Proven Defense For Criminal Charges In Tallahassee
When you are facing serious criminal charges, it is essential to take matters into your own hands immediately. To best protect your freedom, you should contact an attorney who is familiar with the Florida legal system and can give you the best chance of success in your criminal case.
Were you charged with a crime in Tallahassee? At Jansen & Davis, P.A., our attorneys are highly experienced and fully dedicated to giving you the level of legal assistance that you need. If you are accused of any criminal charges and you need legal assistance, please contact our firm as soon as possible.
Backed By Over 70 Years Of Legal Experience
Jansen & Davis, P.A., can guide and defend you through each step of the criminal process. We have immense experience that extends to numerous different practice areas and criminal charges. With our firm on your side, you can feel confident in the outcome of your case.
If you need legal assistance with any of the following, turn to our firm:
We could be able to give you the help that you need to put your mind at ease and lead you on your way to a victorious outcome. Our firm is dedicated to securing the favorable resolution you need!
Criminal Penalties
The criminal justice system can be difficult to navigate alone. When you are facing criminal accusations, you may not know where to begin. Criminal penalties can range from community service and small fines to life in prison, depending on the severity of the charges.
What types of consequences can I expect from a criminal conviction?
The types of penalties you are facing depend on the type of crime you are charged with and its criminal classification. A misdemeanor conviction will usually only result in a maximum of one year of incarceration in a county jail, though many individuals receive less jail time or none at all. Those who are able to avoid jail time usually receive probation or simply a fine. Fines for misdemeanors can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Felony convictions carry much more severe penalties including a year or years of imprisonment, and thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. The most extreme prison terms are those for several decades or even life in prison. In Florida, murder and some other offenses can result in the death penalty.
What are some of the other factors that are used to set penalties?
One important factor that affects what types of penalties an offender will receive is the individual’s criminal background. Offenders with previous convictions tend to receive harsher sentencing. Penalties may also become more severe if an offense is considered an “aggravated” crime, meaning that certain factors made the crime more serious. Some common examples might include the use of violence, the result of injury or death to another person, the involvement of a certain type of victim (such as a public safety officer or a minor), or the use of weapon.
In addition to incarceration and fines, what are some other common penalties?
There are other consequences commonly associated with certain types of crimes. For example, driving-related offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI) and driving without a license commonly result in driver’s license suspensions or revocations. DUI convictions may also result in a requirement to complete DUI courses and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in one’s vehicle. People who are convicted of certain sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives.
Are there alternative sentencing options that are less severe?
Yes. Many defendants are able to get probation in place of jail time. When a person is under probation, they must comply with certain probation terms, such as being under house arrest, completing drug treatment or other rehabilitative programs, or paying fines and maintaining employment. In many cases, if the offender completes probation successfully, the charges are dismissed, and the individual can avoid conviction. This is commonly referred to as deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion. A skilled lawyer can help you assess your situation and determine whether or not you may qualify for alternative sentencing.
Misdemeanors And Felonies
When you are accused of a crime, you will be facing either misdemeanor or felony charges. If this is your first criminal accusation, you may be confused by these terms and how they affect you. The reality is, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony could be the difference between a small monetary fine and decades in prison.
If you are facing charges for either a misdemeanor or a felony, contact Jansen & Davis, P.A., to discuss your case and schedule a free consultation.
What is a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is a lesser charge for a crime, not as serious as a felony yet more so than an infraction. The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor is a mandatory fine and up to 1 year in jail, though typical punishments also include probation or court-ordered community service. Examples of misdemeanor crimes include vandalism, simple assault, reckless driving, disorderly conduct, and petty theft.
What is a felony?
A felony charge is more serious than a misdemeanor, and usually comprises dangerous or violent crimes, like murder, arson, sexual assault, kidnapping, or even certain DUI crimes. A conviction for a felony may result in at least 1 year of confinement in a state prison and in certain situations could lead to the death penalty.
Will I go to jail?
If you are arrested for your alleged offense, then you will be booked and placed in jail until your arraignment or until bail is posted. Some minor misdemeanors may only result in a fine upon conviction, particularly if you are granted probation. More serious crimes, however, will probably result in a jail or prison sentence upon conviction.
Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, in certain circumstances a felony charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor. This typically happens in cases where the defense is able to prove that certain elements of a case, those necessary for it to qualify as a felony, are nonexistent. A charge could also be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor if a plea deal is arranged.
If I have a criminal record, how could it affect my case?
When a person already has a criminal record, any crime they commit is punished more severely than if the crime was a first offense. Previous convictions could add to the charge and result in longer time behind bars, a longer probationary period, stiffer fines, and so on.
How will a misdemeanor affect my criminal record? A felony?
Any conviction will result in a criminal record, though some charges are certainly more severe than others. A misdemeanor like vandalism or theft may result in the loss of certain job opportunities but is not nearly as damaging as being listed as a felon. Convicted felons often find difficulty in obtaining suitable housing and may be turned away from certain jobs. While some prospective employers and landlords may give felons the benefit of the doubt, numerous others will turn felons away.
Do I need a criminal defense attorney if I’m charged with a misdemeanor?
While misdemeanors are not as serious as felony charges, they can still have a lasting negative impact on a person. If you are facing criminal charges of any kind, it is crucial that you hire an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legalities of your case, providing you with the best possible chance for a favorable outcome. A competent attorney will seek to have your charges reduced, and in some cases may even be able to have all charges dropped.
What To Expect With Your Criminal Case
It is important that you remember the consequences that can accompany a criminal conviction. You could face jail or prison time, fines, probation, loss of your driving privileges, loss of other rights, enforced sex offender registration, and many more. With the help of one of our experienced criminal attorneys, you could be able to avoid these harsh penalties and move on with your life.
The legal team at Jansen & Davis, P.A., has the experience, dedication and drive necessary to give you an excellent chance at a positive resolution in your case. When you are in need of serious legal help, contact our firm immediately to speak with a knowledgeable legal professional.
Call 850-641-8739 today for your free case consultation!