Felony Charges in Florida

It’s no secret that being arrested can have life-altering consequences. But this is especially true if you’re facing felony charges in Florida. Depending on the nature of your charges you may even be sentenced to death.

In this situation the best thing you can do is to hire a strategic knowledgeable and dedicated felony lawyer with a successful track record.

If you or a loved one have been charged with a felony in Florida contact The DUI Center immediately at (561) 951-1264 for your free case consultation.

How are Felony Charges Classified in FL?

Under Florida Statute Section 775.08 felony charges in Florida are classified as any offense punishable by the death penalty or a sentence in a state prison (rather than a local jail).

Like other US states in Florida felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors. They carry more severe penalties as a result. Misdemeanors in FL are punishable by up to $1000 fines and up to one year in jail.

Felonies by comparison carry prison sentences longer than one year and fines far above $1000. These charges need to be taken seriously and it’s in your best interest to hire a felony defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Examples of Felony Charges in Florida

As a whole felony crimes are considered more dangerous and damaging to the general public than misdemeanor offenses. That said certain felony charges in FL are classified as either violent or non-violent.

Non-violent felonies are serious crimes that don’t include causing bodily injury or harm to someone else. A few examples include:

• Drug crimes
• Schemes to defraud
• Theft crimes
• Bribery involving a public official
• Criminal mischief resulting in damages above $1000

Per documentation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) violent felonies include:

• Arson
• Murder
• Carjacking
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter
• Human trafficking
• Aggravated battery
• Aggravated assault
• Aggravated stalking
• Home invasion robbery
• Any other felony involving threats or physical force against another person

You should also know this classification for felony charges in FL can depend on the details of your alleged offense.

For example falsely impersonating an officer is a felony. If this is your only charge it’ll be considered a non-violent felony. But if you allegedly cause injury or death to another person while impersonating an officer you’ll be charged with a violent felony.

Degrees and Penalties for Felony Charges in FL

Per Florida Statute Section 775.081 felony charges in FL fall into one of five categories or degrees. Upon conviction each degree carries specific penalties:

• Third-degree felony – Up to $5000 in fines and up to five years in prison
• Second-degree felony – Up to $10000 in fines and up to 15 years in prison
• First-degree felony – Up to $10000 in fines and up to 30 years in prison
• Life felony – Up to $15000 in fines and up to 40 years or life in prison
• Capital felony – The death penalty or life in prison with no possibility of parole

Felonies and Federal Crimes

If the felony you allegedly committed was also a violation of federal law you may also be charged with a federal offense. These typically carry far more severe penalties than those you face under Florida law.

Similar to felonies in Florida federal felonies fall into one of five categories. And just like in FL each carries specific penalties:

• Class E felony – Minimum one year in prison up to four years
• Class D felony – Minimum five years in prison up to nine years
• Class C felony – Minimum 10 years in prison up to 24 years
• Class B felony – Minimum of 25 years in prison no maximum amount
• Class A felony – Life in prison or the death penalty

If you’re facing federal offenses and felony charges you need a Florida felony defense attorney like Andrew Simko who has successful experience with state and federal trials. Depending on the severity of your alleged crimes your life may be at stake.

You Need a Strategic Reliable Florida Felony Defense Attorney

No matter which degree of felony you’ve been charged with you’re facing life-changing penalties. Plus once you complete your prison sentence you’ll still have consequences looming over you for years to come—such as issues finding a job or housing.

Florida prosecutors and judges take an extremely harsh stance on felony offenses too. These charges won’t magically disappear or be reduced without help from a skilled strategic felony defense lawyer.

If you or a loved one are facing felony charges in FL call The DUI Center today at (561) 951-1264 for your free case consultation.

Felony Defense Lawyer FAQs

What is the process for being charged with a felony in FL?

The process for being charged with a felony in FL can start in one of two ways: with an arrest or with a summons.

An arrest is more common for offenses that have a crime scene such as felony DUI. In this situation you’ll be arrested by law enforcement officials and taken to a local jail or detention facility. Here identifying info like your name fingerprints and photo are recorded.

In other cases such as white-collar crimes law enforcement must do an investigation before you can be formally charged. Once everything is in order you’ll receive a summons or notice to appear. This document will also detail what you’re charged with.

Regardless of how you start the next step is your arraignment. This is a court appearance where the charges against you are formally read and you enter a plea of not guilty guilty or no contest.

Can felony charges be reduced to misdemeanors in FL?

Yes felony charges can be reduced to misdemeanors in Florida under the right circumstances. The best way to achieve this is by working with a knowledgeable reliable felony defense lawyer like Andrew Simko of The DUI Center.

You see prosecutors will only reduce felony charges if there’s a very good reason. This typically means they don’t have enough evidence or their witness testimony isn’t ironclad.

And the best way to minimize how much evidence the prosecution has at their disposal is by demonstrating that evidence was mishandled or obtained outside of legal protocols. This is one of many roles your felony lawyer will play in your case.

What should I look for in a felony defense attorney in Florida?

You should look for the following qualities in a felony criminal defense attorney:

• Local expertise – You need someone deeply familiar with local laws and how they impact your case
• Trial experience – Your case may go to trial so your attorney must have past successes in trials
• Relevant knowledge – If you choose an attorney who specializes in white-collar crimes for your felony DUI you might not achieve the best possible outcome
• Communication skills – Because the legal process for felonies is so intricate your lawyer needs to communicate often clearly and effectively

As a former prosecutor Andrew Simko of The DUI Center has the knowledge experience and skills to aggressively defend you. If you or a loved one are facing felony charges in Florida call (561) 951-1264 today for your free case evaluation.