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Felonies and Misdemeanors
What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
As a general rule, a felony is a crime that may be punished by a sentence of imprisonment for a year or more, while misdemeanors may be punished by no more than a year in the county jail.
Degrees of crimes
In the State of Florida, crimes are divided into different degrees based on the standards of the community. The punishment given for the commission of a crime ought to be neither more severe nor more lenient than the perceived damage to the person or property of another. As representatives of the collective will of Florida residents, the Legislature has categorized crimes into degrees of misdemeanors and felonies reflecting differing levels of seriousness of different crimes:
|
Classification/Degree of Crime |
Statutory Maximum Sentence |
Minimum Sentence |
Example crimes |
| Felony | |||
|
Capital |
Death | Life w/o Parole | Heinous, atrocious, and cruel murders |
|
Life w/o Parole |
Natural Life | Natural Life | Sexual battery of a minor under 12 |
|
1st |
30 years to Life | Probation to 30 years in prison. | Kidnapping, home invasion robbery |
|
2nd |
15 years | Probation to 15 years in prison. | Grand theft $20,000-100,000 |
|
3rd |
5 years | Probation to five years in prison. | Aggravated assault |
| Misdemeanor | |||
|
1st |
365 days | Probation | Repeat trespassing |
|
2nd |
60 days | Probation | Petit theft |
Any degree of crime defended
As a Florida Bar Certified Criminal Trial Expert, I have the required experience and skill needed to defend you against any degree of accusation. Whether you insist on a trial or enter into plea negotiations, my aim is to make sure you receive a legal sentence, presenting to the sentencing judge and to the State reasons why you should receive a more merciful sentence.