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 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 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.
The Criminal Process
The criminal process involves three phases: pre-trial, trial, and post-trial. An experienced Lawyer from Leifert & Leifert can provide services in each phase to help you seek the best outcome in your case.
Pre-Trial
The pre-trial phase begins with an arrest based on probable cause or a notice to appear in court. Once an individual has been arrested, they will be granted an initial appearance in court to hear the charges against them and determine if there is probable cause to detain them. A hearing is held to determine if they can be released from custody while they await trial. An arraignment is also held in order for the court to officially read the charges against the Defendant and for the defendant to have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty.
During the pre-trial process, a criminal defense Lawyer may help their client develop a defense strategy, consider and dispute the evidence that the prosecution has against their client through discovery and motions, and may even seek to have the case dismissed based on a lack of evidence. In some cases, a criminal lawyer will engage the prosecution in plea negotiations. This may involve the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge or accepting reduced consequences in exchange for their plea. While plea deals are common in Plantation criminal cases, an Attorney has an important role in helping their client to understand the potential consequences of waiving their right to trial.
Trial
Once a jury has been selected, both the defense and the prosecution will be given time to make opening statements. Each side will present their case, including evidence and witness testimony, before delivering closing arguments. The jury will deliberate and return a guilty or not guilty verdict. From handling jury selection to examining witnesses, and from filing motions to providing legal guidance to help their client make informed decisions about their case, a Lawyer is involved in all aspects of the trial.
Post-Trial
After a trial, if a defendant has been convicted, they will face sentencing. This is a time when the judge imposes consequences for the conviction that may include incarceration, fines, community services, and other conditions. If the defendant disagrees with the conviction or sentence, their attorney may help them file an appeal. If an individual has not been convicted, their attorney may be able to help them expunge their record.
The Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
When one considers the consequences of being convicted of a crime, they often think about jail time and fines. However, the collateral consequences of the conviction can last far longer, impacting every aspect of the individual’s life, including their ability to obtain or retain their professional licenses or work in specific industries, obtain public housing or be eligible for other types of public assistance, disrupt custody arrangements, purchase or possess firearms, and much more. The legal team at Leifert & Leifert works to help limit these consequences by developing a defense strategy, providing comprehensive legal guidance, and seeking post-conviction relief where needed.
Work With a Plantation Criminal Attorney 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 Lawyer 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 33322:
Our PLANTATION Criminal Defense Law Firm is located at 8551 W Sunrise Blvd Suite 102, Plantation.
Phone: (954) 424-7433
