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.

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.