Home > Orlando Criminal Defense > Criminal Penalties in Florida

:: Criminal Penalties in Florida

Why is it important to know the penalties for a criminal offense? So that you know why you must fight the charges. If you don't fight criminal accusations, you will possibly be facing a lengthy term of probation, excessive community service hours, a substantial fine, a permanent criminal record, and be subjected to .

Criminal penalties increase based on the frequency convictions and the severity of your current offense. Below is a basic chart that explains how criminal charges are categorized.

1. Misdemeanor Offenses - Misdemeanor offenses are handled by the county court and are usually considered less serious crimes than felony offenses.
1. Second Degree Misdemeanor - A second-degree misdemeanor is a crime punishable by no more than sixty days in jail, six months of probation, and a $500 fine.


2. First Degree Misdemeanor - A first-degree misdemeanor is a crime punishable by no more than one year in jail, one-year probation, and a $1,000 fine.


2. Felony Offenses - Felony offenses are handled by the circuit court and are punishable by the possibility of more than one-year imprisonment. Felony offenses are sentenced pursuant to Florida's criminal punishment code ("CPC"). Under the CPC, also referred to as a scoresheet, each felony is scored a specific amount of points. The points are determined by the level designated by the Florida legislature, regardless of statutory degree. The higher the level a felony is designated, the more points that will appear on your CPC scoresheet. If you score more than 44 points, you are subject to a minimum term of imprisonment. If you score less than 44 points, a judge is not required to sentence you to prison, but may still do so.
1. Third Degree Felony - A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, and a $5,000 fine.


2. Second Degree Felony - A second-degree felony is punishable by up to fifteen years in prison, fifteen years probation, and a $10,000 fine.


3. First Degree Felony - A first-degree felony is punishable by up to thirty years in prison, thirty years probation, and a $10,000 fine.


4. Life Felony - A life felony is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole, or probation for the remainder of your life, and a $15,000 fine.


5. Capital Felony - A capital felony is punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

:: Contact Orlando Criminal Lawyer Richard Hornsby

Please contact Orlando Criminal Attorney Richard Hornsby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you or a loved one have been arrested or are under investigation. Mr. Hornsby is available any time, day or night, to advise you regarding the proper course of action to take. The initial consultation is free and Mr. Hornsby will respond promptly to provide you with the representation you deserve.

Home > Orlando Criminal Defense > Criminal Penalties in Florida