Florida Criminal Lawyers for State Crime Violation Defense
If you have been arrested or are under investigation by a local police department, you will most likely be prosecuted in a Florida state court. Florida state crimes are violations of state laws that have been passed by the Florida legislature. They are prosecuted in either county or circuit courts in the county in which the charges are filed by the state attorney (violations of federal criminal law are typically charged in a United States District Court). Florida state courts are also where violations of local statutes and ordinances are prosecuted. In some cases, early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney can even prevent an arrest and/or prosecution. We started our careers in the state system and have extensive experience defending all types of misdemeanors and felonies in state court.
Degrees of Florida State Crimes
Florida Statute 775.08 divides crimes into two general categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Section 775.081 law further divides felonies and misdemeanors into degrees.
The five degrees of felonies are:
- Capital felonies;
- Life felonies;
- First-degree felonies;
- Second-degree felonies; and
- Third-degree felonies
There are only two degrees of misdemeanor offenses, first-degree misdemeanors, and second-degree misdemeanors.
Maximum Punishment by Degree of Crime
Besides a capital felony which is punishable by death, a first-degree felony is the most severe category of crime and is punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years or life imprisonment when specified by statute. A second-degree misdemeanor is the least serious crime and carries a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail.
| Category | Degree | Maximum Sentence |
| Felony | Capital | Death |
| Felony | Life | Life imprisonment |
| Felony | 1st | 30 years |
| Felony | 2nd | 15 years |
| Felony | 3rd | 5 years |
| Misdemeanor | 1st | 1 year |
| Misdemeanor | 2nd | 60 days |
Examples of Florida Crimes Our Firm Handles
We frequently represent clients in the following types of cases in Florida state courts:
- Shoplifting
- Petit Theft
- Grand Theft
- Warrants
- Probation Violations / Community Control Violations
- Drug Crimes
- Trafficking of Drugs
- Sale of Drugs
- Possession with Intent
- Manufacture of Drugs
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Cannabis
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- RICO
- Money Laundering
- Child Pornography
- Fraud Offenses
- Organized Fraud
- Credit Card Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Health Care Fraud
- Benefits Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Forgery and Counterfeiting Offenses
- Uttering a Forged Instrument
- Check Offenses
- Assault
- Simple Battery
- Stalking / Aggravated Stalking
- Domestic Violence
- Aggravated Battery / Aggravated Assault
- False Imprisonment / Kidnapping
- Homicide
- Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
- Resisting With Violence
- Resisting Without Violence
- Trespass
- Extortion
- Perjury
- Loitering and Prowling
- Florida Gun Law / Concealed Firearm / Deadly Missile
- Criminal Mischief
- Accessory / Attempt / Solicitation / Conspiracy
- Child Abuse / Child Neglect
- Elderly Abuse
- Prostitution Offenses / Soliciting
- Burglary of a Dwelling / Conveyance / Structure
- Robbery / Armed Robbery
- Employee Theft
- Tampering / Witness / Evidence
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Reckless Driving
- Driver License Offenses
- Possession of a Fraudulent or Stolen Driver License
- Driving with a Suspended License (DWLS)
- Fleeing and Eluding
- Dealing in Stolen Property
- Seal and Expunge Records
- Indecent Exposure / Exposure of Sexual Organs
- Lewd and Lascivious Conduct
- Sexual Battery
- Revenge Porn
- Disorderly Conduct
Contact an Experienced State Crimes Attorney
If you or a loved one has been arrested or is being investigated for a state crime, CALL US NOW for a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545, or simply take a moment to fill out our confidential and secure intake form.* The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.
*Due to the large number of people who contact us requesting our assistance, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry in a timely and appropriate manner.
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