Being charged with a crime is often a very unfamiliar experience. Police interrogations, appearing in court, understanding the legal system, and making the right legal decisions can be stressful and confusing.
This is especially true in Florida, where crimes can carry strict penalties like prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, a criminal record, and other consequences specific to certain crimes.
Our Plantation criminal lawyers will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights during interrogations and court proceedings, and work to minimize your penalties or even get your charges entirely dismissed. Call our defense lawyers now to find out how we can fight for your best interests. En Español.
Less Serious Crimes in Plantation
Minor crimes, known as “misdemeanors,” are punished less severely than felony crimes, but they still have the power to impact your future. In Plantation and the rest of Florida, there are two different levels of misdemeanor charges: first degree and second degree.
The least serious crimes in Florida—second-degree misdemeanors—could be punished by up to 60 days in county jail and a $500 fine. Minor crimes that are more serious—first-degree misdemeanors—are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine (Florida Statutes 775.082 and 775.083).
Consult a Plantation criminal attorney to find out what kinds of consequences you could be facing for your misdemeanor charge.
Crimes that are considered misdemeanors in Florida include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Traffic offenses
- Shoplifting
- Possession of marijuana, and other various drug offenses
- Indecent exposure
- Domestic violence
- Gun crimes
- Assault
- Hit and Run
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Reckless Driving
- Driving on a suspended license
Felony Criminal Punishment Code in Florida
Many people’s first concern after being charged with a crime is the amount of time they may have to spend in jail. It is important to note that many misdemeanors and felonies in Florida do not come with minimum jail or prison sentences, only maximum sentences.
However, some crimes, like murder and possessing a weapon as a convicted felon, do carry minimum penalties. A criminal lawyer in Plantation can examine your individual circumstances and determine if you are facing any mandatory penalties.
Crimes that could qualify as felonies in Florida include:
- Burglary
- Grand Theft
- Homicide
- Possession of narcotics or controlled substances
- Aggravated battery and assault
- Shoplifting
- Fraud
When determining potential prison time for felonies, the state of Florida uses a Criminal Punishment Code worksheet. The worksheet takes into account the type of crime, any past offenses, if an injury occurred, if weapons were involved, and many other factors to determine the level of the felony.
In all, there are 10 levels of felonies that are assigned a certain number of points. If your particular case scores above 44 points, prison time is required, but if your score is below 44 points, prison time is not necessarily mandatory.
To find out what your score could be, speak with a criminal lawyer in Florida.
Work With a Plantation Criminal Lawyer Today
No matter whether this is your first criminal charge, or if you have been through the process before, a criminal charge is an overwhelming experience.
It can come with lasting consequences that may affect not just your freedom and finances, but also future employment and education opportunities, child custody rights, the ability to travel to other countries, and more.
Since so much is at stake, having a knowledgeable Plantation criminal attorney on your side is essential. Call us today to find out more about how we can help you.
Directions to Our Office
Directions to our Broward County Law Office in Plantation, Florida 33324:
From I-95 take I-595 west to the Pine Island Road exit. Go right (north) on Pine Island Road two (2) traffic lights to Peters Road. Make a right (east) on Peters Road then make the first right into the Cornerstone One Complex (DHL Building).
Our PLANTATION Criminal Defense Law Firm is located on the Southeast corner of Pine Island and Peters Road. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor, Suite 220.
1200 S Pine Island Rd
#220
Plantation, FL 33324
Map and Driving Directions
Phone: (954) 424-7433
