Misdemeanors in Florida

Tampa Misdemeanor Lawyer

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Florida, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced Tampa misdemeanor lawyer about your options. A Tampa misdemeanor lawyer can fight to have your case dismissed and protect your rights—and your future.

In Florida, a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by less than one year in jail, and a maximum fine of $1,000.00. Considered less serious than felonies, misdemeanors are handled at the county court level. They are punishable by a fine, probation, and/or imprisonment in the county jail, as opposed to a state prison sentence on a felony charge. Under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, depositions are generally not permitted in misdemeanor cases, absent a showing of good cause. Further, the Florida Punishment Code and the sentencing guidelines don’t apply to misdemeanors.

Misdemeanor offenses include Worthless Checks, Prostitution, Petit Theft, Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest Without Violence, Battery, Domestic Battery, and Simple Assault.

Some Common Florida Misdemeanors

• Domestic Violence Battery
• Driving Under the Influence
• Possession of Marijuana
• Assault & Battery
• Criminal Mischief
• Disorderly Conduct
• Prostitution
• Resisting Arrest Without Violence
• Petit Theft/Retail Theft
  

Considered less serious than felonies, misdemeanors are handled at the county court level.

The Consequences

Unlike felony convictions, a misdemeanor conviction won’t result in the loss of a person’s civil rights—e.g. their right to vote, and their right to own and possess firearms, among others. This isn’t to say that a misdemeanor conviction carries no consequences at all, or to say that the consequences are negligible. A misdemeanor conviction can and will appear on your record, and may very well impact your employment opportunities, cause problems with securing housing, gaining attendance at a university, and even cause a hike in certain insurance rates. Further, if you are not a United States Citizen, in some cases you can be deported because of a misdemeanor conviction.

For these reasons, if you are facing a misdemeanor, it is certainly a good idea to seek the advice of an experienced Tampa misdemeanor lawyer. A criminal attorney can also discuss the possibility of expunging or sealing your criminal record afterwards, provided that you qualify.

Contact a Tampa Misdemeanor Lawyer

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, it’s important to be represented by a criminal defense attorney. Make sure you meet with any prospective lawyers in-person, to find the one that is best for you. And remember, there is no “best Tampa Attorney for Misdemeanor” charges. You simply need to find the attorney that you feel is right for you and your case. William B. Wynne is a Tampa Misdemeanor lawyer. Contact us today for a free consultation.