Criminal Justice in Dade City, FL

If you have been arrested for any misdemeanor or felony crime in Pasco County, FL, you will answer the charges at the courthouse in Dade City or New Port Richey. Call us to discuss the facts of your case today.

If you have been arrested for any felony criminal offenses, keep in mind that the State Attorney’s Office takes twenty-one (21) days to make a filing decision. Having an attorney early in the case gives you the best chance of convincing the prosecutor not to formally file felony charges or to only file reduced charges.

Preventing the felony charges from being filed in the first place is usually easier than fighting the charges after they have already been filed. Don’t lose one of the most important battles in your case by not having representation during the first twenty-one (21) days after your arrest for any felony criminal charge.

Attorney for Criminal Defense in Dade City, FL

With offices in New Port Richey and Tampa, the criminal defense lawyers at the Sammis Law Firm are experienced in providing representation at every stage of the criminal case from the first appearance within 24 hours after the arrest, an emergency bond hearing, arraignment, pre-trial disposition hearings, pre-trial conferences, through a jury trial.

The key to obtaining the best result is often having representation early in your case. It is also important to retain a lawyer that is familiar with the particular criminal procedures and practices that are most effective in the courtrooms in Dade City in Pasco County, FL.

Call to speak to one of our attorneys today at (813) 250-0500.

Our website provides information on various criminal offenses in Florida, including the special procedures and considerations that may apply to your criminal case. At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., we represent clients charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes including the following offenses:

  • DUI, including DUI refusal cases, DUI cases with high BAC readings, and felony DUI cases;
  • Driving on a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License;
  • Reckless driving;
  • Driving as a Habitual traffic offender (HTO);
  • Misdemeanor violation of probation;
  • Felony violation of probation;
  • Extradition back to Pasco County;
  • Arrest warrants;
  • Theft offenses including grand theft, dealing in stolen property, employee theft, fraud, credit card fraud or shopliting (petit theft);
  • Domestic violence, including assault, battery, stalking, aggravated battery, or violation of protective order;
  • Domestic battery; or
  • Seal or expunge a criminal record.

DUI Charges in Dade City, FL

If you have been arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then call us to find out more information about preserving your right to fight the administrative suspension of your Florida driver’s license that will take effect 10 days after your DUI arrest.

Find out why we ALWAYS recommend demanding a formal review hearing. Winning the administrative hearing will allow you to drive without restriction while you fight the criminal DUI charges in Dade City, FL.

We also represent clients in the courtrooms throughout Dade City, FL. In many of these cases, the best results come after the attorney files any viable motions to suppress evidence that was obtained illegally or motions to dismiss charges that are not supported by sufficient evidence.

Whether your case involves a breath test reading on the Intoxilyzer 8000, or the refusal to submit to a breath, blood or urine test, we can help.

Learn more about us. Watch a video showing how one of our attorneys, Jason Sammis, uncovered evidence of police misconduct at a recent DUI checkpoint in New Port Richey in Pasco County, FL:


Judicial Assignments in the Dade City Courthouse for 2018

The County Court judicial assignments in East Pasco in Dade City, FL, include:

  • Section 10 – Judge Candy Morris VanDercar
    • for misdemeanors, DUI, criminal traffic, violations of probation, and orders to show cause relative to cases heard under this jurisdiction while presiding.
  • Section 14 – Judge William G. Sestak
    • for misdemeanors, DUI, criminal traffic violations of probation and orders to show cause relative to cases heard under this jurisdiction while presiding.

The Circuit Court judicial assignments in East Pasco in Dade City, FL, include:

  • Sections 1, 2 – Judge Susan G. Barthle
    • for all criminal cases, including violations of probation.
  • Section 30 – Judge Shawn Crane
    • for all Adult Drug Court cases.

The Juvenile Court judicial assignments in East Pasco at the courthouse in Dade City, FL, include::

  • Sections 5, 28 – Judge Lynn Tepper
    • for all juvenile delinquency cases.

Dade City is the county seat of Pasco County, located approximately 39 miles north of Tampa. The city was named after U.S. Army Major Francis L. Dade, who, with his entire army, was massacred by Seminole Indians in 1835.


Additional Resources

Pride DUI School in Pasco County – If you live or work in Pasco County, then you must attend DUI School with a company called Pride Integrated Services, Inc. of Pasco County, FL. Since 1983, Pride’s DUI Program has been licensed by the State of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). What should you expect in the Level I course of DUI School? If you live or work in Dade City, classes are offered in Zephyrhills at 7064 Fort King Road. At the first meeting, bring your DUI citation, discovery or HSMV packet (with the police reports and breath test affidavit). The cost to enroll in Level I is $272 and Level II is $412.00. You can enroll in person, online, or through the mail. When making payment, the Pride DUI Program accepts Visa or Mastercard.


Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dade City, FL

At Sammis Law Firm, P.A., we focus exclusively on criminal defense. We fight felony, misdemeanor, and DUI cases. That focus allows our attorneys to stay ahead of recent changes in Florida criminal laws and innovative defenses that win cases.

During the initial consultation, we can discuss the criminal charges pending against you, the best defenses that might apply to the facts of your case, and the best ways to fight the charges aggressively.

Contact us to find out what you need to do today to protect all of your rights and have the best chance of avoiding a criminal conviction or prosecution in Dade City, FL.

Call our criminal defense attorneys for Pasco County, FL, at (813) 250-0500.


This article was last updated on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.