Felony & Misdemeanor
Types of Felonies
In the state of Florida there are three types of felonies:
- A first-degree felony is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
- A second-degree felony is punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.
- A third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison. A combination of both prison and probation is permissible.
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Complex Florida Guideline System
Florida state court sentences are controlled by the Florida guideline system, or Criminal Punishment Code. The Florida guideline system is complicated. For someone that is not experienced with the guideline system, it is very important to work with an experienced lawyer who is familiar with the guidelines, as there are many factors that can affect sentencing.
Possible Impacts of Felony Charges
Felony charges affect an individual’s right to vote, ability to own a handgun, and in some cases, ability to drive a vehicle. Most felony offenses can have vast overreaching consequences to someone’s livelihood, their immigration status, and even their driving privileges.
Our Felony Experience
The attorneys in our office have represented clients on hundreds of different types of felonies. If you refer to our cases section it shows the vast range of felony cases that our office has successfully represented clients on.
Our office has the skills and knowledge to guide you through the potential pitfalls of your felony case, which can affect not only your liberty, but your driver’s license, your reputation, and your criminal record.
Hire A Lawyer Quickly – Early Intervention is Critical
It is very important to hire a lawyer quickly to advise you of the best way to approach your individual case. Oftentimes, early intervention in the case can lead to the case being dropped before charges are filed. Alternatively, early intervention can lead to a felony charge being reduced and filed as a misdemeanor.
Other times, early intervention can lead to negotiation with the State and a more favorable disposition, or alternatively a reclassification to a felony eligible for a Pre-Trial Diversion (PTI) program that ultimately leads to a dismissal of the charge.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanor offenses are punishable by up to a year in the county jail. Many misdemeanor offenses endanger an individual’s driver’s license. Not only traffic offenses, but other offenses, such as Possession of Marijuana and Solicitation of Prostitution, can result in a driver’s license suspension. Many offenses involving alcohol can result in a driver’s license suspension, particularly DUI offenses and cases in which someone under the age of 21 is operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol.
Some misdemeanor offenses, such as Theft and Battery, can be enhanced to felony offenses based on a client’s prior record. Misdemeanor offenses, if not handled properly, can preclude sealing or expungement of other more serious offenses from a person’s criminal record.
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