MISDEMEANOR
Misdemeanors in Florida are handled in County Court by a County Court judge. Where felonies are heard in Circuit Court and must be presided over by a Circuit Court judge. Since misdemeanors are criminal offenses, it is important to choose an experienced criminal lawyer to consult to discuss all of your options.
Many people new to the criminal justice system do not fully understand how serious being charged with a misdemeanor offense can be. They are so conditioned into hearing the term felony that they often take too lightly the ramifications of facing a misdemeanor offense. It is important to remember that even though a misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony offense, it is still nevertheless a criminal charge. Unlike civil infractions or most local ordinance violations, misdemeanors can carry jail time.
Misdemeanors in Florida are broken down into two distinct categories. A first degree misdemeanor which is punishable by up to one year in the County jail and up to a $1,000.00 fine and a second degree misdemeanor which is punishable by up to sixty days in the County jail and up to a $500.00 fine.
Unlike Circuit Court Judges who must wrestle with mandatory sentencing ranges dictated by Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code, County Court Judges have broad discretion in sentencing matters. Because there are no Florida misdemeanor sentencing guidelines, the sentencing judge has the latitude to impose the minimum penalty up to the maximum penalty in every misdemeanor case that comes before him or her.
Some misdemeanors can carry the same licensing or employment ramifications as felonies. Convictions of offenses can often be the basis for the denial of licensing or employment. In the alternative, they can form the basis of termination from employment. Being convicted of these types of misdemeanor offenses could also cast doubt on your credibility in the future.
By statute, a conviction for some misdemeanor offenses will result in the immediate and automatic suspension by DHSMV of your privilege to drive for a two-year period.
A conviction for some misdemeanor offenses can result in you forever being banned by Federal law from owning, using, or possessing a firearm. It could also form the basis of a revocation of licensure of your concealed weapon permit.
Misdemeanor Offenses in Florida, including the following:
Call the The Hobson Law Firm now for your FREE consultation!
Many people new to the criminal justice system do not fully understand how serious being charged with a misdemeanor offense can be. They are so conditioned into hearing the term felony that they often take too lightly the ramifications of facing a misdemeanor offense. It is important to remember that even though a misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony offense, it is still nevertheless a criminal charge. Unlike civil infractions or most local ordinance violations, misdemeanors can carry jail time.
Misdemeanors in Florida are broken down into two distinct categories. A first degree misdemeanor which is punishable by up to one year in the County jail and up to a $1,000.00 fine and a second degree misdemeanor which is punishable by up to sixty days in the County jail and up to a $500.00 fine.
Unlike Circuit Court Judges who must wrestle with mandatory sentencing ranges dictated by Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code, County Court Judges have broad discretion in sentencing matters. Because there are no Florida misdemeanor sentencing guidelines, the sentencing judge has the latitude to impose the minimum penalty up to the maximum penalty in every misdemeanor case that comes before him or her.
Some misdemeanors can carry the same licensing or employment ramifications as felonies. Convictions of offenses can often be the basis for the denial of licensing or employment. In the alternative, they can form the basis of termination from employment. Being convicted of these types of misdemeanor offenses could also cast doubt on your credibility in the future.
By statute, a conviction for some misdemeanor offenses will result in the immediate and automatic suspension by DHSMV of your privilege to drive for a two-year period.
A conviction for some misdemeanor offenses can result in you forever being banned by Federal law from owning, using, or possessing a firearm. It could also form the basis of a revocation of licensure of your concealed weapon permit.
Misdemeanor Offenses in Florida, including the following:
- Accessory
- Improper Tag, Expired Tag
- Animal Cruelty
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Assault
- Lewd and Lascivious Act
- Battery
- Loitering and Prowling
- Carrying a Concealed weapon
- Obstruction of Justice
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
- Obtaining Property with a Worthless Check
- Criminal Mischief
- Possession of Alcoholic by Person under 21
- Culpable Negligence
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Disorderly Conduct
- Possession of Marijuana
- Driver’s License Violations
- Reckless Driving
- Discharge of a Firearm in Public
- Resisting an Officer without Violence
- Disorderly Intoxication
- Sale of an Alcoholic Beverage to a Minor
- Domestic Battery
- Solicitation of Prostitution
- Driving Under the Influence
- Stalking
- BUI, FWI
- Trespas in a Structure or Conveyance
- Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
- Trespass in an Occupied Dwelling
- Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction
- False Report of a Crime
- Violation of Misdemeanor Probation
- Improper Exhibition of Firearm
- Voyeurism
Call the The Hobson Law Firm now for your FREE consultation!