Most states classify their felonies by class, ” a class D felony ” is a term that is often heard. Florida does not have Felonies that are classified by letter. Florida has five degrees of felonies. They are, felony in the third degree, felony in the second degree, felony in the first degree, life felony, and capital felony. Felonies are different than misdemeanors, because felonies are punishable by more than a year in prison. Misdemeanors are punishable by a year or less. Felonies are classified by the maximum penalty allowed by law if you are found guilty of a crime.
Felonies in the third degree are punishable by no more than five years in prison and a five thousand dollar fine. Felonies in the second degree are up to fifteen years in prison and a ten thousand dollar fine. Felonies in the first degree are up to thirty years in prison and a ten thousand dollar fine. With all of these classifications a judge may also order a defendant to pay the victim restitution over and above a fine.
There are two other felony classifications that are very serious, they are life and capital felonies. A life felony is punishable by up to forty years in prison and a fifteen thousand dollar fine. A capital felony is punishable by death or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole in state prison.
If you are charged with a felony in Florida you need to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. Felonies are very serious, however with the right lawyer to defend you, it is possible to get charges dropped or reduced. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney or Miami criminal defense lawyer can help explain your charges to you. And help you get the results you want in your case.
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