Brandon Legal Group,
Criminal Defense
Our Promise

Providing enthusiastic legal counsel with confidence, integrity, and compassion.
Vigorous client representation has been our guiding principle since our start in Brandon in 2008. Our entire mission is built around one thing, protecting our clients' interests’ legally in Tampa Bay and throughout the state of Florida. From Divorce & Family Law to Criminal Defense and from Business & Civil Litigation to Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation, our team of experienced trial attorneys are ready to protect you.
Our attorneys work diligently to ensure your case is handled with the utmost care and respect for your time and of course, your wallet. We truly believe that each client deserves the highest quality representation possible, and we provide personal attention at each stage of the legal process.
We’ve Got You Covered
With These Legal Services

Juvenile Crimes

Drug Related Crimes

Sex Related Crimes

Theft

Violent Crimes

White Collar Crime

Expungement
Some matters in Criminal, DUI, Bankruptcy, Estate planning, Personal Injury, VA Benefits, and Workers' Compensation may be referred to an outside attorney
BRANDON LEGAL GROUP, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED (813) 902-3576
Listen To What Our Clients Say…
Because It’s Our Clients That Matter Most
Brandon Legal Group Client Recommendations
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Juvenile Crimes
The juvenile justice system can be complex and daunting to a family. It tries to strike a balance between rehabilitation and deterrence. Often, minors charged with acts of delinquency (referred to as crimes in the adult system) have opportunities to resolve their cases through a diversion type program. In a diversion program, the juvenile may be tasked with counseling, community service hours, paying court costs, making restitution among other tasks designed to educate the juvenile and to encourage him or her not to engage in illicit behavior in the future. If the juvenile successfully completes diversion, then the delinquency allegations are usually dismissed. Having legal counsel that knows the ins and outs of diversion opportunities in the juvenile justice system can be very beneficial to the child.
Not all juvenile cases can be resolved with diversion type resolutions. In such cases, having an attorney that knows what other resolutions are available to the child can be critical. Of course, many minors are falsely accused of acts of delinquency. When a crime has been committed, law enforcement sometimes views juveniles grouped with the actual perpetrator as acting in concert with the true culprit, even though in actuality such was not the case. When it comes to mounting a viable and effective defense, juveniles need quality legal representation just as adults do.
Do not try to navigate the complexities of the juvenile justice system alone. Seek a defense attorney who is experienced with the juvenile process. Not all criminal defense attorneys have such experience.

Drug Crimes
Both federal and Florida law prohibit the manufacture, sale, possession and use of certain chemical substances such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin just to name a few. Florida law also prohibits the possession of paraphernalia used in conjunction with such substances. For example, it may be illegal to possess a pipe used to smoke methamphetamines.
Violating federal or state drug laws often carries with it severe penalties such as jail or prison time. Many drug related offenses involve substantial minimum mandatory prison sentences. A conviction in Florida for certain drug related offenses may also result in the person being convicted losing his or her driver license for a period of time.
Possession of an illegal narcotic can be actual or constructive. Actual possession means that the individual had the illegal substance on their person, such as in the pocket of their jeans. Constructive possession occurs when: 1) a person had contraband near, but not on, their person; 2) the individual knew of the presence of the substance and of its illicit nature; and 3) the person was exercising dominion and control over the illegal item.
Many times contraband is found by law enforcement in a vehicle that is occupied by multiple people. On such occasions, law enforcement sometimes arrests the wrong person for the drugs. Often, the government is unable to prove who among the passengers of the vehicle actually possessed the drugs.
Having an attorney knowledgeable of drug related laws can often make a very real difference in the resolution of a case. When the stakes are so high, it is imperative that a person accused of a drug offense seek the aid of such a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
Sex Crimes
Did you ever notice that corporate contracts tend to be much longer than the two sentence small business contracts you receive? We hear from way too many small business owners regarding customers not paying for their services. Inevitably, the owner wants to get paid (for good reason) and they want the non-paying customer to pay for their legal fees. Many times we learn that the contract was a handshake which definitely did not outline who would be responsible for paying the parties legal fees should a dispute occur. We understand that paying a couple thousand dollars to have contracts and documentation written seems like a lot. However, when over the life of the business, you may be saving tens of thousands of dollars on future legal fees an nonpayments it becomes a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Theft Crimes
There are many acts that may constitute a Florida theft crime. Speaking generally, theft is an umbrella term that essentially refers to the taking of or depriving of someone else’s property or services without their permission or through fraud. Florida theft crimes come in varying degrees of severity.
There are many factors that decide the degree of severity of the Florida theft crime. The severity of the Florida theft crime may vary based upon the value of the property or services stolen from a misdemeanor to a first degree felony. Understanding what amount was stolen can play an important part in the resulting conviction. It is important to make sure that if you have been accused of theft you understand your rights as well as what counts as theft in the eyes of the law.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes can have severe consequences on your life. There are several types of crimes that are classified as violent. Some of these charges are misdemeanors while other are felonies. Most types of violent crimes have levels of severity that can affect the charges brought against you. There is a significant difference between Murder in the 1st degree and Manslaughter although both are still felonies.
Anyone facing charges for a severe violent crime, such as Assault, Manslaughter, or Murder, should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

White Collar Crimes
If you have been charged with a white collar crime it is important to realize the severity of the charge and what comes with it. These crimes are often financially motivated and found in political and corporate environments.
Hiring a BLG Criminal Defense Attorney
Our attorneys have represented clients against a broad range of charges. We understand that every case is different, and it is important to have a competent and experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
We will work to protect your legal rights and ensure you are treated fairly to seek the best outcome for you.
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Brandon Legal Group
The Right Attorneys For You.
Get advice and insights from our team of experienced attorneys.
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(813) 902-3576
Case Study: Because legal issues rarely stand their own
While speaking with the attorney, he discovered that he was potentially eligible for veterans disability benefits.
Because Brandon Legal Group covers several areas of law, we were able to offer additional legal advice to the client.
Once the divorce concluded, our client needed to have his will revised. Brandon Legal Group was able to assist with this as well.
All his legal needs were served at one location – Brandon Legal Group, PLLC


Debunking Attorney Myths
It's too expensive to call an attorney.
At Brandon Legal Group, your initial consultation is free. Personal Injury cases are offered on a contingency fee basis meaning there are no out of pocket expenses unless there is a financial recovery in your favor. In other matters, if you think an attorney representing you is too expensive, imagine living without seeing your children or spending the next 10 years in prison…
Having an attorney makes you look guilty.
You may be great at a lot of things, but when is the last time you were lead counsel in a criminal matter? Every individual has a constitutional right to experienced legal counsel no matter the magnitude of the matter. In many instances, the Court may prefer working with experienced Counsel rather than a layman as all litigating parties will be held to the same legal standard and process.
Lawyers just complicate the process.
Experienced attorneys should foresee pitfalls in your case and reduce the chances of last-second surprises that delay or disrupt the finalization of your legal matter. Attorneys know the process, know the nuances of varying judges courtrooms, and can provide you with the proper resources to make the best decisions in your matter.
WHO WE ARE
Full service law firm serving the greater Brandon and Tampa area.
When you place your legal matter in the hands of our experienced Brandon Legal Group attorneys, you are placing it in the hands of professionals with over 40 years of experience committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
OUR PHILOSOPHY

Brandon Legal Group - Service Overview
We've Got You Covered

Family Law & Divorce

Personal Injury

Mediation

BUI/DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

Estate Planning

Business & Civil Litigation

Bankruptcy

Workers' Compensation

Veterans Benefits
Meet Our Attorneys

Ingrid Hooglander
In 2008 after gaining years of experience under the watchful eyes of her predecessors, Ms. Hooglander opened her own private practice that has grown into what Brandon Legal Group is today.
Her weight lifting and Kick Boxing training contribute to a reputation as a "force of nature" in both her personal life and her presence in the court room.

Luke Mattson
Mr. Mattson found his niche in family law and has focused his practice in that area since 2000. In particular, Luke often handles matters involving divorce, timesharing, parenting plans, child support, alimony, paternity, and civil domestic violence.
Mr. Mattson might look like he’s all business, but you'd be surprised to discover the incredible fun loving attitude he brings to the practice. When outside the courtroom, Mr. Mattson can often be found watching Lightning games or riding his bike around downtown Tampa.
Brandon Legal Group Client Reviews Are Saying About Us:

Ingrid is a gifted attorney with significant subject matter experience in family law matters. She has a ton of experience and is an expert in this practice area. She is a hard worker and puts clients first. She is able to gain exceptional results for her clients. Without hesitation I endorse Ingrid.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
(813) 902-3576
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is considered a lesser offense against the state. These crimes tend to entail a penalty of less than a year in prison, small fines, community service, or a combination of any of these. Examples of misdemeanors include:
- Public intoxication
- Speeding
- Prostitution
- Vandalism

What is a Felony?
A felony is considered to be a more serious offense against the state. These crimes tend to entail a penalty of at least a year in prison, major fines, or a combination of both. Examples of felonies include:
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Robbery
Some crimes can be either a misdemeanor, or a felony, depending on the severity of the crime.

What is the process of a Criminal Investigation?
First the state has to file charges. The state has 90 days to file misdemeanor charges, and 175 days to file felony charges.
After charges are filed, the following is the general process of a criminal prosecution.
- Search
- Arrest and Booking
- Arraignment
- Trial
Protecting yourself from the ramifications of criminal prosecution is highly complex. We urge you to not “go it alone” and instead to engage a criminal attorney to protect you.
Brandon Legal Group
Easy To Find And Convenient Hours
Hours
Monday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Friday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
(Closed Daily from 12 - 1 PM for lunch)