The most serious crimes are classified as felonies, and a conviction can lead to severe consequences, such as a lengthy prison sentence, fines worth thousands of dollars, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of certain rights.
As soon as you are arrested or learn you are under investigation in Sarasota, FL, you should take steps to protect your rights by hiring a criminal defense attorney with experience handling felony cases. At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our Sarasota felony attorney provides skilled legal representation for clients facing serious felony charges.
Contact our Sarasota felony lawyer at (941) 541-5335 for a free consultation to discuss your felony case and legal options.
Defending Clients in Sarasota Against Felony Charges
Felony charges are reserved for serious offenses, but the right criminal defense attorney can make a big difference in your case. Attorney Eric Reisinger aggressively defends the rights of clients charged with felony offenses, from third-degree felonies to capital felonies.
Our Sarasota firm represents clients charged with felonies, such as:
Due to the serious nature of these crimes, the first thing to do is to get a defense lawyer. It is not in your best interest to speak to police, give a statement, or answer questions without first speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contacting our Sarasota criminal defense law firm at the beginning of the process allows us to protect your rights from your initial questioning until your case is resolved.
What Are the Felony Classes in Florida?
If you are convicted of a felony in Florida, you could be facing a long prison sentence, life in prison, or even the death penalty. The specific penalties you may be facing depend on the class of the felony. Like most states, Florida classifies felonies into categories based on the seriousness of the offense.
The five felony classes in Florida include:
Felony in the third degree – Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Common offenses include grand theft and certain drug possession charges.
Felony in the second degree – Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Examples include aggravated battery and burglary of an occupied dwelling.
Felony in the first degree – Up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery fall under this category.
Life felony – Up to 40 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Offenses include sexual battery on a child under 12.
Capital felony – Life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. First-degree murder is a prime example.
In addition to the criminal penalties, there are lasting consequences for people convicted of felonies, even after they are released from prison. Having a felony offense on your criminal record makes it difficult to find employment, rent a place to live, get a loan to continue your education, and you will lose your right to vote and own a firearm.
How Does a Criminal Record Affect Your Future Opportunities in Sarasota?
Having a criminal record, especially with felony convictions, can significantly impact your future professional and personal life in Sarasota. Felony records often restrict opportunities for employment, as many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal history.
Housing opportunities may also be affected as landlords might refuse rental applications from individuals with felonies. Additionally, your capacity to obtain financial credits, loans, or state assistance programs can be impeded, influencing your economic mobility and lifestyle improvement efforts.
Beyond these immediate restrictions, holding a criminal record in Sarasota can detach one from civic engagements, leading to the loss of voting rights, and inhibiting gun ownership. For young adults, a record might impact educational pursuits, such as obtaining financial aid or participating in certain academic programs.
Legal assistance can sometimes provide avenues for record expungement or sealing, which may alleviate some of these challenges. Enlisting the guidance of a skilled felony attorney in Sarasota can highlight potential paths to mitigate these adverse effects, seeking to partially restore a degree of normalcy post-conviction.
What Rights Do You Retain if You Are Accused of a Felony in Florida?
In Florida, facing felony charges does not strip away fundamental rights that all citizens are entitled to within the criminal justice system. Essential rights, such as the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, still uphold the accused's standing through each stage of the legal process.
Individuals are entitled to legal representation, the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination, and must be provided with a clear understanding of the charges alleged against them. Importantly, defendants can access a fair and public trial, presenting their case before an impartial jury, unless they choose to waive this right.
The right to due process is a critical element in safeguarding the accused throughout proceedings, ensuring timely awareness of procedural developments. Additionally, individuals may contest unlawful searches and seizures, reinforcing the necessity for law enforcement to secure appropriate warrants.
These retained rights serve as a vital backbone for defense strategies shaped by Sarasota's felony attorneys, enabling them to ensure that all legal protections are honored, contributing to a rigorous defense endeavor. Consulting an experienced attorney immediately after charges is pivotal to understanding and reinforcing these rights effectively throughout the legal journey.
Contact Our Sarasota Felony Attorney Today!
Our Sarasota felony attorney has experience in the criminal justice system from both sides, as a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. He uses this experience to help guide our clients through the complexities of the legal process, defend their rights, and build a vigorous defense for each client.
We offer a free consultation to give you the opportunity to get legal advice that is specific to your situation, ask questions, and discuss your legal options. Call our Sarasota felony defense lawyer at (941) 541-5335 or online. We are available after hours and on weekends by appointment only.
Sarasota Felonies FAQ
What Are Some Examples of Felony Charges in Florida?
Examples of felonies include burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, drug trafficking, murder, and fraud. Each felony type is subject to specific legal consequences and requires a detailed understanding of the law.
What Should I Do if I Am Facing Felony Charges?
If facing felony charges, it is essential to contact a qualified Sarasota felony lawyer immediately. Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your lawyer, and gather any relevant documents or evidence to support your defense.
What Penalties Can Be Faced for Felony Convictions in Sarasota?
Penalties for felony convictions can include lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, probation, community service, and a permanent criminal record. The exact penalties depend on the felony's classification and the circumstances surrounding the case.
How Does the Legal Process Work for Felony Charges in Florida?
The legal process typically involves arrest, arraignment, pre-trial hearings, plea bargaining, trial, and sentencing. Each stage requires careful legal navigation and a robust defense strategy to protect your rights.
How Can a Sarasota Felony Lawyer Assist Me?
A Sarasota felony lawyer provides crucial legal representation, offering guidance and strategic defense tailored to your case. They guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, gather evidence, and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
In some cases, felony charges can be reduced to misdemeanors or dismissed altogether. This depends on the specifics of the case, available evidence, and negotiations between your lawyer and the prosecution.
What Is Considered Felony Probation in Florida?
Certain felony convictions allow for a person to participate in Florida's felony probation program, otherwise known as community supervision. Not all felony convictions are eligible for probation. This can serve as an alternative to prison time if the judge deems it appropriate. The supervision will fall under the Community Corrections department in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Probation programs may include mandatory drug rehab, imposed curfew, regularly reporting to a probation officer, house arrest, and/or group counseling. Probation violations are taken very seriously and can result in prison time and fines. If an individual violates probation, he or she will have to stand before a judge and present a compelling defense.
Is Fraud a Felony in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida Statute § 817.034, fraud (or a scheme to defraud) refers to systematic, continued actions of a person that has the intent to defraud one or more people to obtain property or assets via willful misrepresentation or false pretenses.
Committing a scheme to defraud is considered organized fraud. You can face the following penalties if convicted of such an offense:
Organized fraud involving obtained property that is valued at less than $20,000 is considered a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Organized fraud involving obtained property that is valued between $20,000 and $50,000 is considered a second-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Organized fraud involving obtained property that is valued at $50,000 or more is considered a first-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000.
You can also be charged with a felony if you are found to be involved in a fraudulent scheme and to have furthered that scheme by communicating with any person. This is considered communication fraud, and you can be charged with multiple counts—one count for each act of communication.
The penalties for communications fraud are as follows:
If the property obtained using communication is worth $300 or more, the offense is a third-degree felony.
If the property obtained using communication is worth less than $300, the offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in prison.
There are also other types of criminal fraud offenses for which a person may be charged with a felony offense, including:
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
Not Guilty Verdict2016 CF 004875 NC – Life Felony Second Degree Murder
Not Guilty Verdict2017 CF 000169 – Life Felony Armed Robbery
Successful Resolution2017 CF 002479 AX – 15 Counts of Possession of Child Pornography
Not Guilty Verdict2017 MM 11498 – Misdemeanor Battery and Misdemeanor Sex Offense -Unnatural and Lascivious Act
Case Dismissed2018 CF 000323 – Two Counts Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
Case Dismissed2018 CF 002675 AX–Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
When you hire the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA to defend you on a criminal charge, we will conduct a full investigation of the circumstances leading to your arrest. As a former prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office, Attorney Reisinger has in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the state prepares and presents its cases.
