A felony charge is extremely serious. It means at least a year in prison. Many felony convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences that can result in several years in prison. In some cases, it could mean decades in prison, life behind bars or even the death penalty. If you are under investigation for any type of felony or have been charged with one, it is critical that you act immediately to secure legal representation.
Palm Beach County Felony Lawyer
With dire and lifelong consequences, it is important that you have an experienced attorney fighting for your rights if you’ve been charged with any type of felony. At Meltzer & Bell, P.A., we fight for people who have been accused of the most serious allegations. Contact an experienced West Palm Beach felony lawyer from Meltzer & Bell, P.A. today.
The team of attorneys at Meltzer & Bell, P.A. are seasoned, qualified criminal defense attorneys. Also, our partners are available to you 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Call us at (561) 557-8686 to set up a consultation.
We represent clients in courts in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Our clients comes from West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Belle Glade, Juno Beach, Wellington, Greenacres and other surrounding areas.
Florida Felony Information Center
- Definition of Felony Under Florida Law
- Punishment for Felonies
- Habitual Felony or Violent Offenders
- Finding the Best Defense Attorney for West Palm Beach Felony Charges
Definition of Felony Under Florida Law
A “felony,” under Florida Statutes Annotated § 775.08, includes any charge for which the penalty could include death, life in prison or a year or more in a state penitentiary.
Felonies include a wide range of common charges, including:
- Most drug possession charges
- Most marijuana possession charges
- Possession with intent to sell
- Third DUI within 10 years
- DUI causing serious bodily injury
- DUI – Manslaughter
- Fourth or Subsequent DUI
- Aggravated Assault
- Aggravated Battery
- Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
- Trespass with a firearm
- Burglary with a firearm
- Grand Theft
- Robbery
- Arson
- Sexual Battery
- Lewd and Lascivious Acts
- Homicide
Punishment for Felonies
The penalties for a felonies largely depend on the grading of the felony:
- Third Degree Felony: Maximum of five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000
- Second Degree Felony: Up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000
- First Degree Felony: Prison term up to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
- Life Felony: Maximum of life in prison and a fine up to $15,000
- Capital Felony: Death for homicide cases, life in prison from others
Some charges carry specific, additional penalties. Most drug trafficking charges, for example have mandatory minimum sentences. For these charges, there is nothing that you can tell the judge to convince him or her to reduce the sentence if you are convicted. For sexual battery or other charges, you will have to register as a sex offender.
Under Florida and Federal Law (18 U.S.C. § 922), a person convicted of a felony will never be allowed to carry a firearm.
Habitual Felony or Violent Offenders
Under Florida Statutes Annotated § 775.084, a person may be designated as a habitual felony offender once he or she is convicted of a third felony. A habitual violent felony offender is a person who has been convicted of one of several offenses, including sexual battery, robbery, aggravated child abuse and other offenses.
If a person is designated as such, he or she will face increased punishment for every charge. For instance, a person designated as a habitual felony offender convicted of a third degree felony will face the punishment of a second degree felony.
Finding a Defense Attorney for West Palm Beach Felony Charges
If you face felony charges, it’s extremely important that you promptly seek the services of a qualified attorney. At Meltzer & Bell, P.A., we have vast experience representing people facing accusations of serious offenses. Contact a West Palm Beach felony lawyer at (561) 557-8686 to fight for your rights.
