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Misdemeanors are crimes that are typically treated as less serious than felonies and thus have less severe penalties.
For instance, a misdemeanor shoplifting charge will be treated less severely than a felony robbery charge.
In Florida, misdemeanors may be punishable by up to one year in county jail, while felony convictions require at least one year in state prison.
Whether you’re being accused of a misdemeanor or felony, you shouldn’t navigate the Florida justice system alone. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys are ready to protect your rights and your freedom.
Florida law defines a misdemeanor as any criminal offense punishable by imprisonment in a county correctional facility for no more than one year.
Many misdemeanors may result in a suspended jail sentence with probation and fines in lieu of jail time.
Certain misdemeanor charges, such as a DUI or other traffic charges like reckless driving, may also result in a license suspension.
State law further categorizes misdemeanors as first- and second-degree offenses. First-degree offenses are more serious than second-degree offenses.
Penalties for the crimes listed below include a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000.
Please note, this is not a full list of first-degree misdemeanors.
Penalties for the crimes listed below include a jail sentence of up to 60 days and a fine of up to $500.
Please note, this is not a full list of second-degree misdemeanors.
State law defines a felony as any criminal offense punishable by death or imprisonment in a state facility.
Similar to misdemeanors, there are different classes of felonies based on the severity of the offense. As the severity of the class increases, so does the punishment.
Here’s a breakdown of some common felonies we’ve defended our clients against, as well as the maximum prison term and fines that may be issued during sentencing.
Felony class | Charge | Maximum prison sentence | Maximum fine |
Third-degree felony | Child abuse Grand theft (less than $20,000) | 5 years | $5,000 |
Second-degree felony | DUI manslaughter Burglary of a dwelling Sexual battery Grand theft (less than $100,000) | 15 years | $10,000 |
First-degree felony | Burglary with assault or battery Robbery with a weapon Grand theft (more than $100,000) | 30 years | $10,000 |
Life or capital felony | Capital drug trafficking Armed kidnapping Sexual battery (when the victim is under 12 and the perpetrator is 18 or older) | Life sentence or death penalty | $15,000 |
Don’t assume you’re out of options if you were charged with any of the crimes listed above.
In many instances, a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Orlando can get a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, which can help reduce the fines you owe and the amount of time you could spend in jail.
Aside from spending time in jail or prison, a misdemeanor or felony conviction can have a ripple effect on your life.
A conviction could affect your reputation in your community, hinder your employment opportunities, and might even impact your ability to be approved for housing.
Depending on your conviction, you may not be able to get a job in:
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you have the right to legal representation of your choosing. You shouldn’t try to navigate the complex Florida criminal process alone.
Contact Katz & Phillips, P.A. at (321) 332-6864 to schedule a consultation and begin your defense.