MISDEMEANORS
Fort Lauderdale Misdemeanors
At Leader & Leader, PA, our Fort Lauderdale lawyers represent people who get arrested or charged with all types of criminal offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies. Our skilled Florida attorneys expertly handle criminal defense cases throughout Miami – Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties. Although a misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, it is not a charge that should be taken lightly. Let the Fort Lauderdale misdemeanor defense lawyers at Leader & Leader help you to try and get your Florida misdemeanor case dismissed or the sentencing and fines reduced.
The Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies
The difference between Florida misdemeanor laws versus felony laws can make a large difference in the ultimate result of your defense against these charges. The consequences between these two can be vast in terms of penalties or sanctions if you are convicted. Most felonies carry more severe penalties than misdemeanors, with the penalties including more substantial fines, longer sentences and more severe repercussions after your release. If you are convicted of a felony, for instance, that conviction will remain on your permanent record. Unless it is sealed or expunged. You will lose your right to vote, and will have to explain any felony conviction to a potential employer. Generally, misdemeanors do not carry the same long-term consequences.
Types of Florida Fraudulent Acts
- Possession of marijuana, under twenty (20) grams.
- Assault & battery
- Boating under the influence
- Disorderly conduct
- Domestic Violence or Spousal Abuse
- Shoplifting under $300.00
- Petit (petty) theft
- Solicitation for prostitution
- Indecent exposure
- Driving offenses
- DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- First and second time driving with license suspended charges, or with knowledge charges
- Reckless driving
- Trespassing
Potential Consequences of a Florida Misdemeanor
Considered less serious than felonies, misdemeanors are handled at the county court level. They are punishable by a fine, probation, and/or imprisonment in the county jail, as opposed to a state prison sentence on a felony charge. If you are arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, these are criminal offenses that can also carry potential legal consequences such as jail time and/or probation, as follows:
- First degree misdemeanors are criminal offenses in the State of Florida, and can carry up to a maximum of one year in county jail and $1,000.00 in fines.
- Second degree misdemeanors are lesser misdemeanor offenses that carry up to a maximum penalty of sixty (60) days in jail and $500.00 in fines.
These are the maximum penalties for these types of offenses, however, like felony offenses they still have devastating consequences on a person’s ability to maintain a livelihood, develop a career and continue to enjoy the freedom to pursue their goals without a blemish on their record.
Leader & Leader – Experienced Misdemeanor and Felony Attorneys
Whether you have been charged with a Florida misdemeanor or a Florida felony, you should seek legal counsel. Why? Because attorneys at Leader & Leader know their way around Florida courtrooms and are familiar with the judges and the prosecutors. Our 68 years of combined experience has taught us what to expect, but you may be taken by surprise. And when you are facing criminal charges of any kind, on a state or federal level, surprises are not good. No matter how minor the Florida charge, there could be life-long consequences. Don’t risk your record – contact the Florida criminal defense lawyers at Leader & Leader, serving Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach & Monroe Counties.