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 the Tallahassee area? At Jansen & Davis, P.A., our Tallahassee criminal defense 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.
Representation 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.
Turn to us if you need legal assistance with any of the following:
- Bond reductions
- Assault and battery
- Child abuse
- Drug crimes
- Athlete criminal defense
- Drunk driving (DUI) defense
- Fraud crimes
- Internet crimes
- Federal criminal offenses
- Juvenile crimes
- Probation violations
- Sealing and expungements
- Sex crimes
- Student disciplinary hearings
- Theft crimes
- Gun crimes and other weapons charges
- Financial crimes
- White collar offenses
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.
Answers To Common Questions About 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. Below, we’ve answered some questions you may have about penalties associated with a conviction.
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 a 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About 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 that the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony could be the difference between a small monetary fine and decades in prison. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our attorneys are asked by prospective clients.
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?
Will I go to jail?
Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
If I have a criminal record, how could it affect my case?
How will a misdemeanor affect my criminal record? A felony?
Do I need a criminal defense attorney if I’m charged with a misdemeanor?
Discuss Your Rights And Legal Options In A Free Consultation
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 defense attorneys, you could be able to avoid these harsh penalties and move on with your life.
Jansen & Davis, P.A., serves clients in Tallahassee and surrounding areas of Florida. Our legal team 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. Just call 850-641-8739 or contact us online today for your free case consultation.