Florida Criminal Offenses

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Florida Criminal Offenses
Understanding the Charges and Penalties
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Being Accused of A CRIME
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Being charged with a criminal offense is a
frightening experience
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Only your attorney can answer specific questions
regarding your charges, your defense, and the
likely outcome of your case
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But there is a wealth of general information that
may help you feel more informed, empowered, and
ultimately less frightened
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Felonies, Misdemeanors AND TRAFFIC OFFENSES
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Felony most serious offense with harshest
penalties
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Felony most serious offense with harshest
penalties
Misdemeanors less serious crimes with lessor
penalties
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Traffic offenses --- can be civil infraction or
criminal offense
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Misdemeanor PENALTIES
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Misdemeanor further sub-divided by degrees
FIRST AND SECOND DEGREE
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First degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a
year in county jail
a
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Second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60
days in jail
b
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Additional fine of from 500-1000
c
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Probation
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Probation may be in addition to, or in lieu of,
incarceration for a misdemeanor and some felonies
Judge may sentence you and then suspend the
sentence
Probation term during length of suspended sentence
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Misdemeanor DUI
Violating PROBATION
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Judge determines conditions of sentence and
probation
A violation of probation terms could cause you to
return to court
Judge could revoke your probation and sentence
you to jail, or order you to serve all, or part,
of a suspended sentence
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Felony SUB-CATEGORIES
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Death felonies
Life felonies
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First degree felonies
Second degree felonies
Third degree felonies
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Death and LIFE FELONIES
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Death felonies, or Capital felonies, are
punishable by the DEATH PENALTY
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Life felonies are punishable by life in prison
and up to a 15,000 fine
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Felony PENALTIES
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First degree felony up to 30 years in prison,
sometimes life, and up to a 10,000 fine
Second degree felony up to 15 years in prison
and up to a 10,000 fine
Third degree felony up to five years in prison
and up to a 5,000 fine
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Mandatory Minimum Sentencing
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Florida is known for harsh mandatory minimum
sentencing laws
Usually apply to violent or egregious crimes
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Drug crimes and crimes involving a weapon are
examples
Even lessor crimes can have a mandatory minimum
sentence (2nd time DUI may require 10 days in
jail)

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Common Factors that AFFECT YOUR SENTENCE
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