The two most distinguishing features of Felony crimes in Florida is the severity of the crime against another person and the long sentences that follow a conviction for a felony – whether the conviction was obtained by plea or through trial.
The basic definition of a felony is a crime with a sentence that may include over a year in jail or State Prison. A misdemeanor, on the other hand, is also a crime but the jail sentence period is under a year.
As Florida Felony Defense Lawyers, we represent individuals charged with Felony crimes by exploring the viability of any felony defenses, negotiating a resolution to reduce or lessen the charges or by exploring ways in which a felony charge can be dismissed because of any constitutional or other legal violations.
Particularly if the crime involves a sentence of life in prison or the death penalty, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as practicable by on of our Florida Felony Defense Lawyers to preserve evidence and conduct timely investigations.
Building a Defense
Double jeopardy is a defense guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and ensures a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime, once a conviction or acquittal is reached.
Florida State law also recognizes other Criminal Defenses to a Felony charges. Some common Criminal Defenses to Felony charges in Florida include:
- Duress (a person was forced to act in a certain way under threat of serious bodily harm or death)
- Entrapment (a person committed the crime under direction of law enforcement as part of scheme or sting)
- Infancy (person under the age of criminal responsibility)
- Lack of Capacity (a person lacked control over their actions due to altered state, mental disability or delusion – i.e. under the influence of a prescribed drug or sleepwalking)
- Mistake of Fact (a person was not aware of a fact would cause illegal action)
- Necessity or Duress (immediate danger or emergency which threatens significant harm not caused by the Defendant and no other means to avoid the danger or emergency); and
- Self-defense (deadly force may be used if a person fears serious bodily harm or death)
Felony Crimes in Florida
The following is a list of offenses that may warrant contact with a Florida Felony Defense Attorney:
- Assault (including aggravated assault);
- Battery (including aggravated battery, battery on a police officer and felony battery);
- Burglary
- Child Abuse
- Drug Possession
- Felony DUI
- Grand Theft
- Domestic Violence
- Homicide or Murder
- Kidnapping
- Resisting arrest with violence
- Robbery, and
- Sex Crimes (including rape, sexual battery, lewd acts, and molestation).
Many of these crimes involve violence against a person and can potentially lead to the death of the victim. A person can be charged with one or more Felony crimes depending on the circumstances of the case and the extent of any injury to victims.
Consult with a Florida Felony Defense Attorney Today
If you have been charged with a Felony offense in Florida, contact a Florida Felony Defense Lawyer.
Felony crimes are serious and can carry long Prison sentences following a conviction after plea or sentence. If you or a loved one has been arrested or are under investigation for a Felony crime in Florida, contact one of our Florida Felony Defense Lawyers today to schedule an immediate review of your case.
Many of these cases require extensive investigation and cannot be resolved at the plea stage. An experienced Felony trial Attorney will narrow the issues with motions to exclude witnesses or evidence in an effort to bring the case to a successful resolution and try the case if a plea cannot be reached.
