Arrested at Tampa International Airport?
Since the events of September 11, 2001, we have all noticed drastic changes at the airport. The number of arrests that occur at the airport for a wide range of misdemeanor and felony criminal accusations have increased since 9/11. Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients charged with criminal offenses that occur at the airport. The vast majority of those arrested or cited come into contact with law enforcement officers with the Tampa International Airport Police Department (TIAPD) or Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In many of these cases, common sense was replaced with "zero tolerance" policies. The numbers of people arrested for inadvertently carrying concealed weapon has increased. Many recent cases involved someone who forgot about a pocket knife or other contraband when they pack. The mistake is discovered by law enforcement in the security screening. Although for serious offenses the police officers at the Tampa International Airport are authorized to make an arrest, many misdemeanor offenses result in the man or woman detained being issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for a future arraignment court date at the courthouse in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL.
Hiring an attorney as soon as possible after the arrest is important for preserving your rights. Surveillance cameras often capture the events that occurred in the terminal or parking lot. However, those videos may be destroyed unless you properly demand that the tape is preserved within 7 days of the arrest.
Types of Arrests Made at Tampa International Airport
Common cases include criminal accusations for the following offenses:
- Possession of marijuana;
- Possession of a concealed weapon (including knifes and firearms);
- Possession of other controlled substance including prescription medication not in a prescription bottle;
- Disorderly conduct or intoxication;
- Resisting arrest or opposing a police officer with or without violence; and
- Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in the airport parking lot.
If you were arrested for a felony or misdemeanor offense at Tampa International Airport then contact a criminal defense attorney in Hillsborough County, FL, to discuss defenses that may apply to your case.
Representing Clients from Out of State Arrested at Tampa International Airport
We are experienced in representing individuals who live out of town or out of the State of Florida. Your attorney can talk with you about waiving many of your preliminary court dates so that you do not need to make needless trips to Tampa, FL to resolve your case.
Diversion Programs including PTI and MIP in Hillsborough County, FL
Certain diversion programs including the pre-trial intervention program (PTI) and the misdemeanor intervention program (MIP) are often available to individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Hillsborough County who have no prior criminal record.
Entering those programs may not be the best choice for certain professionals such as college or graduate students, lawyers, nurses, doctors and other health-care professionals, pilots, public and private school teachers, professors and educators, law enforcement officers or members of the military.
Hiring an Attorney After an Arrest at Tampa International Airport
Contact a Tampa criminal defense attorney at the Sammis Law Firm if you were arrested at the airport in Tampa, FL, for any misdemeanor or felony offense in Hillsborough County, FL. Our attorneys are available to discuss the case during a free, confidential consultation.