Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

A person’s freedom is one of the most important rights to be preserved. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in the Tampa area, it is crucial that you understand what is at stake. It is imperative that you retain an experienced and knowledgeable criminal lawyer who will fight to get your charges dropped or reduced, and who will ensure that your rights remain protected.

Omar Abdelghany of OA Law Firm has won hundreds of cases in Florida criminal courts and dedicates his legal practice exclusively to defending people accused of criminal conduct. Once you retain our firm, we will begin constructing the best possible defense on your behalf, and we will keep you apprised of the status of your case at every step of the way. Call our office 24/7 to speak with Tampa criminal attorney Abdelghany about your case. Our #1 goal is to protect your future and get you the best possible outcome.

OA Law Firm Can Defend Your Rights

If you’re looking for help because you’ve been charged with a crime in the Tampa Bay area, you’ve come to the right place. OA Law Firm is a criminal defense firm that handles a wide variety of crimes, from DUI to theft to white collar crimes. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and we will do our best to represent you and preserve your rights. OA Law Firm will defend your rights, whether you’ve been charged with a low-level offense or are facing prison. Lawyer-client communication is our number one priority, and we will not only answer your calls and emails promptly, we will make absolutely sure you understand the charges against you and our strategy for defending you.

Tampa Bay area criminal defense attorney Omar Abdelghany is licensed to practice in all Florida courts. He is also licensed in federal court in the U.S. District for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. District for the Northern District of Florida. He founded our firm on the belief that everyone is entitled to the highest level of representation, irrespective of the charges put forth against them. We apply these principles to each and every case we handle, regardless of whether one is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Omar personally handles all matters in our office. This means that you will deal directly with your lawyer and not another associate or assistant. He will remain in regular contact with you and promptly return all communications. Contact our firm today to schedule an initial consultation.

OA Law Firm’s caseload spans the full range of criminal charges brought in Florida state courts and in federal court. On the state side, that includes DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, burglary, theft, and a range of misdemeanor and felony charges. On the federal side, Omar is licensed in both the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, and he handles matters including drug trafficking, federal drug conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, Medicare fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, immigration crimes, racketeering and RICO charges, and organized crime cases.

The distinction between state and federal charges matters more than people often realize. Federal cases move through a different court system, are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys rather than state prosecutors, and tend to carry harsher sentencing guidelines. Grand jury investigations precede many federal indictments, sometimes giving a defense attorney time to intervene before charges are formally filed. Omar handles both tracks, and knowing how each system operates is not optional when the case demands it.

Handling Criminal Matters Throughout Tampa Bay

The stress of dealing with the legal system can be particularly taxing. The last thing one should have to worry about is if their lawyer is going to remain dedicated to their case. Omar makes attorney-client communication a number one priority at all times. He promptly returns phone calls and emails and regularly provides clients with his cell phone number. Omar will personally handle the details of your case from beginning to end, leaving no stone unturned. We are honored to serve the Tampa community. If you need assistance, contact our office today.

Criminal Defense: Many people fear that if the State has sufficient evidence to charge them with a crime, it has enough evidence to obtain a conviction. However, defendants often can raise substantive or procedural challenges to the charges. The prosecution has the burden of proving each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, so a defendant should be able to avoid a conviction if they can defeat any part of the prosecution’s case. Tampa criminal lawyer Omar Abdelghany handles charges related to misdemeanors, felonies, and federal crimes. He carefully investigates police reports and other evidence surrounding the case, while discussing the events with his client to make sure that he understands their side of the story.

Federal Charges: If a person commits an illegal act on federal property or a crime that crosses state lines, they may be charged with a federal crime. Additionally, the federal government has sole jurisdiction over certain matters, such as the United States mail, and any crimes involving those matters, like mail fraud, will be charged in federal courts. When a person is suspected of committing a federal crime, an investigation will be conducted by a grand jury, which is a group of impartial citizens. If the grand jury determines that there is sufficient evidence to file charges against the person, he or she will be indicted. The defendant will then be arraigned, during which he or she will enter a plea. Many of the defenses available in state criminal cases, such as defenses based on constitutional rights, can be asserted in federal cases as well.

Drug Crimes: Under Florida law, it is illegal for anyone to sell, possess, manufacture, or deliver a controlled substance. These include opioids, non-medical marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines. Drug charges can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the type and quantity of the drug that a person is charged with possessing. If you are charged with a drug crime, there are numerous defenses that you may be able to assert. For example, you may be able to show that the drug was not under your control at the time of your arrest, or that the police violated your rights when they seized the drugs or other evidence.

Domestic Violence: Due to the serious nature of domestic violence crimes, they often carry increased penalties, including the loss of the right to own a firearm, a restraining order, and imprisonment. In some cases, a criminal defense attorney in the Tampa area may be able to argue that a defendant was acting in self-defense or that the accuser consented to the conduct. Additionally, while all reports of domestic violence should be taken seriously, false allegations of domestic violence sometimes are made to get leverage in a dispute within the relationship. If your attorney can show that the accuser lacks credibility, you may be able to defeat the charge.

Burglary: In Florida, burglary is defined as entering or remaining in a structure or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, unless the property was open to the public at the time of the alleged burglary, or unless the defendant was permitted to enter or remain in the property. Burglary charges range from first- to third-degree felonies, depending on the crime that the defendant committed or attempted to commit while in the property. Since burglary is a crime that requires the State to prove that the defendant was not permitted to enter or remain in the property, a defendant who can prove that their presence was lawful should avoid a conviction. Similarly, if a defendant can establish that he or she did not intend to commit a crime while in the property, the State may be unable to prove the elements needed to obtain a guilty verdict.

DUI: DUI charges are common throughout Florida. To obtain a DUI conviction, the State must establish that a person was driving or exercising physical control over a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that he or she was impaired, or with a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher. In most DUI cases, a defendant is arrested following a traffic stop. Thus, if a Tampa criminal defense lawyer can prove that the officer did not have a reasonable suspicion that a crime was being committed prior to making the stop, any evidence obtained during the stop may be inadmissible. In other words, if a defendant did not commit a traffic violation and was not driving erratically, the State may not be able to prove that the stop was justified. In other cases, an attorney may be able to challenge the results of field sobriety or chemical tests.

White Collar Crimes: White collar crimes are typically crimes of a financial nature that are committed by executives, brokers, or government officials. Identity theft, securities fraud, and Ponzi schemes are examples of white collar crimes. While cases involving white collar crimes are usually more complex than other criminal cases, the State still must prove each element of the crime alleged to obtain a conviction. For example, intent is an element of many white collar crimes. A Tampa defense attorney may be able to show that the defendant did not act with the intent required by the statute, or that the State does not have enough evidence to prove another element of the crime.

Theft Crimes: In Florida, it is illegal to take the property of another party without their consent. Theft crimes range from petit theft, which is a second-degree misdemeanor involving the taking of property worth less than $100, to first-degree grand theft, which is a first-degree felony in which the property taken is worth more than $100,000. A conviction for petit theft can result in a 60-day sentence of imprisonment, while a person convicted of first-degree grand theft may face many years in prison. Among other strategies, a criminal defense lawyer in Tampa may be able to argue that a defendant had the consent of the owner of the property or that the defendant reasonably believed that they had the owner’s consent.

Violent Crimes: Violent crimes often carry harsher penalties than other crimes, although the penalties will vary depending on the offense with which a person is charged. Assault, robbery, murder, and rape are examples of violent crimes. In all criminal cases, including cases involving violent crimes, the State bears the burden of proving that the defendant committed the crime alleged beyond a reasonable doubt. Often, a criminal attorney in Tampa can show that the defendant acted in self-defense or defense of others. The Stand Your Ground law sometimes plays a role in cases involving violent crimes in Florida. This allows a person to use deadly force if they fear imminent death or great bodily harm.

Juvenile Charges: Criminal convictions may harm anyone’s rights and reputation, but they are especially harmful when the person convicted is a minor. Parents in Tampa should hire a criminal defense lawyer to protect the future of their children. In Florida, the process for juveniles charged with crimes differs from the process for adults, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. In most cases, juvenile criminal charges are handled by the Juvenile Justice System. Following the initial arrest or investigation, the police will submit a formal complaint to the Assistant State Attorney, who will determine if there is sufficient evidence to charge the juvenile with a crime. If the juvenile is charged, he or she will be arraigned and enter a plea. Ultimately, an adjudicatory hearing may be held in front of a judge, during which the judge will determine whether the juvenile is delinquent.

What To Do If You’re Arrested In Tampa

Being arrested is frightening and confusing, but the steps you take right away can impact the entire case.

• Stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent
• Do not answer questions without a lawyer present
• Contact a Tampa criminal lawyer as soon as possible
• Avoid discussing your case with anyone but your lawyer
• Preserve any documents or evidence related to your arrest

How The Criminal Process Works

When you’re facing criminal charges in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, your future and freedom are on the line. You need a criminal defense lawyer serving Tampa who will fight aggressively, explain the process clearly, and stand by you from the very first call. Our firm is dedicated to providing honest guidance, proven strategies, and strong advocacy for clients accused of DUI, drug crimes, theft, domestic violence, and every type of criminal offense in Florida.

Many clients ask, “What happens after an arrest in Florida?” Here’s a simple overview:

1. Arrest and booking – Police take you into custody and record charges.
2. First appearance/arraignment – You go before a judge to hear the charges and enter a plea.
3. Pretrial motions and discovery – Your attorney challenges evidence and gathers facts.
4. Negotiations – Prosecutors may offer plea deals; your lawyer advises if they’re in your best interest.
5. Trial – If your case goes forward, a jury or judge decides guilt or innocence.
6. Sentencing or dismissal – Depending on the outcome, penalties are imposed or charges are dropped.

Our role is to protect your rights, challenge the state’s evidence, and push for the best possible outcome at every stage.

How Florida Prosecutions Actually Work, and Where They Break Down

Florida prosecutors carry the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on every element of every charge. That standard sounds absolute, but in practice it creates real pressure points. Evidence gets challenged. Procedures get scrutinized. Cases that look airtight at the arrest stage sometimes look quite different once a defense attorney has examined the police report, the chain of custody for physical evidence, the circumstances of any search or stop, and the credibility of witnesses.

In DUI cases, for example, the legality of the initial traffic stop is often the most productive line of inquiry. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion before pulling someone over, evidence collected during that stop may be suppressed, and a suppressed breath test or field sobriety result changes the prosecution’s options substantially.

Drug cases frequently turn on questions of possession and control. Whether a defendant actually had dominion over a controlled substance, whether police obtained evidence through a lawful search, and whether the substance itself is what the State claims it is all require careful review. These are not technicalities. They are the substance of whether a conviction is actually supported by admissible evidence.

Domestic violence charges introduce a different dynamic. Because reports to police trigger mandatory procedures under Florida law, charges often move forward even when the complaining party later changes their account. Defense strategy in these cases can involve examining the circumstances of the original report, any inconsistencies in the allegations, and whether a self-defense argument applies.

Burglary charges under Florida law require the State to prove both unlawful entry and criminal intent. A defendant who had permission to be on the property, or who can cast doubt on the intent element, may have a viable defense the State has not fully accounted for.

Why Choose OA Law Firm To Defend You

Tampa criminal defense lawyer Omar Abdelghany was formerly a trial attorney at the Palm Beach Public Defender’s office, where he gained in-depth insight into the criminal justice system. He believes that an individual’s freedom is one of the most important rights to be preserved and will fight on your behalf. OA Law Firm has experience in defending DUI, drug, criminal, violent, and juvenile charges, just to name a few. Contact us today if you’ve been charged with a serious crime.

Defending clients in Tampa means knowing the courts and communities. We represent clients at the Hillsborough County Criminal Justice Center (CJC), Plant City Courthouse, Tampa Municipal Court, Federal court for the Middle District of Florida, and more. We also understand the unique challenges faced by residents in areas such as Ybor City, South Tampa, Westshore, and throughout Tampa Bay.

Omar Abdelghany is a Tampa Bay lawyer who recognizes that false accusations are common and that many individuals are charged more harshly than necessary. He also remains cognizant of the fact that there are social, economic, and psychological factors that play a significant role in our criminal justice system. A criminal conviction can have a long lasting effect on one’s future and make it difficult to obtain employment, housing, and other professional licenses. We pride ourselves on offering outstanding and affordable legal services to members of our community that have been accused of a criminal offense. Contact us today to speak with an attorney.

What Omar’s Clients Actually Experience

Omar Abdelghany personally handles every matter in the office. That is not a marketing statement. It means the person who signs the engagement agreement is the same person reviewing the discovery, meeting with prosecutors, appearing at hearings, and making strategic decisions. There is no handoff to a junior associate after the intake call.

Attorney-client communication is treated as a core function, not an afterthought. Clients receive Omar’s cell phone number. Calls and emails are returned promptly. The goal is that a client always knows where their case stands and why a particular approach is being taken. People going through a criminal case deserve to understand what is happening to them, and explanations should not require a law degree to follow.

OA Law Firm represents defendants in Tampa and across the Tampa Bay area. The courts where these cases are heard, the prosecutors who handle them, and the procedural rhythms of how cases move through the Hillsborough County and surrounding court systems are part of what Omar brings to each representation.

Common Tampa Criminal Defense Questions

What should I say if police question me?

You have the right to remain silent. It’s usually best to politely decline to answer questions until you have spoken with your lawyer.

Can I get my record sealed or expunged?

In many cases, yes. Florida law allows certain charges to be sealed or expunged if you meet eligibility requirements.

What penalties could I face for a DUI in Tampa?

Penalties range from fines and license suspension to probation or jail time, depending on your history and the facts of the case.

Do I need a lawyer if it’s “just a misdemeanor”?

Yes. Even misdemeanors can carry jail time, fines, and a lasting record. A lawyer can often reduce or eliminate those consequences.

How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney around Tampa?

Costs depend on the type of charges and the complexity of your case. We offer transparent pricing and flexible options.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?

Misdemeanors are divided into first and second degree. First-degree misdemeanors carry up to one year in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. Felonies are more serious and are divided into third, second, and first degree, with sentences ranging from up to five years for a third-degree felony to up to 30 years or life for a first-degree felony. Capital felonies carry the possibility of death or life without parole. The classification affects not just potential jail time but also how a conviction follows a person afterward.

Do I need a lawyer if I am only charged with a misdemeanor?

Yes. A misdemeanor conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, housing applications, and immigration status. The fact that the potential jail time is shorter does not mean the downstream consequences are minor. Having a defense attorney review the charge, examine the evidence, and negotiate on your behalf often produces a substantially better outcome than handling it without representation.

What happens at an arraignment?

An arraignment is a hearing at which a defendant enters a formal plea. In Florida, arraignments typically occur within a few weeks of arrest. Your attorney can often appear on your behalf and enter a not guilty plea, preserving all your options without requiring you to appear in court that day. Entering a not guilty plea at arraignment does not mean the case will go to trial. It simply keeps every option open while the defense investigates the charges.

How does a federal criminal case differ from a state case?

Federal cases are prosecuted under federal statutes by U.S. Attorneys and are heard in federal district courts rather than state circuit courts. Federal sentencing guidelines are structured differently and often produce longer sentences than comparable state charges. Grand jury indictments are the standard charging mechanism for federal felonies. The discovery process, pretrial motions, and trial procedures all differ from Florida state court practice. An attorney who is only licensed in state court cannot represent you in a federal prosecution.

Can criminal charges be dropped or reduced before trial?

Yes, and this happens more often than people expect. Charges are dropped when evidence is suppressed, when the prosecution determines it cannot meet its burden, or when a defendant’s attorney presents information that changes how the case is evaluated. Charges are reduced through negotiation, often as part of a plea agreement. The outcome depends on the specific facts, the strength of the evidence, and how the defense is built from the earliest stages of the case.

What should I do if I am under federal investigation but have not been charged?

Retain a Tampa criminal attorney before speaking to federal investigators. Anything said to federal agents can be used as evidence, and agents are not required to tell you the scope of their investigation. Retaining counsel early preserves your ability to make informed decisions about whether and how to respond to any contact from investigators.

Does Omar Abdelghany handle cases outside of Tampa?

Omar is licensed to practice in all Florida courts, so representation is not limited to Hillsborough County. He also handles federal matters in the Middle and Northern Districts of Florida, which cover a substantial portion of the state including the Tampa Bay region.

Serving Tampa & the Greater Tampa Bay Area

OA Law Firm represents defendants across Tampa neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Davis Islands, Ybor City, South Tampa, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Seminole Heights, Westshore, Tampa Heights, Carrollwood, Harbour Island, SoHo, Westchase, New Tampa, Bayshore Beautiful, and Sulphur Springs. The firm also provides criminal defense representation throughout the surrounding communities, with dedicated attorneys serving clients in Brandon, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and across Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. Whether your case is heard at the Hillsborough County Criminal Justice Center, the Pinellas County Justice Center in Clearwater, or in federal court for the Middle District of Florida, Omar brings the same level of direct, hands-on representation to every client.

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Providing Quality Representation for Florida Residents

A criminal charge does not resolve itself. From the moment of an arrest, the process moves quickly, decisions carry lasting weight, and the wrong move at the wrong stage can close off options that might otherwise have been available. Tampa criminal attorney Omar Abdelghany of OA Law Firm has handled hundreds of cases in Florida courts and dedicates his practice exclusively to criminal defense. That focus matters, because criminal law is not a sideline here. It is the entire practice.

If you are charged with a crime, it is prudent to consult a knowledgeable attorney regarding your options for seeking a successful outcome. Omar Abdelghany regularly represents people in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and other cities throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. You can contact Mr. Abdelghany via the form online or at 813-461-5291 to schedule a confidential and free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney.