Felonies

Tampa Felony Lawyers

Felony Defense in Hillsborough, Pinellas & Pasco Counties

In Florida, felony charges are the most serious classification of criminal offenses. Unlike misdemeanors, which carry penalties of up to one year in county jail, felonies can result in years or even life in state prison. Other consequences can include steep fines, loss of civil rights, and a permanent criminal record. If you're accused of a felony, you might need the help of a Tampa felony lawyer.

Early and aggressive legal representation is critical to protecting your future, whether you are under investigation, have been arrested, or are already facing charges. At Sanchez Vaughn, we provide strategic, results-driven defense for individuals accused of felony crimes.

Founded by Board-Certified Criminal Trial Attorney Nicole Sanchez, a former prosecutor with more than a decade of courtroom experience, we know how the system works and how to challenge it. From pre-charge investigations to trial and post-conviction relief, we fight relentlessly for clients at every stage.

When you work with our firm, you are not treated as a case number. Our felony attorney in Tampa takes the time to explain how felony charges move through local courts such as the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in downtown Tampa, what to expect at each hearing, and how decisions made early in the process can affect the outcome later. Our team reviews the allegations, police reports, and evidence in detail so that we can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and give you clear information to make informed choices about your defense with a dedicated felony lawyer by your side.

Call (813) 401-9918 or reach us online for an office, phone, or virtual consultation. Hablamos español. Available 24/7.

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“Strong and Reliable Legal representation”
Nicole was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to my fiancé’s case. Communication was clear and timely and every question or concern was addressed with patience and care. Her expertise and attention to detail made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I highly recommend Nicole to anyone in need of strong, reliable legal representation.

- Lawana T.
“Skilled attorney by my side!”
The best attorney I’ve hired Nicole and her fabulous team are excellent with communication. They have always answered my call no matter what time of day it is and on the off chance that her or her team are too busy. I immediately get a text message letting me know when I will be receiving a call back. They are very timely and stay on top of everything to do with my case. I am very pleased. And grateful that I have such a skilled attorney by my side!!!

- J O.
“Trustworthy and exceptional legal representation.”
Tyler Vaughn is an outstanding attorney who truly goes above and beyond for his clients. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. He took the time to explain every step of the process in a way that was clear and easy to understand, which gave me a lot of confidence and peace of mind.

Tyler is not only highly skilled and detail-oriented, but he also genuinely cares about achieving the best possible outcome. His dedication, strong communication, and commitment to his clients set him apart. I highly recommend Tyler Vaughn, Attorney at Law, to anyone looking for trustworthy and exceptional legal representation.

- Erik A.
“Mr. Tyler Vaughn is the best lawyer”
Mr. tyler vaughn is the best lawyer I got he always there when I need em I had charges in 3 county’s I had to get transferred to all 3 county’s while incarcerated I went to all 3 county’s and got out in 30 days he do his best and work hard if you need a lawyer he would be the best for you..

- Fry M.
“If you don’t want to play with your life and your freedom hire Nicole!!”
I was facing 15-25 years with the state trying to bury me… Nicole and her team go hired and with within a few weeks got the state to agree to 5 years probation with the possibility of early term in just 2!!!! If you don’t want to play with your life and your freedom hire Nicole!!!!!

- Brionna M.
“If you're looking for a criminal defense attorney who truly understands every angle of the law, you've come to the right place.”
If you're looking for a criminal defense attorney who truly understands every angle of the law, you've come to the right place. Nicole Sanchez is an outstanding advocate, and even better attorney. She is smart, strategic, and relentless when it comes to defending her clients.

What sets Nicole apart is her unique experience on both sides of the courtroom. As a former criminal prosecutor with many trials under her belt, she brings an insider’s perspective to every case she handles. She knows exactly how the other side builds their case, and she will use that knowledge masterfully in her work as your defense attorney.

Nicole adds to that expertise with unwavering dedication, clear communication, and a deep sense of integrity. You never feel like just another case—she fights for you like it matters, because to her, it does matter.

If you're in need of top-tier criminal defense, Nicole Sanchez is the attorney you want in your corner. Her professionalism, courtroom skill, and commitment to her clients are unmatched.

Highly recommended!

- Marcos F.
“The Best Lawyer!”
“Nicole Sanchez is the hands down the best lawyer you can obtain in Tampa and it’s surrounding areas!”

- Joshua F.
“Highly Recommend!”
“I've had the pleasure of working with Ms. Sanchez for the past ten years, and she is one of the finest attorneys I know.”

- Jeff B.

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Felonies vs. Misdemeanors: Understanding The Consequences With Our Tampa Felonies Lawyer

Felonies are crimes that the law considers especially harmful or dangerous. Because of this, the consequences of a felony conviction go far beyond jail or prison time.

Felony convictions can result in:

Loss of the right to vote or possess firearms
Difficulty finding employment, housing, or professional licensing
Loss of immigration status or denial of citizenship
Significant fines and long-term probation
Social stigma and damage to your personal relationships

A felony conviction can follow you for life, so a strong defense is essential from the beginning.

Common Felony Offenses in Florida

Florida felony charges are classified into five degrees: capital, life, first, second, and third-degree felonies. Each level carries escalating penalties.

Common felony offenses include:

Drug trafficking and distribution
Aggravated assault or battery
Domestic violence with injury or prior offenses
DUI causing injury or death
Burglary and robbery
Gun and firearm offenses
Grand theft
Sexual battery and other sex crimes
Homicide, including murder and manslaughter
Fraud, forgery, and white-collar crimes
Resisting arrest with violence
Child abuse

For each of these offenses, the exact charge and potential sentence depend on factors such as the severity of the alleged harm, the presence of weapons, and any prior record. A Tampa felonies lawyer who regularly appears in local courts throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties can evaluate these details and help you understand the range of possible outcomes, as well as whether diversion programs, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing may be realistic options in your situation.

Florida Felony Penalties

Depending on the degree of the charge, felony penalties may include the following.

Third-degree felonies: Up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines
Second-degree felonies: Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
First-degree felonies: Up to 30 years in prison (or life in some cases) and $10,000 in fines
Life or capital felonies: Life imprisonment or the death penalty in capital cases

In many cases, prosecutors may also pursue enhancements based on prior convictions, weapons involvement, or gang affiliation.

Florida uses a structured sentencing scoresheet that weighs the type of felony, the level of alleged injury, and a person’s prior record, which can dramatically change the recommended prison range. Judges in Tampa and surrounding counties look at this scoresheet along with arguments from both sides when deciding on possible sentences. Having a felony attorney Tampa defendants can turn to for guidance means you will have someone to analyze your scoresheet, explain where there may be room to argue for a downward departure, and present mitigating factors that humanize you beyond the allegations in the arrest report.

Why Early Legal Intervention Matters

In criminal cases, the earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options you have. If you are under investigation, your lawyer may be able to prevent charges from being filed. If you have already been arrested, a skilled attorney can challenge the evidence, suppress unlawful police conduct, and negotiate for dismissal, reduced charges, or favorable plea deals.

Early involvement from a Tampa felonies lawyer can help you in several key ways:

Protecting your rights during questioning and investigation so that you do not unintentionally say or do something that harms your case
Managing contact with law enforcement and prosecutors, including responding to requests for interviews or search consent in a way that safeguards your interests
Preserving critical evidence such as surveillance video, phone records, or witness statements that might otherwise be lost or destroyed over time
Evaluating the strength of the case early on and identifying legal issues that may support a motion to suppress evidence or even discourage the State Attorney’s Office from filing certain charges

Sanchez Vaughn brings a rare combination of courtroom tenacity, strategic precision, and deep knowledge of Florida’s criminal laws. Our experience includes Nicole's time as a former lead felony prosecutor, which we use now to anticipate and counter government tactics effectively. With thousands of cases handled and a high success rate, we can navigate even the most serious felony cases.

When brought into the case early, Nicole and Tyler can communicate with detectives, protect you during interviews, and begin preserving favorable evidence such as surveillance footage or witness statements before they are lost. We evaluate whether law enforcement followed constitutional rules during searches, traffic stops, or arrests and, if not, we file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

How We Approach Felony Defense Strategy

Every felony case has its own facts, players, and pressure points, so we begin by learning your story and what matters most to you. We review discovery in detail, looking not only at what is in the reports but also what may be missing or inconsistent. From our office in downtown Tampa near the Hillsborough County Courthouse, we are able to meet quickly with clients, investigators, and local experts to start building a defense that reflects the realities of your life, not just the allegations in a police narrative.

Once we understand the evidence, we identify legal and factual defenses and decide whether to focus on filing motions, negotiating from a position of strength, or preparing for trial. We may challenge the legality of a search, question the reliability of eyewitness identifications, or scrutinize forensic testing and digital evidence. Throughout this process, a felony attorney will keep you informed about the risks and benefits of each option so you can make decisions that align with your goals and tolerance for risk, whether that means fighting the charges in front of a jury or pursuing a carefully crafted resolution.

Call Sanchez Vaughn at (813) 401-9918 or reach us online for a free case evaluation.

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Unyielding Commitment to Justice
We are dedicated to defending the constitutional rights of the accused, ensuring every client receives a fair trial and that justice is never compromised.
Strategic and Fearless Advocacy
We approach each case with fearless determination and strategic precision, relentlessly challenging injustices and standing up to power imbalances in the legal system.
Comprehensive Legal Expertise
With extensive experience across a wide range of serious criminal cases—from homicide and sex crimes to federal appeals—we bring a deep and nuanced understanding of the law to every case we handle.
Culturally Attuned Representation
We recognize the importance of culturally competent representation. By offering services in both English and Spanish, we ensure our clients feel heard, respected, and understood at every step.
Recognition of Excellence

Nicole's consistent recognition in the list of Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” from 2021 through 2025 reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, integrity, and results-driven representation.