FAQs
Elsea Law FAQs
- "You handled our son’s juvenile case with compassion, strength, and expertise." Read More
- "Mr. Elsea made me feel valued as a client and always had my best interest at heart. Very informative and punctual with my case." Read More
- "He stepped in when I needed him the most. He listened and guided us through the process. Thank you so much we truly appreciate all your help. " Read More
- "I’ll gladly and highly recommend him to anyone." Read More
- "oel provided the best customer service by always maintaining active contact with me and providing frequent updates." Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Criminal Defense
Hiring an attorney early in the investigative process may give you a better chance at getting the best result. An attorney working for you in a pre-file or pre-arrest posture will be able to reach out to law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to advocate for you while you exercise your right to remain silent. Attorney Joel Elsea is a former prosecutor who knows how prosecutors look at cases in the early stages of a prosecution.
At Elsea Law Firm, P.A., we feel strongly that our years of experience benefits our clients. Our office is ONE BLOCK from the criminal courthouse in downtown Tampa and we LOVE going to court. This is where cases are tried, deals are made, and cases are resolved. We serve the entire Tampa Bay area, but have tried jury trials to verdict in front of over 20 different judges in Hillsborough County alone.
Sure, attorneys can be expensive. But please understand- your relationship with your Tampa criminal defense attorney is one of the most important relationships you will ever have. One of the reasons we offer free initial consultations is that we recognize that fit is important in creating an attorney-client relationship. We are committed to working with you to develop a plan that works for you and for us.
If this is your plan- you need an attorney. Miranda warnings are an area that most non-lawyers have heard of. That does not change the fact that this area of law is nuanced and case-specific. There is no requirement that Miranda rights be read by law enforcement during every encounter (or even every arrest). The only way for you to have confidence in knowing whether and how potential misconduct by law enforcement affects your case is to speak with an experienced attorney. We are here for you.
If this is your first criminal accusation, you may be doing yourself a great disservice by entering a plea by yourself. Resolving your first case by yourself without the help of an attorney can have unintended consequences that follow you the rest of your life. We work hard to give all of our clients, including first time offenders, the best options possible. Please call us!
DUI
Many factors come into play when deciding the penalty for a DUI case. Punishment for first-time DUI will be significantly more lenient than those with multiple offenses. Penalties can include fines, suspension of driver’s license, and even jail time. If you have been arrested for a DUI, it’s highly recommended to contact an experienced Tampa DUI attorney.
Florida utilizes jail sentences and fines on an escalating scale depending on the number of offenses. If you have been charged with a DUI and have a previous DUI charge, contact an experienced DUI lawyer today!
One is NOT required by law to submit a field sobriety test. However, refusal may result in the suspension of your license if you have already been read your implied consent notice.
Operating any kind of vehicle with a blood alcohol level over 0.08% is considered being under the influence of alcohol in the State of Florida.