Our Stuart, Florida Felony Defense Attornies Will Fight For Your Freedom
Facing a felony charge in Florida is a serious matter that can significantly impact your life. Felonies are considered the most severe types of crimes and carry substantial penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-term consequences such as loss of certain civil rights. If you’re accused of a felony, it’s crucial to have an experienced felonies lawyer to defend your rights and navigate the complex legal system.
What Is a Felony?
A felony is a criminal offense that is punishable under Florida law by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary. This distinguishes felonies from misdemeanors, which are less severe offenses typically punishable by shorter jail terms or fines
If you need help for assault charges in Stuart or Port St. Lucie, Florida, we can protect your rights and gather every possible evidence to prove you’re innocent.
Don’t let a felony charge redefine your future.
Florida law classifies felonies into several categories, each with varying degrees of severity and corresponding penalties:
The most serious offense, punishable by death or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Examples include first-degree murder.
Punishable by life imprisonment and fines up to $15,000. Crimes such as kidnapping with a weapon fall into this category.
Punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Examples include aggravated battery on a pregnant woman.
Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Examples include burglary of an unoccupied structure.
Punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Examples include grand theft of property valued between $750 and $5,000.
Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction
Beyond imprisonment and fines, a felony conviction can have lasting consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. The impact of a felony record can affect nearly every aspect of your life, making it difficult to move forward even after serving your sentence. Some of the most significant consequences include:
If the evidence against you is fundamental and reasonable, early legal representation will allow your attorney to negotiate with prosecutors for plea deals that can have results like lighter penalties or decreased charges.
Facing felony charges can be overwhelming, with the potential for severe legal consequences and lasting impacts on your future. Whether you have been wrongfully accused or made a mistake, securing experienced legal representation is critical in ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial. A skilled felonies lawyer can build a strong defense by thoroughly analyzing the details of your case and exploring all available legal options.
Not all felony cases go to trial. In some situations, negotiating a plea agreement may be the best course of action to reduce penalties and avoid harsher sentencing. A felonies lawyer will work with prosecutors to minimize charges, lower potential jail time, or secure alternative sentencing options such as probation, diversion programs, or community service. Skilled negotiation can help you avoid the most severe consequences of a conviction.
If your case proceeds to trial, having a strong legal advocate in your corner is essential. Your felonies lawyer will present a compelling defense, cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and argue on your behalf before the judge and jury. A knowledgeable attorney will develop a defense tailored to your unique situation—whether that involves proving an alibi, disputing intent, or highlighting errors in law enforcement procedures.
At Jeff T. Gorman Law Firm, we stand out in assault defense because we combine in-depth expertise, personalized service, and a good history of many proven successes.
Navigating the criminal justice system can be confusing and stressful, especially when facing felony charges. A dedicated felonies lawyer will guide you through every step, from arraignment to trial, ensuring you understand your rights and legal options. You’ll receive clear, honest advice on potential outcomes and how to best prepare for court proceedings.
Having a felonies lawyer early ensures your rights are safeguarded, key evidence is preserved, and a strong defense strategy is built from the start.
While other firms might be reluctant to take on felony cases, our firm is fully prepared to mount a zealous defense on your behalf. As former prosecutors with extensive jury trial experience, we are well-versed in what it takes to defend a client all the way to a jury verdict. Inside and outside of the courtroom, we have the legal talents you want on your side.
Jeff T. Gorman Law Offices is ready to challenge a wide variety of felony charges, including:
In Florida, assault is defined as an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to another person, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act that creates a well-founded fear in the other person that such violence is imminent. Notably, physical contact is not required for an act to be considered assault.
Assault involves the threat of imminent harm or violence, causing fear in the victim, without necessarily involving physical contact. Battery, on the other hand, involves actual and intentional physical contact or striking of another person against their will, or intentionally causing bodily harm to another person.
Simple assault is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. Penalties can include up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a fine of up to $500.
Aggravated assault is an assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, or with an intent to commit a felony. It is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.
Yes, in Florida, you can be charged with assault even if no physical contact occurred. The key elements are the intentional threat of violence, the apparent ability to carry out the threat, and the creation of a well-founded fear in the victim that the violence is imminent.
Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, or disputing the occurrence of a threat. Each case is unique, and the applicability of defenses depends on the specific circumstances involved.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case, develop a strategic defense, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court to ensure the best possible outcome.
Ready to protect your freedoms and your liberties? Take action before a prosecutor can!
Jeff T. Gorman Law Offices