In Florida crimes are divided into felonies and misdemeanors. It is important to understand the difference, especially if you are facing criminal charges. Jacksonville criminal lawyer can help you understand what you are being accused of and what are your defenses.

In Florida misdemeanors are crimes for which the arrested person could be imprisoned for up to 1 year. Misdemeanors can be 1st degree or 2nd degree. For  a 1st degree misdemeanors, the maximum penalty of up to 1 year in jail and fine up to $1000.00 and for the 2nd degree misdemeanors, the maximum penalty is up to 60 days of imprisonment and a fine of $500.00. As a first time offender you are not likely to face maximum penalties. However, it is important to understand what are the maximum penalties and the potential effect even an arrest could have on your life and the life of your family. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, let Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer help you understand what your options are. You may have defenses you are not aware of.

In Florida all felony offenses are handled in Circuit Court. The maximum penalties for felonies in Florida range from 5 years in prison to life imprisonment and potentially death penalty. A lot of people don't realize that something as trivial as Possession of a Fake Identification is considered to be a 3rd degree felony in Florida.  Most importantly a conviction for any felony can have a devastating effect on your life, so don't just plea at first appearance or settle for the first plea offer from the prosecutor, make sure your rights are being protected. Jacksonville criminal defense attorney will evaluate your case and point out all strengths and weaknesses and help you make an educated choice.  You may have to take your case to trial, make sure you have a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer who is prepared to do that and will not plea out your case at the first opportunity.

Remember that if you are convicted of a felony, does not matter what type, before you restore your rights, you cannot vote. This is an essential right in our country, so be aware that you will lose it with a felony conviction.

Criminal cases vary in nature. Every single criminal case is different and requires a different creative approach.  A person who is arrested and charged with a Florida domestic battery case will have different defenses that a person arrested for a Florida petit theft that allegedly took place at a Wal-Mart. When you are originally arrested, whether it is for a drug possession or underage drinking, when the prosecutor gets the case, he or she will still need to decide what charges to file against you and they may be different from the original ones. This is why it is essential that you have a Jacksonville Criminal Defense lawyer who knows the system, understands how it works and how to increase the chances of it working in your favor.

Kate Mesic is an experienced criminal defense lawyer. She is a former prosecutor who knows both sides of the Florida criminal justice system. Call our office for a COMPLIMENTARY consultation at (904) 388-4030 ext. 408 to speak directly with Attorney Mesic. For further information on criminal defense, please visit http://www.mesiclaw.com/areas-of-practice/criminal-defense/