The state of Florida likes to advertise itself as being “tough on crime,” and if you have ever faced criminal prosecution in the Sunshine State before, you probably know how tough state authorities can be. Even first-time offenders can find themselves facing long-lasting and potentially life-altering repercussions if they are convicted of violating state law—especially if they try to represent themselves in court or depend on the services of a well-meaning but overworked public defender.
If you are dealing with criminal allegations of any kind, you should make contacting an experienced private defense attorney your top priority. With the best Kendall criminal defense lawyer on your side, you will give yourself the best chances possible of not only getting a favorable outcome from your case in the short term, but also of preserving your best interests and prospects in the long term. Our award-winning team at Rossen Law Firm is ready to get to work for you.
How State Law Classifies Criminal Offenses
Like most states, Florida divides most violations of state law into either “misdemeanors” or “felonies,” with misdemeanors being considered much less severe and punished much less harshly than felonies. There are two degrees of misdemeanors and three degrees of felonies defined under state law, with an additional two categories—life felony and capital felony—being reserved for extremely serious offenses like murder.
Generally speaking, the classification that a specific criminal charge receives is what determines the specific sanctions a court can impose against a defendant convicted of that offense. For example, third-degree felonies are punishable by up to five years of imprisonment plus a maximum $5,000 fine, while second-degree felonies can carry penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and $10,000 in fines.
It is worth noting, though, that Florida courts can—and very often do—impose enhanced sentences on people convicted of multiple felony offenses and even multiple misdemeanor offenses of the same type. This is one reason among many why, even for first-time offenders in Kendall, it is crucial to fight back against criminal charges with the help of an expert defense attorney.
How Our Award-Winning Team Can Help
Even if you have not been formally charged with a crime yet, our dedicated attorneys can represent you throughout any investigations undertaken by law enforcement, ensure your rights are respected, and even interact with investigators on your behalf. If an investigation ends with charges being filed, legal guidance can be crucial to getting through the early stages of the court process without accidentally harming your own defense.
An expert criminal defense lawyer in Kendall can also negotiate with court authorities and prosecutors, potentially coordinating alternative sentencing arrangements for first-time offenders accused of minor offenses. Finally, if a case ends in a conviction, defendants with tenacious legal representation generally have much better chances of receiving comparatively favorable terms during sentencing.
Get in Touch with a Kendall Criminal Defense Attorney at Rossen Law Firm
Building and executing a criminal defense requires a lot of legal knowledge as well as enough experience to apply that knowledge effectively. Put simply, it is not something you should expect to handle on your own—and fortunately, you do not have to.
At Rossen Law Firm, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to defending your case. We are dedicated to protecting your rights, because we believe that one mistake should not have to threaten your livelihood and future. Call today to set up a strategy session with a Kendall criminal defense lawyer.