St. Petersburg Felony & Misdemeanor Lawyers
Defending Against Felony & Misdemeanor Charges in Florida
You may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the seriousness of the crime you are accused of. Misdemeanors are the less serious of the two categories, but that does not mean you should take them lightly. Even if the charges against you do not carry a prison sentence, a criminal conviction will stay with you for the rest of your life. These convictions will show up on background checks, forever affecting where you can live and work.
Our St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyers fight to protect our clients’ futures. We have been involved in numerous misdemeanor and felony cases as both defense attorneys and prosecutors. We know what factors influence criminal case outcomes and when to strike up negotiations when it will benefit our clients.
Call (727) 202-4858 to schedule a free consultation at our firm today. We have nearly 40 years of combined experience.
Misdemeanor Penalties in Florida
While misdemeanor convictions do not carry the same harsh consequences of a felony, they could harm your ability to secure a job. Penalties for misdemeanors in Florida include:
- Second-Degree: Up to 60-days in jail and a $500 fine
- First-Degree: Up to 1-year in jail and a $1000 fine
In addition, in misdemeanor drug and prostitution cases, your driver's license could be suspended immediately.
Felony Penalties in Florida
Felony cases are handled in Circuit Court for Pinellas and Pasco Counties, Florida (Sixth Judicial Circuit). If you are convicted of a felony, you could be incarcerated in state prison as well as lose your right to vote or own a firearm. Worst of all, you may find it difficult to find a job. In addition, you may never again be able to be "bonded" in a job that involves trust or the handling of money or valuables. If you are convicted of a felony drug offense, the judge may also suspend your driving privileges.
Florida penalties for felonies include:
- Third-degree felony – A maximum of 5 years in prison and a $5000 fine
- Second-degree felony – a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- First-degree felony – A maximum of 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Life felony – A life sentence in prison
- Capital felony – Punishable by death
Florida Three Strikes Law
Florida is also a state that has maintained the Three Strikes Law. This law is intended to punish career criminals who continuously commit violent felonies. If you have committed three violent felonies within five years, you will face stricter penalties regardless of the degree of the alleged felony.
If you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony in St. Petersburg, call (727) 202-4858 for a free consultation with proven criminal defense attorneys.
Proven Advocates for the Clients We Serve
Serving St. Petersburg, FL Since 1998
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"OUTSTANDING SERVICE"Thank you to the staff of the Fleming Law Group for outstanding service. I am grateful for the care and attention Attorney Lucas Fleming gave my case. Calls, emails, and texts were quickly answered.- PJ
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"The Most amazing lawyer and team Amanda, Pam are the most experienced and truly leave no stone unturned!!"This office this Team surpasses any others out there!I have known Mr Fleming for years through others and Amanda , Pam and Mr Fleming will go above in beyond and will not stop until wrongs are approached and dealt with in the most fair unclouded non judged mental way possible if you care about your loved ones or yourself this is the office and group you want and need in having you and your loved ones back..huge difference between this team than ANY other team.. Thank you !! Regards Lisa and the Boys.- Lisa Perez
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"Attorneys and staff are amazing, do everything in their best interest of the client"Staff is great, pleasant and gets back in a very timely manner. Attorneys will do everything in their power to get the best possible outcome for your case. 10/10- Richard Costi
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"He is not only knowledgeable but truly a professional who cares."I will forever be grateful for the help Mr. Fleming gave when I desperately needed a lawyer for a family member. He was very generous with his time and explained every step of the process. He is not only knowledgeable but truly a professional who cares.- Beth Capozzelli
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"I have no issue recommending this firm to all who are in need. Fantastic service!"I have no issue recommending this firm to all who are in need. Fantastic service!- Geoff
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"If I didn't have them by my side, I don't know what I would have done."They did a great job preparing my case and won because all of the things said about me were proven wrong. They were aggressive in defending me and always had my back.- Previous Client
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"I don't know what I would have done without Mr. Fleming's help."I don't know what I would have done without Mr. Fleming's help. He truly cares about people and spent so much time with me to make sure I was making the right decision.- Previous Client
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"Mr. Fleming can help you. I don't know what I would have done without him."I would not know what to do if it were not for his guidance.- Kay
