Federal Criminal Defense in Tampa Bay

Federal Cases Work Differently

Federal cases from Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and heard in federal court in Tampa. They work differently from state cases. Federal investigations often run for months before anyone is arrested. Sentences are shaped by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and, for many drug and internet offenses, by mandatory minimum prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system.

Amanda Powers Sellers has defended state and federal criminal cases since 2005 and is qualified under Florida and federal law to represent people facing the death penalty. You speak with Amanda directly. Call or text: (727) 531-2926.

Federal Drug Conspiracy and Trafficking

Most federal drug cases are charged under 21 U.S.C. § 841 (possession with intent to distribute, distribution, manufacturing) and 21 U.S.C. § 846 (attempt and conspiracy). A conspiracy charge does not require that drugs were found on you. The government can rely on phone records, messages, informants, and co-defendant testimony.

The drug type and quantity the government attributes to you can trigger a mandatory minimum sentence. For example, an offense involving 5 kilograms or more of cocaine carries a 10-year minimum, and 500 grams or more carries a 5-year minimum. Some defendants who meet every requirement of the federal “safety valve” (18 U.S.C. § 3553(f)) can be sentenced below the minimum.

Maritime Drug Cases (Coast Guard Interdictions)

Tampa is one of the main federal courts for cases under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 U.S.C. § 70503), which covers drug trafficking on vessels stopped by the U.S. Coast Guard at sea. These cases carry the same mandatory minimums as other federal drug cases and often involve defendants brought to Tampa from international waters.

Case result: In a federal case in the Middle District of Florida, Amanda’s client was charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine aboard a vessel. After the government rested, the court granted the defense Motion for Judgment of Acquittal.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results.

Federal Internet and Child-Exploitation Offenses

Charges such as online enticement of a minor (18 U.S.C. § 2422(b)) carry a 10-year mandatory minimum. Many of these cases come from undercover operations. Possible defenses, including entrapment, depend on the specific facts and communications.

Federal Firearms Offenses

The most common federal gun charge is possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, such as someone with a prior felony conviction (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)), which carries up to 15 years in prison. Under the Armed Career Criminal Act, a person with three qualifying prior convictions faces a 15-year mandatory minimum. Using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)) adds a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least 5 years, and more if the gun was brandished or fired. Defenses often turn on whether the search was lawful and whether the government can prove you knowingly possessed the firearm.

Health Care Fraud

Florida is a major focus of federal health care fraud enforcement. Charges can include health care fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347), violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b)), wire fraud, and conspiracy. These cases usually involve Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance billing and are investigated by agencies such as the FBI and the HHS Office of Inspector General. They often start with a subpoena, an audit, or agents interviewing staff, and civil and administrative actions can run alongside the criminal case.

Immigration-Related Federal Crimes

Federal prosecutors in Florida regularly bring charges such as illegal reentry after removal (8 U.S.C. § 1326), alien smuggling or harboring (8 U.S.C. § 1324), and immigration document fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1546). Penalties for illegal reentry increase significantly with certain prior convictions. Because a conviction can also affect immigration status, these cases call for a defense strategy that accounts for immigration consequences.

Fraud and White-Collar Investigations

Federal white-collar cases include wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (§ 1341), conspiracy (§ 371), and money laundering (§ 1956). They often begin quietly, with a subpoena for records, a call from an agent, or a target letter. The government must prove specific intent, and how the case is handled before charges are filed can matter. See Under Federal Investigation.

How a Federal Case Moves

Initial appearance before a magistrate judge after arrest
Detention hearing. For many drug offenses the law presumes detention, and the defense must present reasons for release.
Indictment by a grand jury
Discovery and motions. Reviewing the government’s evidence and challenging what can be challenged.
Plea negotiations or trial
Presentence report and sentencing under the Sentencing Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a federal charge more serious than a state charge?
Often, yes. Federal cases tend to involve longer investigations, mandatory minimums for many drug offenses, and no parole. Every case is different, so the specifics matter.

Can I be charged with drug conspiracy if no drugs were found on me?
Yes. A conspiracy charge is based on an alleged agreement, so the government may rely on communications, witnesses, and co-defendants rather than drugs in your possession.

Talk to Amanda Today

Facing federal charges or questioning by federal agents? Call or text Amanda at (727) 531-2926, or use the contact form. Available 24/7. If agents have contacted you, read Under Federal Investigation.

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.