Felony Defense Attorney in Orlando, FL
The term “felony” can be frightening and carry heavy connotations. If you’re facing a felony charge or conviction, you’re probably scared out of your mind and imagining the worst. Here are some facts to put it all in perspective.
The state of Florida categorizes crimes by the severity of the penalties associated with them. Felonies usually involve incarceration in state prison, as opposed to the county jail. Your jail term may be as short as a year, or it could be for life. Some felony convictions also carry a death penalty. Your time in jail and your ultimate sentence might be reduced or increased depending on several factors, such as whether this is a first or multiple offense.
Crimes within the overall catch-all of felony penalties are further categorized by the state of Florida. They’re broken down into five areas or degrees: third degree, second degree, first degree, life and capital. A third degree felony involves the lightest penalties you might receive, and a capital offense is the worst you can be charged with. Prison time ranges from five years for a third degree felony, 15 years for a second degree charge, 30 years for a third degree charge, life for a life felony, and the death penalty or life in prison without possibility of parole for a capital felony. Fines are involved as well. A third degree felony carries a fine of $5,000. This increases to a $10,000 fine for second and first degree felonies, and as much as $15,000 for a life felony. Felony charges include those for carjacking, robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, child abuse, burglary, kidnapping, murder or manslaughter and grand theft.
If you’ve been charged with a felony, you have a lot at stake. Call the attorneys at Katz & Phillips today so we can sit down with you and discuss more fully the implications of the particular crime you’re charged with. You don’t have to face a felony conviction on your own. You’re entitled to expert legal representation and you deserve a qualified criminal defense attorney to intercede for you and defend your rights. It could mean the difference between life in prison or an acquittal.
