A felony charge can put your freedom, future, and reputation at risk. When you need trusted guidance, Sam Filler and Kelly Hedum at Filler & Hedum Family Law Firm are here to help. With backgrounds in prosecution and law enforcement, we understand how cases are built and work directly with you to pursue the best possible outcome.
A Felony in Florida:
What You Need to Know
A felony is the most serious category of criminal offense under Florida law. Felony charges can include crimes such as drug trafficking, burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, grand theft, and certain weapons offenses. Depending on the charge, a felony may be classified as a third-, second-, or first-degree felony, a life felony, or a capital felony, and the penalties for these can range from years in prison to life imprisonment in the most severe cases.
The consequences of a felony charge often extend far beyond the courtroom. A felony conviction can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, own firearms, and access certain opportunities in the future. Because so much is at stake, it is important to understand your rights, carefully evaluate the evidence, and develop a strong defense strategy.
What Are the Degrees of Felonies in Florida?
These are among the most serious felony offenses under Florida law. First-degree felonies are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
First-degree felonies may include:
- Drug trafficking
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated child abuse
- Certain burglary offenses
- Aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury
- Serious weapons-related offenses
These offenses carry substantial penalties and can have a lasting impact. Second-degree felonies are punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Second-degree felonies may include:
- Aggravated battery
- Burglary of a dwelling
- Grand theft involving high-value property
- Child abuse
- Certain drug possession offenses
- Battery on a law enforcement officer
These are the least severe felony classifications, but they can still result in prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Third-degree felonies are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to
$5,000. Third-degree felonies may include:
- Grand theft
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Criminal mischief causing significant damage
- Drug possession involving controlled substances
- Stalking
- Resisting arrest with violence
Life felonies are reserved for exceptionally serious crimes. A conviction can result in life imprisonment and fines of up to $15,000.
Life felonies may include:
- Certain kidnapping offenses
- Sexual battery involving aggravating circumstances
- Armed offenses resulting in severe injury
- Repeat violent felony offenses under specific circumstances
Capital felonies are the most serious criminal charges in Florida. These offenses may be punishable by life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
Capital felonies may include:
- First-degree murder
- Capital drug trafficking offenses in limited circumstances
- Certain crimes involving the death of a child
- Other offenses specifically designated by Florida law as capital felonies
Any crime declared by Florida Statute 775.081 to be a felony without specifying the degree is considered a third-degree felony, unless the statute provides that the offense is punishable by life imprisonment.
How We Help With Felony Defense Cases in Oviedo
When you’re facing a felony charge, you work directly with Sam Filler and Kelly Hedum from day one. Sam uses his experience as a former prosecutor to identify potential weaknesses in the state’s case, while Kelly draws on her law enforcement background to clearly examine investigations, reports, and evidence. We review witness statements, challenge improper procedures when appropriate, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare every case as though it could go to trial.
FAQs
Can a Felony Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?
In some situations, yes. Every case is different, but weaknesses in the evidence, witness credibility issues, constitutional violations, or problems with the investigation may create opportunities to seek a reduction or dismissal.
How Long Does the State Have to Prosecute Me for a Felony Offense?
Florida’s statute of limitations determines how long the state has to bring criminal charges. Generally, the statute of limitations for first-degree felonies is four years from the date of the alleged offense. For second-degree and third-degree felonies, the statute of limitations is generally three years. However, exceptions may apply depending on the facts of the case.
What Other Concerns Do I Face in a Felony?
A felony conviction can affect much more than your sentence. Beyond potential prison time and fines, a conviction may make it harder to find employment, secure housing, qualify for certain government benefits, purchase or possess firearms, or participate in volunteer opportunities.
Filler & Hedum:
There When You Need ‘Em!
When your future is on the line, you deserve honest answers and experienced guidance. At Filler & Hedum, you’ll work directly with Sam Filler, a former prosecutor, and Kelly Hedum, a retired Detective Sergeant who understands how felony cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted. We’re proud to serve families and individuals throughout Oviedo and Seminole County with the straightforward counsel they deserve. If you’re facing a felony charge, contact us today for a free felony defense case evaluation.
