Jacksonville Felony Crimes Attorney

Experienced Legal Defense Across Duval, St. Johns, Nassau & Clay Counties

The state of Florida takes felonies very seriously, and the penalties for a felony conviction can be severe without the proper defense strategy in place. 

Felony charges can result in severe penalties, including prison time, fines upwards of $5,000, and other life-altering consequences. 

If you have been charged with a felony crime, it is important to contact a Jacksonville felony defense lawyer from Monroe Law, P.A. as soon as possible.

To schedule a free, confidential consultation with our felony defense attorneys in Jacksonville, contact us online or call (904) 507-6194 today.

Understanding Felony Classifications in Florida

Florida categorizes felonies into five classes under the Statute §775.081: capital, life, first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree felonies. 

The type of felony you are charged with will determine the penalties you face if you are convicted.

1. Capital Felony: Comprised of the most serious types of felony crimes, including homicide, especially when committed alongside other serious crimes such as kidnapping, burglary, trafficking, arson, sexual battery, and others.
2. Life Felony: This is the second most serious type of felony and as the name infers, those facing these types of felony convictions could be facing imprisonment for life as a potential penalty. Kidnapping of a child under 13 and other sex crimes committed against minors fall under this classification. 
3. First-Degree Felony:  The felonies that are considered first-degree include serious crimes that could result in tens of thousands in fines and long-term imprisonment. Some examples include second-degree murder, human trafficking,aggravated battery, and armed robbery.
4. Second-Degree Felony: Examples of a second-degree felony include vehicular homicide, felon in possession of firearms, aggravated assault, and other crimes. Penalties can include fines and long-term prison sentences.
5. Third-Degree Felony: While these types of felonies are the least severe, they can still result in imprisonment and fines. Types of third-degree felonies in Florida include the possession of certain drugs, burglary, child neglect, and theft of a vehicle or firearm.

What Makes a Felony Different From a Misdemeanor in Florida?

In accordance with Florida Statute §775.08, a felony is considered any criminal act subject to more severe penalties, including imprisonment or even the possibility of capital punishment. 

Distinguished from misdemeanors, felonies involve incarceration periods exceeding one year, typically served in state correctional facilities.