime. These offenses include petit theft, shoplifting, and grand theft. 
• Juvenile Offenses – A person under the age of 18 who is accused of a criminal offense will go through the juvenile justice system. This can differ from a standard criminal proceeding, so it helps to have an experienced juvenile defense attorney with Pumphrey Law represent your or your child’s case.
• Sex Crimes – Crimes that involve sexual nature fall under the category of sex crimes. These offenses will be prosecuted harshly, with the State often seeking the most severe penalties if they can secure a conviction. Sex crimes can include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious acts, or the exposure of sexual organs. Keep in mind that any sex crime allegations against a minor or child can result in even more severe consequences. A Pumphrey Law defense attorney can represent your case.
• White–Collar Crime – White-collar crimes typically involve allegations of a person obtaining financial gain through some form of deception. Pumphrey Law represents individuals accused of white-collar crimes such as fraud, scheme to defraud, and identity theft.
• Criminal Appeals – When a defendant wishes to challenge the conviction they were given, they can file a criminal appeal. The appeals process is complicated and is not the same thing as a retrial. Attorneys with Pumphrey Law oversee criminal appeals and can help you through the legal process.
• College Disciplinary Hearing – When a college student is accused of a criminal offense, they can face additional penalties from their university that arises from a disciplinary hearing. Pumphrey Law proudly represents FSU and FAMU students who are accused of violating Florida laws as well as their university’s code of conduct. We can provide assistance and legal representation for the student’s disciplinary hearing.
• Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record – In certain cases, a person convicted of a criminal offense may be able to file to have their record sealed or expunged. This can be a confusing process that a defense attorney with Pumphrey Law can provide insight and guidance for.
• Violation of Probation – When a criminal defendant is given probation, they must abide by all the terms and conditions in their agreed terms. Failure to follow these rules, or being arrested for another criminal offense can result in a violation of probation (VOP). Pumphrey Law helps criminal defendants challenge whether a violation has occurred, along with fighting for the best outcome for these cases.
• Early Termination of Probation – Some defendants who are on probation may be eligible to file a motion to terminate their probation terms The court is likely to grant a motion to terminate probation when at least one-half of the term of probation has been completed, and all special conditions have been completed.
• UAS Infractions – With the rise of technology and increase of unmanned ariel systems (UAS), Florida legislators passed laws prohibiting the use of drones in certain scenarios and locations. The defense attorneys with Pumphrey Law can help you fight against allegations of a UAS infraction involving a drone.
• Marsy’s Law – Passed in 2018, Marsy’s Law is the Florida legislation that provides certain rights to alleged victims in criminal offenses. Pumphrey Law Firm can assist with any questions or concerns a defendant has about their case or regarding Marsy’s Law.
• College Student Criminal Defense – When a student at a Florida university is accused of a criminal offense, it can result in a lengthy legal procedure. These cases often involve penalties under Florida law, as well as penalties imposed by the state college or university. It’s imperative for any student or parent at FSU, FAMU, or TCC to consult a defense attorney if they are facing criminal allegations.
• Resisting an Officer – When a law enforcement officer attempts to arrest a person for an alleged offense, refusing or resisting the officer can result in an additional criminal charge. The penalties can range in severity depending on if the defendant was accused of refusing the officer with or without violence.
• Introduction of Contraband – Florida law provides that it is unlawful for any person to introduce or receive contraband at any criminal facility. Find out more about what constitutes contraband, as well as the defenses an attorney with Pumphrey Law may be able to identify to combat a conviction.
• Lying to Police – Any person who provides false information to a police officer can face criminal prosecution. Depending on whether this was a person’s first or second offense, the crime of lying to police can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense.
• Co-Defendant Cases – Two or more individuals who are charged with the same crime will be co-defendants. These cases can have joint representation, or conflicting cases could result in needing separate legal counsel. Find out about the common crimes that involve co-defendants, as well as the ways Pumphrey Law can assist with your case.
• Gambling Charges – Florida has specific laws when it comes to lawful and unlawful gambling practices. A person can face criminal prosecution for keeping a gambling house, setting up or promoting a lottery, or participating in illegal gambling activities. The defense attorneys with Pumphrey Law can help you fight against a conviction for illegal gambling.
• Temporary Injunctions – In certain cases, the alleged victim may file for a temporary injunction for protection. This is also referred to as a restraining order. There are several types of injunctions for protection, including those for domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, or sexual violence. A defense attorney can help challenge the nature of the injunction.
• Florida Panhandle Arrests – Individuals who are arrested or accused of a crime along Florida’s Panhandle—whether they are residents or visitors—should secure legal defense through Pumphrey Law Firm. Our defense attorneys can help challenge the charges against you.
• Extradition to Florida – When a person who resides outside of Florida is accused of violating the State laws, they may be extradited back into the state to face criminal charges. If you are someone who has been accused of a crime in Florida and are facing extradition, contact the defense attorneys with Pumphrey Law to represent your case.
• Bench Warrants / Warrants – When a person fails to appear in court for an arraignment for an alleged offense, the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest. Find out about the several types of warrants in Tallahassee, along with the ways that Pumphrey Law can help with your case.
• Emergency Bond Hearings – Except in cases involving an alleged capital felony offense, defendants have the right to request a lower bond amount prior to any sentence or conviction. Find out about the various bonds in Florida and how the attorneys with Pumphrey Law can help you through an emergency bond hearing.

Have you recently been arrested in Leon County or the surrounding North Florida area? If so, contact a defense attorney with Pumphrey Law at your earliest convenience to get started on your case.

Case Results You Can Rely On

The attorneys with Pumphrey Law have represented thousands of criminal cases over the years of our service. When you hire one of our attorneys to represent your case, you can rest easy knowing you have a legal professional on your side.

Not convinced? Take a look at some of our outstanding case results over the years:

• Under 21 Possession of Alcohol (DISMISSED) – A client under 21 was helping a friend (of legal drinking age) carry items from their car into a house. The under 21 person was stopped by police while they were holding a Tervis tumbler that belonged to the other person. When police asked what was inside the cup, the defendant responded they did not know since they were just carrying it for a friend. The tumbler contained alcohol and the defendant was charged with possession of liquor by a person under 21. With the help of Pumphrey Law’s attorneys, the charges were dismissed after the State agreed the client should not be prosecuted.
• DUI (CHARGES DROPPED) – A client was accused of operating a motorcycle across an intersection when a police officer noticed their lights were not on. The officer conducted a traffic stop and became suspicious that the client was under the influence of alcohol. The officer conducted a field sobriety test and placed the client under arrest for suspected DUI and a written citation for lack of lights while driving. The defense attorneys with Pumphrey Law were able to get the client’s DUI charges dropped.
• Disorderly Conduct & Resisting an Officer (DIVERSION PROGRAM) – A client was going through security at the Tallahassee airport when security began throwing away her belongings. The client was alleged to have gotten defensive and used profanity with the employees while boarding the aircraft. An employee with the terminal requested the client get off the plane, resulting in her being escorted off by law enforcement and being arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence. Pumphrey Law Firm was able to negotiate a diversion program alternative for the client.
• Aggravated Assault with a Firearm (NOT GUILTY VERDICT) – A client was accused of pointing a handgun at the alleged victim’s car while they were driving in traffic. The client was identified in a photographic lineup and was subsequently arrested. However, the attorneys with Pumphrey Law defended the case, which resulted in a not-guilty verdict by a jury.
• Domestic Battery (CHARGES DROPPED) – A client got into a heated argument with another person (family or household member) that resulted in the police being called. Through investigative means, the attorneys with Pumphrey Law resolved that the alleged victim only contacted police to prevent any physical altercation. After the alleged victim provided a sworn statement attesting to them not wanting to press charges, Pumphrey Law was able to get the State to provide the client with a Nolle Prosequi, meaning the charges were dropped.
• Sexual Battery (DISMISSED) – A client was accused of sexual battery against a person they met via Tinder after a school party between Law and Medical students. The client had consumed alcohol (legally) and fell asleep. The alleged victim woke the client up and was upset that he fell asleep. The girl reported the incident to police but claimed that the client committed forcible rape. What followed was an intense discovery process, including expert witnesses who were able to poke holes in the victim’s story. Cross-examination further provided that the victim was caught in numerous lies, even admitted that lying was a way of life. The case resulted in a speedy trial, and the attorneys with Pumphrey Law were able to get the sex crime charge dismissed.

If you would like more information on results from Pumphrey Law’s previous criminal cases, refer to our informative page here. When you’re ready to take the first step in combatting a criminal charge, contact our office to receive a free consultation.

Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tallahassee, FL

After a criminal accusation, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. We advise you to never talk to a law enforcement officer about a crime until after you have retained an attorney. If you need a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney, call us now!

The attorneys with Pumphrey Law Firm represent our clients at every stage of the case. We have the knowledge and experience to fight for the best outcome for your case. Contact Pumphrey Law today for a free consultation about the criminal charges you are facing at (850) 681-7777.

Page Updated February 6, 2024