There are two main types of crimes in Florida: misdemeanors and felonies. Although misdemeanors are not as serious compared to felony offenses, a conviction can still result in harsh criminal penalties, including fines and even jail time.
Here is a breakdown of the misdemeanor classes in Florida:
First-degree misdemeanor – Punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000
Second-degree misdemeanor – Punishable by a maximum jail term of 60 days and a fine not exceeding $500
In contrast, felonies carry more severe consequences. Additionally, being convicted of a felony can result in the loss of certain rights, including the right to carry a firearm and the right to vote.
The following are the felony classes in FL:
Capital felony – Punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole
Life felony – Punishable by a lifetime prison sentence and a maximum fine of $15,000
First-degree felony – Punishable by imprisonment for up to 30 years and a maximum fine of $10,000
Second-degree felony – Punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years and a maximum fine of $10,000
Third-degree felony – Punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine no more than $5,000
If a defendant has at least two prior felony convictions on his/her record, a conviction of another felony may lead to being classified as a “habitual felony offender,” which can result in double the sentencing for their alleged offense. For example, if a habitual felony offender commits a second-degree felony that carries a maximum prison term of 15 years, then he/she can face up to 30 years in prison.
When it comes to violent crimes, a defendant who has previously been convicted of at least two violent felonies, he/she will be considered a “three-time violent felony offender” if convicted for a third time. The court may impose a mandatory minimum prison term on three-time violent offenders. Those who have been convicted of three or more violent felony offenses will be labeled a “violent career criminal,” which results in harsher mandatory sentences.
If you have been arrested in Miami for a misdemeanor or felony offense, contact the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. today at (305) 400-0074 for a free case review. Get a former prosecutor with more than 19 years of trial-tested experience on your side!