Facing a felony charge can be frightening, overwhelming, and seemingly insurmountable. Felony convictions can carry harsh potential penalties, even including the possible loss of constitutional rights. Having a penalty on your permanent record can affect your ability to be approved for a mortgage, be granted students loans, secure employment, or even volunteer.
If you are looking to protect your rights and your permanent record, you should enlist the help of a Boca Raton felony defense lawyer at Leifert & Leifert who has the nuanced understanding of Florida felony laws and penalties, as well as experience defending cases like yours. With our dedicated criminal defense attorneys fighting for the best possible outcome in your case, you may be able to seek a positive resolution.
Types of Felonies and Possible Consequences
In Florida, felonies are ranked by degree; there are First-, Second-, and Third-Degree Felonies, with Third-Degree Felonies being the least severe. There are also capital or life felonies. The penalties for various degrees of felonies are outlined by Florida Statutes § § 775.082, 775.083.
Capital And Life Felonies
Capital and life felonies may result in the death penalty or life imprisonment, respectively. Furthermore, life felonies may also carry fines of up to $15,000, not including court costs. Murder is an example of a capital felony in Florida.
First-Degree Felonies
Those facing allegations of first-degree felonies face up to 30 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. Examples of first-degree felonies include aggravated assault and battery.
Second-Degree Felonies
Someone facing a Second-Degree Felony in Boca Raton may face incarceration of up to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000. An example of a Felony in the Second Degree is selling marijuana to someone under the age of 18.
Third-Degree Felonies
When someone faces a Felony of the Third Degree, they may face up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $5,000. Carrying a handgun without a state-issued permit is an example of a Third-Degree Felony in Florida.
Potential Losses of Rights and Freedoms
When someone is convicted of a felony in Florida, they not only face potential legal consequences such as incarceration and fines, but they also may be stripped of a number of rights and freedoms they previously held.
For example, individuals convicted of felonies may no longer be able to bear arms, vote, or serve in the armed forces. Furthermore, having a felony on one’s permanent record may make it extremely difficult to secure employment and educational opportunities that were available to the offender prior to their conviction.
A Boca Raton felony defense attorney has experience defending felonious offenses of all degrees and can cater defense strategies to the unique circumstances of each case. They can work to help someone receive the best possible outcome to help them protect their rights.
Contacting a Boca Raton Felony Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a Felony, you should pursue legal representation to help build your defense as soon as possible. A Boca Raton felony defense lawyer has experience defending those accused of felonies and can help individuals understand the charges they face, as well as the potential consequences. Most importantly, our attorneys know how to defend those accused of the charges and penalties.
A Felony charge does not have to be a life-altering experience, contact one of our Boca Raton felony defense attorneys today and take the first step in protecting your rights and your future. Call Leifert & Leifert today to set up a free consultation.