degrees of misdemeanors in florida
Though Less Serious Then Felonies, Misdemeanors May Have Serious Penalties
If you’ve been charged with a first-degree or second-degree misdemeanor in Seminole County or Orange County, you may think the charges aren’t that serious. You’d be wrong. While misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, you could still face stiff penalties for misdemeanors in Florida.
What are the degrees of misdemeanors in Florida?
First-degree misdemeanors – These are the most serious misdemeanor crimes in Florida. First-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. First-degree misdemeanors may include:
Second-degree misdemeanors – These are the least serious misdemeanor crimes in Florida. Second-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500. Second-degree misdemeanors may include:
Any crime declared by Florida Statute 775.081 to be a misdemeanor without specifying the degree is considered a second-degree misdemeanor.
How long does the state have to prosecute me for a misdemeanor?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for misdemeanors (the time the state has to seek criminal prosecution) begins once the crime is committed and lasts for one to two years.
What other concerns do I face in a misdemeanor?
If you’re found guilty of committing a misdemeanor, you will have a criminal record. That means you may find it challenging to find a job, find a place to live and enjoy the freedoms to which you’re accustomed.
That’s why finding the right misdemeanor attorneys in Seminole County or Orange County to represent you is so important. The attorneys at the Filler & Hedum Law Office in Longwood, Seminole County, will vigorously defend your rights. Attorney Samuel Filler, a former Florida prosecutor, has 20 years of legal experience. His partner, attorney Kelly Hedum, is a former Detective Sergeant with 12 years of law experience. They are committed to ease your anxieties, develop a specific action plan and support you through every step of the litigation process.
If you’ve been charged with a first-degree or second-degree misdemeanor in Seminole County or Orange County, you may think the charges aren’t that serious. You’d be wrong. While misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, you could still face stiff penalties for misdemeanors in Florida.
What are the degrees of misdemeanors in Florida?
First-degree misdemeanors – These are the most serious misdemeanor crimes in Florida. First-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. First-degree misdemeanors may include:
- Animal cruelty
- Criminal mischief (damages over $200)
- Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Indecent exposure
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Reckless driving
- Resisting arrest (without violence)
- Prostitution
- Soliciting
- Stalking
- Vandalism
Second-degree misdemeanors – These are the least serious misdemeanor crimes in Florida. Second-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500. Second-degree misdemeanors may include:
- Disorderly conduct or intoxication
- Driving with an expired tag
- Driving with a suspended license
- Making harassing phone calls
- Petty theft (also called petit theft, between $100-$300 in value)
- Simple assault
- Simple tresspass
Any crime declared by Florida Statute 775.081 to be a misdemeanor without specifying the degree is considered a second-degree misdemeanor.
How long does the state have to prosecute me for a misdemeanor?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for misdemeanors (the time the state has to seek criminal prosecution) begins once the crime is committed and lasts for one to two years.
What other concerns do I face in a misdemeanor?
If you’re found guilty of committing a misdemeanor, you will have a criminal record. That means you may find it challenging to find a job, find a place to live and enjoy the freedoms to which you’re accustomed.
That’s why finding the right misdemeanor attorneys in Seminole County or Orange County to represent you is so important. The attorneys at the Filler & Hedum Law Office in Longwood, Seminole County, will vigorously defend your rights. Attorney Samuel Filler, a former Florida prosecutor, has 20 years of legal experience. His partner, attorney Kelly Hedum, is a former Detective Sergeant with 12 years of law experience. They are committed to ease your anxieties, develop a specific action plan and support you through every step of the litigation process.
Free Consultation and Criminal Law Case Review
To learn more about your legal rights in a misdemeanor case, call Filler & Hedum Law today for a free consultation. We’ll sit with you, answer all of your questions, outline a specific plan of attack that we will use for your defense, and fully explain all costs and fees associated with your defense. It is your life. There are no games, no secrets, no surprises with Filler & Hedum Law – just complete truth, commitment and legal expertise.
Filler & Hedum---There When You Need 'Em 407-772-0700.
Filler & Hedum---There When You Need 'Em 407-772-0700.