Each state in the nation has different penalties for criminal convictions. People who are charged with committing a felony offense may be facing serious fines and a lengthy prison term. If you are convicted of a felony offense, you may lose several of your Constitutional rights, such as owning a firearm or the right to vote in elections. In addition, the state may rescind any business or professional licenses you hold and it will be difficult to obtain future employment. Therefore, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately if you have been arrested for a criminal offense.
Florida Felony Crimes and Penalties
The State of Florida classifies felony crimes into five different categories, each of which carries a different severity of punishment.
Capital Felony — This offense usually includes the crime of murder and is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole or by death. The defendant may also be ordered by the court to pay restitution to the victim of the crime.
Life Felony — This offense may include crimes of burglary, sexual assault or manslaughter. The prison term can range from 40 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Felony in the First Degree — This offense might include crimes of kidnapping, child molestation or committing a robbery with a firearm. The prison term is up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Felony in the Second Degree — This offense might include the sale of a controlled substance, DUI manslaughter or failure to register as a sex offender. The prison term is up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Felony in the Third Degree — This offense might include driving with a suspended license with two prior offenses, grand theft of more than $3,000 but less than $5,000 or battery against a law enforcement officer. The prison term is up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
How Can a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
There are many factors that can influence your case and the police are tasked with investigating the circumstances of the incident. However, law enforcement is there to assist the prosecution in obtaining a guilty plea or verdict. Therefore, it’s important that you have someone to defend your rights. Experienced criminal defense attorneys may even be able to get the charges dismissed for lack of evidence. If you have been arrested for committing a crime, contact a criminal defense attorney right away for assistance.
If you have been charged with a felony, call New Port Richey Attorneys Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, today for your free consultation at (727) 478-4125.