The Cast Law Firm

The Cast Law Firm is a Tampa-based practice led by Rebecca Castaneda—former U.S. Coast Guard JAG and federal prosecutor. We fuse courtroom skill with insider knowledge of federal and maritime investigations to protect clients in maritime injury, federal criminal defense, and asset forfeiture and seizure matters.

Why clients choose us

  • Maritime authority: Jones Act, LHWCA, unseaworthiness, cruise and port incidents, offshore and near‑shore operations.

  • Insider insight: Former Coast Guard JAG who understands internal investigative processes, VDR/AIS data, casualty reporting, and enforcement priorities.

  • Trial‑ready: Decades in federal court; complex cases prepared from day one for litigation.

  • Global perspective: ICC‑listed counsel; experience with INTERPOL, MLATs, and cross‑border disputes.

  • Reputation: Referrals from past clients and law firms nationwide and abroad.

Primary Focus: Maritime Injury & Investigations

Were you injured on a vessel, at port, or offshore? We move fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

We handle:

  • Deck and ladder falls • Line‑handling injuries • Winch/capstan failures

  • Docking and mooring accidents at Port Tampa Bay, and in waterways throughout Florida and the US

  • Collisions, allisions, groundings, wake injuries

  • Fires, explosions, machinery failures

  • Cruise passenger injuries and onboard medical negligence

Your rights:

  • Seamen (Jones Act): Negligence and unseaworthiness claims; maintenance & cure until MMI

  • Longshore/Harbor (LHWCA): Wage replacement, medical care, and third‑party claims

  • Passengers: Claims under maritime law; ticket notice and forum deadlines can be short

What we secure within days:

  • Logs (deck/engine), CCTV, AIS/VDR, ECDIS/GPS tracks

  • Maintenance and training records; ISM/ISPS, JSAs, near‑miss reports

  • Crew rosters, manning levels, certifications

  • Weather, tide/current, and port movement records

Investigations Powered by Experts

To best serve our clients, we deploy a multidisciplinary team:

  • Maritime investigators with port and casualty‑reconstruction experience

  • Retired Special Agents: FBI, DEA, CGIS, HSI, IRS

  • Weapons & explosives specialists for shipboard/cargo incidents

  • Cryptocurrency analysts for tracing, compliance, and maritime commerce fraud

  • Federal sentencing experts for risk assessment and mitigation

This team strengthens evidence preservation, expert testimony, and trial strategy, and helps us cross‑examine government witnesses with authority.

Federal Defense & International Matters

Beyond the waterline, our firm represents clients in high‑stakes federal cases and international extradition:

  • Federal criminal defense (investigations to trial)

  • Asset seizure & forfeiture

  • International extradition, INTERPOL notices, MLATs

  • International business & compliance

As a former federal prosecutor in the Middle District of Florida, Attorney Castaneda prosecuted $2.3B in international maritime drug-trafficking and money-laundering matters—experience that now protects our clients.

Client Experience

  • Clear communication: Direct access to your legal team and regular status updates.

  • Evidence-first strategy: Early preservation letter and subpoenas; rapid expert engagement.

  • Compassion + candor: Honest assessments and tailored action plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How soon should I call after a maritime injury? Immediately. Critical digital data (e.g., VDR/AIS/CCTV) can be overwritten. We act fast to preserve it.

  • What if my employer stopped maintenance & cure? You may be entitled to penalties for willful refusal. Call us.

    Where will my cruise claim be filed? Ticket contracts may require specific courts and short deadlines. Bring the terms to your consult.

    Do you offer weekend or virtual consultations? Yes—by appointment.