State Attorney's Office 13th Judicial Circuit

For residents across Florida, understanding the various branches of local government is crucial for civic engagement and for knowing where to turn when legal matters arise. Among these vital institutions, the State Attorney's Office plays a fundamental role in upholding justice and ensuring public safety within our communities. This article is specifically tailored for you, the local users in Florida, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Located right here in Tampa, this office is a cornerstone of our local legal system, dedicated to serving the public interest.

Our aim is to shed light on the functions and importance of this local government office, helping you understand its critical contributions to our state. We'll explore its convenient location and accessibility within the Florida landscape, making it easy for you to identify its presence. We will then delve into the core services it offers, which are central to the administration of criminal justice. We'll also highlight key features that define its operations, drawing from public information and feedback, to give you a comprehensive picture. While government offices don't engage in "promotions" in the commercial sense, we'll discuss how they interact with the public. Finally, we'll provide all essential contact details and conclude with a summary of why the State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit is a vital and suitable entity for locals in Florida, ensuring the safety and fairness of our communities.

The State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit is centrally located at 419 N Pierce St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA. This prominent address in downtown Tampa places the office in a highly accessible position for residents throughout the greater Tampa Bay area and the wider Florida region that falls under its jurisdiction. Its strategic location is designed to ensure that it is easily reachable for law enforcement, victims, witnesses, and other parties involved in the judicial process from various counties, including Hillsborough, which it primarily serves.

For Floridians traveling by car, the office benefits from excellent connectivity to major transportation arteries. Interstate 275, Interstate 4, and the Selmon Expressway are all in close proximity, providing straightforward routes from different parts of the state. This ease of access is particularly important for individuals who may need to visit the office for sensitive matters, such as victim services or witness testimony, as minimizing travel burdens can significantly reduce stress. Additionally, the downtown Tampa area is well-served by public transportation options, including HART bus routes, offering convenient alternatives for those who prefer not to drive. The central and accessible location of the State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit underscores its commitment to being a fundamental and approachable part of the Florida criminal justice system, ensuring that its services are within reasonable reach for the local community.

The State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit serves a critical function within Florida's criminal justice system. Its primary role is to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the State of Florida. Based on its mandate and typical operations of such offices, the services offered include:

• Prosecution of Criminal Cases: Investigating and prosecuting felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile offenses committed within Hillsborough County.
• Victim Services: Providing support and resources to victims of crime, including information about their rights, court proceedings, and referrals to counseling or other assistance.
• Witness Coordination: Working with witnesses to ensure their cooperation and testimony in criminal proceedings.
• Grand Jury Proceedings: Presenting evidence to grand juries to determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to issue indictments.
• Plea Negotiations: Engaging in discussions with defense attorneys to reach plea agreements in appropriate cases.
• Appeals: Handling appeals of criminal cases that originated in the 13th Judicial Circuit.
• Community Outreach and Education: Engaging with the community to provide information about the criminal justice system and crime prevention.
• Diversion Programs: Working with law enforcement and other agencies on programs that divert certain offenders from traditional prosecution into rehabilitation or educational programs.

These services collectively ensure the enforcement of criminal law and the pursuit of justice within the jurisdiction.

The State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit embodies several key features and highlights that are inherent to its role as a governmental body within the Florida justice system. While public reviews can sometimes reflect individual experiences and frustrations, the office's fundamental characteristics define its operation.

• Public Service Mandate: At its core, the office operates with a mandate to serve the public interest by upholding justice and ensuring public safety for the residents of Hillsborough County, Florida.
• Legal Expertise: The office is staffed by a team of Assistant State Attorneys and support personnel who possess specialized legal knowledge in criminal law, evidence, and courtroom procedures.
• Collaboration with Law Enforcement: It works in close cooperation with various law enforcement agencies (e.g., Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement) to investigate crimes and prepare cases for prosecution.
• Victim and Witness Focus: A dedicated component of the office focuses on supporting victims and witnesses throughout the often-stressful judicial process, providing guidance and resources.
• Judicial Circuit Authority: As the State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit, it holds the legal authority to bring criminal charges and prosecute cases within its defined geographical jurisdiction in Florida.
• Commitment to Justice (as per mission): The overarching mission of such an office is to seek justice, which involves fair prosecution and appropriate outcomes, even if individual decisions, like plea deals, can be contentious.
• Role in Plea Bargaining: The office is an integral part of the plea bargaining process, which is a common and often necessary component of the criminal justice system to manage caseloads and achieve resolutions.

As a governmental agency responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses, the State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit does not engage in "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense that a business might. Its services are provided as a function of the state government, funded by taxpayer dollars, and are available to the public as mandated by law.

However, the office does offer services and resources to the public, particularly to victims and witnesses of crimes, without direct cost. These "services" are available to all eligible Floridians within its jurisdiction. For instance, victim services departments within State Attorney's Offices provide vital support, information, and advocacy to those impacted by crime. While not a "promotion," this is a fundamental service that benefits the community directly.

Individuals in Florida who need to interact with the State Attorney's Office for reasons such as reporting a crime, seeking victim assistance, or providing witness testimony should directly contact the office. They can inquire about:

• Victim and Witness Support Programs: Details on how the office assists victims and witnesses through the legal process.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: Information on public education or outreach programs regarding crime prevention or the justice system.
• Case Status Inquiries: Guidance on how to properly inquire about the status of a specific criminal case (though privacy laws limit what can be shared).

The office's primary "offering" is its commitment to public safety and justice, available to all Floridians within its circuit as a core governmental function.

For Florida residents who need to contact the State Attorney's Office for the 13th Judicial Circuit, the following information is provided:

Address: 419 N Pierce St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Phone: (813) 272-5400

Mobile Phone: +1 813-272-5400

These contact details allow for direct communication with the office. You can call their main line to speak with their general information desk, or utilize the mobile number for direct communication. The physical address in downtown Tampa provides a clear location for those who may need to visit in person for specific appointments, such as witness interviews, victim services, or other official business. It is always advisable to call ahead to inquire about specific departmental contacts or to schedule an appointment, ensuring that you connect with the appropriate personnel for your needs. Given the nature of a government office dealing with sensitive legal matters, proper protocols for communication and visits are typically in place.

For locals throughout Florida, and specifically within the 13th Judicial Circuit (Hillsborough County), the State Attorney's Office serves as an absolutely essential and suitable institution. Its fundamental role in prosecuting criminal offenses directly impacts the safety and well-being of our communities. While public perception and individual experiences, such as frustrations with plea deals or specific interactions, can vary – as reflected in the provided reviews – the core function of the office remains vital for maintaining law and order.

The office's commitment to public service, its legal expertise in criminal law, and its crucial collaboration with law enforcement agencies are all designed to protect the citizens of Florida. For victims of crime, the dedicated victim services component provides invaluable support and guidance during incredibly difficult times. Despite the inherent complexities and sometimes controversial outcomes in the justice system, the State Attorney's Office is the designated body responsible for upholding the rule of law on behalf of the state. Its central and accessible location in Tampa further ensures that this critical governmental function is within reach for the Floridians it serves, solidifying its status as a vital local point of interest for the pursuit of justice and public safety in our community.