Criminal Defense
Serious charges demand serious defense.
From misdemeanors to life-felony accusations — defended with preparation, suppression strategy, and courtroom judgment.
Explore Criminal DefenseTampa Bay Trial Lawyers
When everything is on the line, you want trial lawyers.
Sanchez Vaughn is a Tampa boutique built for criminal defense and serious injury cases — prepared, communicative, and ready for the courtroom when it counts.
18 years combined trial experience Criminal Defense & Personal Injury Se Habla Español
You're here for a reason
When the stakes are immediate, clarity matters.
An arrest. A serious crash. A call that changes the week. Most people meet us on the hardest day of their year — unsure what happens next, who to trust, or how fast they need to move.
Our job is to bring order to that moment: explain your options in plain language, protect your position early, and give you a clear plan. From the first conversation, you will know where your case stands and what we are doing about it.
Real communication. Not silence.
What we do
Two practices. One trial-focused standard.
Criminal defense and personal injury, handled by lawyers who prepare every matter as if it is going to trial.
Personal Injury
Hold negligence accountable.
Serious injuries deserve a prepared advocate — from investigation and demand through litigation, negotiation, and trial.
Explore Personal InjuryWhy Sanchez Vaughn
A standard of representation you can feel.
The difference clients describe is not a slogan. It is how we work the case and how we treat the person whose case it is.
Frequent communication
You hear from us with real updates — not silence. Questions get answered, and you are never guessing about your own case.
Transparency
Clear expectations on strategy, timeline, and cost. We tell you what we see — including the hard parts.
Trial preparation
We build every case as if it is going to trial. That posture creates leverage long before a courtroom is ever involved.
Strategic issue-spotting
Early identification of the issues that change outcomes — suppression, procedure, evidence, and liability.
Client-first guidance
Advice measured against your goals and your life — so the plan fits the person, not just the file.
One trial brand, two practices
Criminal defense and injury representation under a single, focused boutique — with a dedicated contact for each.
The attorneys
Two trial lawyers, personally on your case.
You work directly with the attorneys whose names are on the door.
Nicole N. Sanchez
Attorney · Criminal Trial Law
- Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar
- Former lead felony prosecutor in Fort Lauderdale
- 50+ jury trials tried to verdict
- Fully fluent in Spanish
Tyler K. Vaughn
Attorney · Criminal Defense & Personal Injury
- Criminal defense from misdemeanors to life-felony matters
- Injury cases from intake and investigation through trial
- Jury and bench trials in serious felony matters
- Juris Doctorate, Stetson College of Law
Reputation
Earned the hard way — in preparation and in court.
50+Jury Trials to Verdict
18Years combined experience
6×Super Lawyers Rising Star 2021–2026 · N. Sanchez
★★★★★
4.8 average from 52 Google reviews
★★★★★
“Excellent experience with this law office. Tyler and Nicole were professional, responsive, and incredibly easy to work with. They were extremely prompt with assistance, clearly passionate about what they do, and kept me informed every step of the way. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend!”Olga L.Verified Google review
★★★★★
“Tyler Vaughn is an outstanding attorney who truly goes above and beyond for his clients. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. He took the time to explain every step of the process…”Erik ArmandoVerified Google review
★★★★★
“I had a great experience with Nicole and Tyler. They are not only highly professional but also genuinely great people who truly care about their clients. From the beginning, they showed strong communication, always keeping me informed…”Brenda G.Verified Google review
Reviews are displayed as written and are not edited in a misleading way. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts and law.
In the News
Sanchez Vaughn in the media.
Local outlets turn to our attorneys for perspective on high-stakes criminal matters.
News interview · video to be added
Media coverage is provided for general informational purposes and does not describe or predict the outcome of any matter. Coverage involving an active case is published only with client consent and after an ethics review.
How it works
A clear path from first call to resolution.
01
Call
Reach us by phone or form. We listen, then tell you the immediate next step.
02
Case Review
A free, confidential consultation to evaluate the facts, the law, and your options.
03
Strategy
A tailored plan — the issues we will press, the timeline, and what to expect.
04
Action
Investigation, motions, negotiation, and trial preparation, executed with care.
05
Communication
Regular updates at every stage. You always know where your case stands.
Answers
Questions people ask us first.
Politely decline to answer questions and ask for a lawyer. Do not discuss your case over the phone or jail messaging system. Call 813.582.5188 or text 813.401.9918 so we can protect your rights from the very start.
Initial consultations are free and confidential. We will explain how we work and what your matter may involve before you decide anything.
Evidence and legal deadlines can move quickly in Florida. Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect critical evidence and your claim. This is general information, not legal advice about your specific situation.
Sí. Nicole N. Sanchez es completamente bilingüe y con gusto le atenderá en español. Llámenos al 813.582.5188 o envíenos un texto al 813.401.9918.
Yes. Sanchez Vaughn focuses on criminal defense and personal injury under one trial-focused brand, with a dedicated department and email for each: admin@sanchezvaughn.com for criminal matters and claims@sanchezvaughn.com for injury claims.
Insights & Resources
Know the law before you need it.
Plain-English answers on Florida and Federal criminal defense and injury law — from the lawyers who handle these cases.
Client Resources
The First 24 Hours After a Tampa Arrest
What to do — and what to avoid — in the hours after an arrest.
Read article →
Florida Criminal Process
Can Police Search Your Car Over Marijuana Odor?
What Williams v. State changed about vehicle searches.
Read article →Florida Injury Claims
After a Tampa Car Accident: 7 Steps
Simple steps in the first days that protect your claim.
Read article →
Speak with a trial lawyer
Tell us what happened. We'll tell you the next step.
Free, confidential consultation for criminal defense and personal injury matters across Tampa Bay.