Criminal Defense
Developing targeted strategies to defend each case.
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal charges can affect all aspects of your life, from relationships to work and everything in between. As a former police officer, Gary is passionate that justice is served no matter what and works to ensure that his client’s rights are protected at all times.
What Are Criminal Offenses?
Almost all criminal offenses are classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors and felonies have levels of severity, such as first-degree or second-degree, depending on the alleged crime. Florida law has created five categories of felonies, including life felony and capital felony, plus a special category for certain drug offenses. All criminal offenses, both misdemeanors and felonies, can result in jail and fines.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Misdemeanors in Florida include shoplifting, vandalism, driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, and battery.
First-degree offenses are punishable by up to one year in jail, 12 months’ probation, and a $1,000 fine.
Second-degree offenses are punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months’ probation, and a $500 fine.
Prison sentences are served in a county or city jail.
First-degree offenses generally have a two-year statute of limitation, while it is one year for second-degree. Statute of limitation limits how long after an alleged crime that charges can be filed.
Felony Offenses
Felony offenses are more serious than misdemeanors and can carry severe punishment. Felonies include homicide, kidnapping, assault, grand theft, and carjacking.
Depending on the felony and the degree of the felony, punishment ranges from fines between $5,000 and $500,000 and prison sentences between one year to life. A death sentence is also possible in Florida. All felony convictions may also require paying restitution to the victims.
Prison sentences are served in a state penitentiary or a federal prison.
Statute of limitations can be as short as three years for some felonies, but other charges have no statute of limitation.
When to Hire a Defense Lawyer
Hiring a criminal defense attorney is an important first step when you have been charged with a crime. Our attorney will be with you from arraignment through trial and beyond.
GFC LAW will vigorously defend you from arraignment through trial and beyond.
Our skilled team of professionals will:
- Educate you about the charges and the legal/judicial process
- Evaluate the evidence
- Recommend a defense strategy
- Negotiate potential plea bargains
- Defend you against the charges at trial
Representation that Puts You First
At GFC LAW, we intentionally carry a smaller caseload so we can provide you with individualized representation, tailoring the defense strategy to the specifics of your case.
Each case is unique. We tailor your defense strategy to your circumstances.
Contact us online or by phone at (954) 635-2251.