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There are two basic categories of criminal charges: misdemeanors and felonies.
They are categorized by the severity of the crime committed. Generally, the type of crime you are charged with will be assigned at the time a citation is issued, or the time of the arrest. In both cases, you should work with a criminal defense attorney to ensure you have a strong defense.
Minor crimes are called misdemeanors, and felonies are for the more serious offenses. Non-criminal traffic crimes are called “infractions,” and are usually punishable just by a fine, such as a speeding ticket.
Generally, a misdemeanor generally has a punishment that is no more than one year in jail. A felony is a crime that is punishable with more than one year in jail, and possibly other sanctions. In either case, they are both crimes and should not be taken lightly.
Because you are entitled to have legal representation, Farkas & Crowley’s experienced criminal defense team can represent you and possibly reduce your charges in a Florida courtroom.
The list of misdemeanors in Florida can include:
• Disorderly conduct
• Domestic violence without serious injury
• DUI
• Giving or selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21
• Indecent exposure
• Marijuana possession, <20 grams
• Minor battery
• Misdemeanor driving offenses, such as driving without a license or on a suspended license
• Shoplifting/petty theft
• Stalking
• Vandalism
Some misdemeanors can be sentenced as harshly as felonies, depending on the severity. But even misdemeanors can have a strong negative impact on your life if you are given a jail sentence that includes a life-long criminal record.
Anytime you have to take a background check, you’ll have to disclose it, and the person requesting the check will know. That’s why our criminal defense team is ready to defend you and fight to preserve your rights and your freedom.
• Second-degree misdemeanors are the least serious and include things like trespassing, disorderly conduct, etc. These can incur fines of up to $500, 60 days in jail, or both.
• First-degree misdemeanors are the more serious charges, such as DUI, domestic violence, vandalism, etc. These can incur fines of up to $1,000 and one year in jail or both.
A misdemeanor DUI also includes additional sanctions, such as a one-year license suspension, required installation of an interlock device, and a requirement to attend rehab.
These are the more serious offenses, such as:
• Arson
• Burglary
• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Federal crimes, including federal drug charges
• Murder/manslaughter
• Robbery
• Sex crimes, including sexual assault
• Stalking/Cyberstalking
• Weapons charges
• White collar crimes, i.e., RICO
You must address accusations of a felony directly since a person can be incarcerated without delay. Contact Farkas & Crowley immediately to discuss your case and begin building your defense.
Just like misdemeanor charges, felonies come in degrees:
• Third-degree felonies incur a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000
• Second-degree felonies incur a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000
• First-degree felonies are the most serious, with a maximum jail sentence of 30 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Some first-degree felonies may include capital punishment, i.e., life in prison or being sentenced to death.
If you or a loved one has been charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony, you need help now. You have the right to legal representation before during and after your court case. The criminal defense team at Farkas & Crowley has been helping people charged with all types of offenses defend themselves in court, get reduced charges, or have the charges dropped completely.
You should never ignore even the most minor misdemeanor. Because it is still a criminal charge, a misdemeanor conviction means that you will have a criminal record, just like a felony conviction. No matter how minor, our criminal defense attorneys are ready to help you through the legal process and protect your legal rights. Contact our criminal defense attorneys today, either online or call us at 561-444-9529 immediately to discuss your case.
Looking for a criminal law firm? Farkas & Crowley, P.A. are the attorneys for you. They are extremely knowledgeable of the law and go the extra mile for their clients. Their expertise and impeccable work ethic are hard to beat. Available 24/7. Highly recommended.
-Marla Newman
500 S. Australian Ave.
6th Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) - 444 - 9529
Mon - Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. No content on this site may be reused in any fashion without written permission from criminal defense attorneys at Law Office of Farkas & Crowley, P.A.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. No content on this site may be reused in any fashion without written permission from criminal defense attorneys at Law Office of Farkas & Crowley, P.A.
