Felony Charges and Misdemeanors

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. Call us at (727) 344-5511 or (813) 221-4400 for a free consultation, our phones are answered 24 hours a day.

Complex Florida Guideline System

Florida state court sentences also are controlled by the Florida guideline system, or 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. There are many nuances that can affect sentencing.

Hire A Lawyer Quickly – Early Intervention is Critical

It is very important to hire a lawyer quickly so that a lawyer can advise you of the best way to deal with the situation. Sometimes 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 program that ultimately leads to a dismissal of the charge.

I have handled many cases where early intervention and a quick response on our behalf leads to charges being dropped.

Call us at (727) 344-5511 in Pinellas County or (813) 221-4400 in Hillsborough County for a free consultation, our phones are answered 24 hours a day.

Possible Impacts of Felony Charges

Felony charges implicate an individual’s right to vote, own a handgun, and 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

I have represented clients on hundreds of different types of felonies. If you refer to my cases section it will show you some of the cases that I have handled.

My office has the skill and knowledge to guide you through the potential pitfalls of the criminal case which can affect not only your liberty, but your driver’s license, your reputation, and your criminal record.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor offenses are punishable by jail time. 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.

I recently represented a client arrested for multiple counts of misdemeanor DUI. We pursued a defense of involuntary intoxication defense. Due to early intervention and investigation, we were able to discover that the client had rohypnol in her system and had been unknowingly drugged while at a bar. Ultimately, all charges were dropped against the client. But for the early intervention, the use of an investigator and a toxicology expert, and the effectiveness of this office, my client would have been facing serious charges including potential longterm incarceration.

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.

Contact us at (727) 344-5511 in Pinellas County or (813) 221-4400 in Hillsborough County for a free consultation, our phones are answered 24 hours a day.