Under Investigation for an Internet or Computer Crime in Tampa? What to Do Before Charges

If you feel like you might be under investigation for some reason because of some notification or some other concern, it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and also have an understanding of the circumstances so that advice can be given.

InternetCrime.com is the internet and computer crime site of The Frey Law Firm, LLC. Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades, from his office at 625 E. Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa. This page is for people in Tampa and around Tampa Bay, including Brandon, Riverview, Westchase, South Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, who have not been charged but think, or know, that they are being investigated.

What does an internet crime investigation in Tampa look like?

Most people learn about an investigation in one of a few ways. Officers arrive with a search warrant and take phones, computers and hard drives. A detective or federal agent calls, texts or leaves a business card. Officers knock on the door without a warrant and ask to come in and talk. Or a letter arrives from federal prosecutors. Behind the scenes, many investigations start with a report an online platform sent to law enforcement, an undercover chat, a complaint from an employer or bank, or records requested from an internet provider.

In the Tampa area, the investigators may be with the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or a federal agency such as the FBI or Homeland Security Investigations. Agencies sometimes work a case together through a task force. Which agency is involved can affect whether a case ends up in state court in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit or in federal court in the Middle District of Florida.

Police came to my door without a warrant. Do I have to talk to them?

This is often called a knock and talk. Officers come to the door, ask a few friendly questions, and may ask to look at a phone or computer. In general, you don’t have to answer their questions or agree to a search. You can stay polite and say you would like to speak with a lawyer first. Agreeing to a search or trying to explain things on the spot can hand investigators evidence they did not have before.

Officers searched my home and took my devices. What happens now?

If officers had a search warrant, they likely left a copy of it and a list of what they took. Keep both. The devices usually go to a forensic examiner, who copies the data and searches it, and that can take weeks or months. Not being arrested on the day of the search doesn’t mean the case is closed. Our guide to a police forensic examination of seized devices explains that process, and what happens after police seize your computer or phone covers the waiting period.

A detective called me. Should I call back?

Detectives often reach out to the people they are investigating and describe the call as a chance to clear things up. Anything you say can end up in a report. Before you call back, talk with a lawyer. Your lawyer can be the one who responds, so your own words stay out of the file.

I got a federal target letter. What does that mean?

A target letter is a notice from federal prosecutors that you are a target of a grand jury investigation. It often names a prosecutor or agent to contact, and sometimes a date. Take it seriously, and call a lawyer before you contact anyone named in it. Our page on the federal target letter explains more.

What is a CyberTip, and how long can that kind of investigation take?

Social media apps, email providers and cloud storage companies send reports to a national clearinghouse when their systems flag certain content. Those reports are passed to law enforcement, which in Florida can mean a local task force or a federal agency. The time between the original report and a knock on the door can be long. See how long a CyberTip investigation can take and our overview of how online platform investigations work.

What should I do right now if I think I’m under investigation?

If you think you may be under investigation, don’t discuss it with anyone and don’t delete anything. Contact a criminal defense attorney before you speak with law enforcement.

Can a lawyer help before I’m charged?

Often, yes. Before charges are filed, a lawyer can be your point of contact with investigators, so you are not answering questions alone. A lawyer can also review the warrant and how your devices were taken, look at how the case may have started, and talk with you about whether it is more likely to be handled in state or federal court. Every case is different, and no lawyer can tell you for certain how an investigation will end.

Why does digital evidence matter so much at this stage?

In internet and computer cases, the evidence is usually data: files, chats, account records, IP addresses and the forensic reports built from them. Data can be misread. A shared Wi-Fi network, a secondhand device, a shared account or an app that syncs on its own can all raise questions about who did what. Computer and internet crime is a special focus of Attorney Ron Frey’s criminal defense practice. Practicing law for over two decades, he has worked with the technical side of these cases, including forensic copies, examiner reports and the software investigators rely on.

Where can I read about Tampa charges and courts?

This page is about the investigation stage. If you have already been charged, or you want to read about the Florida and federal charges these cases can lead to, see the Tampa computer and internet crimes defense page on FreyLegal.com, our local criminal defense site, and our Florida internet crime overview.

Tampa Internet Crime Investigation FAQ

Does being investigated mean I will be charged?

No. Some investigations end without charges, and others lead to charges months later. A lawyer can talk with you about what the facts suggest in your situation.

How long can police keep my phone or computer?

It varies. Devices are often kept until the forensic exam is done, and sometimes longer if they may be used as evidence. A lawyer can ask about getting a device or its data back.

Should I tell the detective my side of the story?

Talk with a lawyer first. Investigators may already have records you haven’t seen, and even a friendly conversation can end up in a report.

Do you only handle investigations in Tampa?

Internet crime cases often cross state lines. The firm is based in Tampa, and Attorney Ron Frey has represented clients in federal courts around the country. Call to talk about whether he can help with your case where it is.

What does a consultation cost?

The initial consultation is free and confidential. It can be by phone, by video or at the Tampa office.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and how they apply depends on the facts of each case. Reading this page or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Talk With Attorney Ron Frey Before You Respond

If you think you are under investigation for an internet or computer crime in Tampa or anywhere around Tampa Bay, call before you talk to anyone else about it. Attorney Ron Frey can go over what happened and what generally comes next. Call (813) 775-2276 for a Free Initial Confidential Consultation.