Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Defending Federal Criminal Cases in Tampa & the Tampa Bay Area
Dan Eckhart Law is a federal criminal defense law firm representing individuals charged with federal crimes and involved in federal criminal investigations throughout Tampa and the greater Tampa Bay area.
With more than 30 years of experience and approximately 1,500 federal court appearances, Dan Eckhart brings a depth of federal knowledge few Tampa criminal defense lawyers can match.
Areas of Practice
Our firm handles complex criminal matters across a wide range of practice areas, with a strong focus on high-stakes federal cases. We provide strategic defense for individuals facing serious allegations, guiding clients through investigations, charges, and court proceedings with precision and discretion.
White Collar Criminal Defense
White Collar Criminal Defense
The consequences of criminal investigations and prosecutions can run the spectrum, from a routine interview or “knock and talk” by law enforcement, to months-long investigation to months or years in prison. Given the fact of your case, Dan Eckhart can mitigate your exposure during discreet and productive negotiations with state or federal prosecutors. His ultimate goal is to persuade authorities to forego prosecution, decline charging you with a criminal offense…
Money Laundering Defense
Money Laundering Defense
As a Special Agent and Federal Prosecutor, Dan Eckhart investigated and prosecuted dozens of significant federal money laundering cases. In furtherance of these investigations, attorney Dan Eckhart has worked at various U.S. Embassies with a number of foreign law enforcement agencies to include the Mexican National Police, the Federal Police of Brazil, the Republic of Ireland’s An Garda Siochana, Criminal Assets Bureau, the Panamanian National Police, and more…
Asset Forfeiture Defense
Asset Forfeiture Defence
Criminal forfeiture can be part of a federal or state prosecution action and requires the government to identify property used or derived from criminal activity. This can include real property, currency, bank accounts, vehicles, aircraft, jewelry, etc. An experienced forfeiture lawyer can help negotiate forfeiture matters before indictment as well as during the plea bargaining process…
Drugs
Drugs
Drug trafficking is a very serious offense that can be charged in either state or federal court. It involves the movement of large quantities of controlled substances (Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, etc.) for distribution and is usually charged in addition to conspiracy and money laundering…
Firearms
Firearms
Prosecutors also allege a firearm offense if there is a weapon present or an accused is a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Drug trafficking and firearms convictions can lead to minimum mandatory prison sentences and it is crucial that clients retain an experienced former federal agent and prosecutor, like attorney Dan Eckhart, to provide them with the best defense possible…
Child Pornography
Whistleblower
Whistleblower
Federal False Claims Act cases can take years to resolve and damages may be up to three times the government’s losses plus penalties for each false claim. A whistleblower’s reward is contingent on a number of factors. If the government intervenes and recovers funds, the whistleblower is entitled to 15 percent to 25 percent of the recovery…
Bank Fraud
Bank Fraud
Attorney Dan Eckhart has personally conducted internal investigations in both the public and private sector and can provide government regulators and/or law enforcement with arguments as to why matters should be resolved without criminal charges…
Federal Criminal Defense Process & Case Stages in Tampa
Dan Eckhart represents individuals facing criminal charges at every stage of the process, from pre-arrest investigations through trial and appeal. Our criminal defense services cover both state and federal matters, with a strategic, results-driven approach tailored to each case.
Pre-Indictment & Federal Criminal Investigations
Advising individuals who are targets or subjects of a federal criminal investigation in Tampa, including matters involving the FBI, IRS-CI, DEA, or ATF, before formal federal charges are filed.
Federal Arrests & Indictments
Immediate defense for clients charged with a federal crime, arrested, summoned, or indicted in federal court serving the Tampa Bay region.
Federal Detention & Bond Hearings
Representation at detention hearings where federal law imposes stricter release standards than state court bond proceedings.
Grand Jury Investigations
Strategic counsel for individuals involved with federal grand juries, including subpoena guidance, testimony decisions, and constitutional protections.
Federal Motion Practice
Challenging evidence through motions to suppress, attacking unlawful searches, and seeking dismissal of federal criminal charges based on violations of federal criminal law.
Plea Negotiations & Cooperation Agreements
Negotiating plea agreements, cooperation matters, and guideline reductions with federal prosecutors as part of an overall federal defense strategy.
Federal Sentencing Advocacy
Preparing sentencing memoranda and advocating for reduced exposure under federal sentencing guidelines.
Federal Trials & Appeals
Representation in federal jury trials and post-conviction appeals when litigation becomes necessary.
Why Clients Choose Dan Eckhart for Federal Criminal Cases
Clients choose Dan Eckhart Law because serious federal charges require a skilled defense attorney with deep experience.
Key differentiators include:
- 30+ years handling federal cases
- Approximately 1,500 appearances before a federal judge
- Former federal government attorney (23 years)
- A defense law firm focused on federal criminal matters, not volume cases
- Direct access to your defense attorney
- Strategic, responsive representation for serious federal offenses
Many clients come to Dan Eckhart after hiring lawyers in Tampa who primarily handle state criminal cases. Federal Courts & Jurisdiction Serving Tampa Bay
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
Office Location & Visiting Hours
Dan Eckhart Law is based in Orlando, Florida, and serves clients throughout Central Florida and nationwide in federal court matters. Meetings are by appointment to ensure privacy and focused attention on your case.
If you are under federal investigation or facing federal criminal charges, contact the office as soon as possible to discuss next steps and available defense strategies.
Federal Jurisdiction Serving Tampa & Central Florida
Federal criminal cases in Tampa are typically prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida, which serves the Tampa Bay region and West Central Florida.
Dan Eckhart Law represents clients throughout:
- Hillsborough County
- Pinellas County
- Pasco County
- Hernando County
- Polk County
Although Tampa is a primary service area, Dan Eckhart is admitted to practice in federal courts nationwide and regularly represents clients in federal criminal matters outside Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Tampa Federal Criminal Defense
I’ve been contacted by federal agents in Tampa. What should I do?
Do not speak with agents. Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately.
Can you help before federal charges are filed?
Yes. Early defense during a federal criminal investigation can influence charging decisions.
What happens if I’m charged with a federal crime?
Your case moves into federal court quickly. Immediate defense strategy is critical.
Do you handle both state and federal criminal matters?
The practice focuses primarily on federal legal matters, with selective state matters.
How do you reduce exposure in federal cases?
Through early strategy, motion practice, plea negotiations, and sentencing advocacy.
Do federal cases usually go to trial?
Most resolve through negotiation, but trial readiness strengthens every defense.
Will I work directly with my lawyer?
Yes. You work directly with Dan Eckhart, no associates or intermediaries.
Can you represent me outside Tampa?
Yes. Dan Eckhart handles federal criminal defense cases nationwide.
When should I contact a federal defense attorney?
As soon as you learn of an investigation, subpoena, arrest, or indictment.
Speak With a Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing federal charges in Tampa, timing matters. Early representation by an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can shape the direction of your case.
Schedule a confidential consultation with Dan Eckhart