Under the United States Constitution, anyone accused of any kind of criminal offense has the right to legal representation before, during, and after their trial. However, as many people unfortunately learn the hard way, not all legal representatives are equally competent. Furthermore, going without counsel altogether—handling your case pro se—is much more likely to lead to your conviction than it is to result in your case being dismissed.
Seeking support from an experienced attorney should be your top priority after being charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense. Fortunately, you do not have to look far. A Ponte Vedra Beach criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., knows how to handle all types of criminal allegations and could provide the tenacious representation you will need to resolve your case as favorably as possible.
How Does the State Categorize Criminal Charges?
Like most other states, Florida classifies criminal offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies, with the former type of offense considered substantially less serious and usually non-violent compared to the latter.
Misdemeanor offenses are further subdivided into second-degree and first-degree misdemeanors, with the primary difference between the categories being the maximum penalties applicable upon conviction:
- $500 in fines and 60 days in jail for a second-degree misdemeanor
- $1,000 in fines and one year in jail for a first-degree misdemeanor
There are three such categories of felonies defined under state law, with possible penalties upon conviction ranging from:
- $5,000 in fines and five years in prison for a third-degree felony
- Up to $10,000 in fines and 30 years in prison for a first-degree felony
Certain offenses classified as first-degree felonies, as well as life felonies, are punishable by life imprisonment. Capital felonies are punishable by execution, as a criminal defense attorney in Ponte Vedra Beach could explain in more detail.
Building the Strongest Possible Defense Strategy
Being charged with a second-degree misdemeanor is a very different experience from being charged with a first-degree felony. Even the same type of criminal charge may lead to very different outcomes for two different defendants based on any number of extenuating circumstances. Therefore, it is crucial when facing any kind of criminal allegation in Ponte Vedra Beach to have support from a defense lawyer who has not only handled cases like yours successfully in the past but has also handled other types of cases successfully.
Our team’s breadth of knowledge and experience with drug possession, drunk driving, property crimes, and even professional license defense cases gives us a unique perspective on the legal process, allowing us to find unique solutions to suit each defendant’s best interests. If you have questions about what we may be able to do to help you, you could get the answers and information you need during a free and confidential consultation.
Discuss Criminal Charges With a Ponte Vedra Beach Defense Attorney Today
Being accused of violating the state’s penal code can be unnerving, whether you have past experience facing criminal prosecution or not. Either way, having skilled legal counsel on your side now could make the difference between suffering life-changing consequences of a conviction or fighting back against the allegations effectively enough to minimize any long-term effects.
Problems? Pick Porter!TM Call us today to set up a meeting with a Ponte Vedra Beach criminal defense lawyer from our team.