Felony/Misdemeanor

Jacksonville Criminal Defense Law Firm

Duval County, Florida

Criminal charges generally fall into two main categories: felonies or misdemeanors. While felony charges are much more severe and carry heavier sentencing, a misdemeanor can also have a significantly adverse effect on your life.

Misdemeanors

For most misdemeanors In Florida, in addition to facing jail time, you are also fined. A first-degree misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. For a second-degree misdemeanor, there is a maximum jail time of 60 days and a maximum $500 fine.  In certain cases, a misdemeanor charge may be upgraded to a felony.

Aside from time spent in jail that may result in losing your job, certain professional licenses may also be denied as a result of having a misdemeanor on your record.  In addition, for an immigrant, misdemeanor convictions can lead to denied citizenship or deportation.

The repercussions of a misdemeanor conviction are frequently more devastating than people realize which is why hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is a wise decision.  Not only will your attorney explain the significance of the charges and take much of the mystery out of the legal process, but your chances of lessening the consequences are greater when obtaining seasoned legal counsel.  Keep in mind that judges are not subject to sentencing guidelines for misdemeanors, which leaves quite a bit of leeway in sentencing.  Having the right lawyer by your side can make a considerable difference in the outcome of your case.

Felonies

In Florida, a felony is typically any crime that carries a sentence of more than one year in a prison or correctional facility.  According to Florida statutes, a person who has been convicted of an offense other than a capital felony may be sentenced to pay a fine in addition to any other punishment. Felony fines range from $5,000 to $10,000.

The maximum sentence for a capital felony is life in prison without parole or the death penalty.  Felonies are otherwise categorized as life felony (40 years to life in prison), and first, second and third degree felonies, which carry maximum terms of imprisonment of 30, 15 and 5 years, respectively.

At Fallgatter Farmand & Caitlin, we pursue legal avenues to minimize the consequences of a criminal charge, such as early intervention to convince the prosecutor not to file charges or to lessen the charges.  If you have little or no prior criminal history, we can apply on your behalf for a diversion program, which would avoid the trial process and allow us to get the charges dismissed,  based on the successful completion of the program.  Many other approaches are utilized as well, such as presenting mitigating evidence to judges and prosecutors, negotiating for a withhold of adjudication (so you are not labeled a convicted felon), and transferring a drug case to drug court where rehabilitation may be allowed in lieu of incarceration.

We encourage you to meet with one of our criminal defense lawyers for a consultation at no cost or obligation.  The sooner we are able to start representing you in your case, the better your chances are for a favorable outcome.  Call our office at (904) 353-5800, or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.