It may seem unfair, but if Florida law enforcement agencies mistakenly arrest and fingerprint you for a misdemeanor or felony offense from which you are ultimately exonerated, it will generate a criminal record. It doesn’t matter if the charges were dropped or you were acquitted at trial, as the record of the arrest and disposition of the charges are open to the public. This, of course, can cause problems with employment opportunities and other aspects of life, as the arrest itself is a black mark on your reputation, despite indicators of innocence like acquittals or dismissals.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony in Florida: What’s the Difference?
“Misdemeanor, n. An infraction of the law having less dignity than a felony and constituting no claim to admittance into the best criminal society.”—Ambrose Bierce, 19th Century American Journalist and Short Story Writer
What to Look for in a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer
If Tallahassee-area law enforcement officers charge you with a criminal offense, you’ll probably feel a bit apprehensive, if not terrified, should the charges carry significant prison time. To ease that apprehension, you should hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can increase the likelihood of securing a positive legal outcome. But how does one seek out a great defense lawyer? What factors does somebody need to consider before hiring a lawyer?
How Violent Crimes are Classified and Sentenced Under Florida Law
Violent crime rates are on the rise in Tallahassee, according to Tallahassee Police Department incident reports. A tabulation of these incidents by online watchdog Tallahassee Reports determined that local police investigated 1,295 violent criminal offenses in 2023, a 13.6% increase over 2022’s 1,104 number.
Understanding Crime for College Students in Florida: A Primer for Parents and Students
Earning a postsecondary degree from a college or university is challenging but worth the effort due to the enhanced employment opportunities a diploma typically provides. However, the challenges are such that more than one million students drop out of four-year and community college annually. Financial difficulties play a leading role in postsecondary education drop-out rates, but other factors can prove influential as well.
Understanding the Five Primary Types of Battery Offences in Florida
According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement statistics, 102,559 people were arrested on assault-related charges in 2021. We say “assault-related” because the Uniform Crime Report does not distinguish between assault and battery. And you might be surprised to learn that there is a significant difference between the two.
What to Know About Hate Crime Charges in Florida
Most criminal offenses covered by Florida statutes are somewhat easy to understand. In general terms, people can usually explain what the crime is when someone is charged with murder, manslaughter, assault, kidnapping, arson, and many other offenses. However, some crimes may be difficult for people to define clearly. “Hate” crime is one such offense. Many people might correctly describe it as a criminal act committed with hateful intent. Most have difficulty detailing how hate and its use with intent are addressed under Florida law.
Understanding the Different Types of Theft and Their Legal Consequences in Florida
Theft is one of the most frequently reported crimes in Florida. According to statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, it results in the third-highest number of arrests in the state. Florida statutes broadly define theft as the act of obtaining, using, or trying to use the property of another with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the other person of the right to the property and/or appropriate the property for their own use. The statutes primarily categorize theft by the value of the property taken and include some property types and manner of taking...
Video // Driving with a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License in Florida
Whether you drive on a suspended or a revoked driver’s license, doing so is unlawful and exposes you to fines, further loss of your driving privileges and possible jail time.
There is a difference between a suspended and a revoked license. If suspended, you’ve lost your privilege to drive for a temporary period of time. If it is revoked, your driving privileges have been removed. There are different offenses that lead to whether your license is suspended or revoked.
Elements of Driving with a License that has Been Suspended (or Revoked)–DWLSR
To be convicted of DWLSR, you must meet...
Video // Classification of Felony Crimes and Their Potential Penalties in Florida
A felony is distinguished from a misdemeanor by the potential of how much time you may be incarcerated. If your criminal violation is punishable by up to one year in jail, then it is a misdemeanor. Felonies are any crime for which you can be sentenced to more than one year in jail or state prison.
Florida has five basic classifications for felonies, ranging from third degree to capital felony. Any felony conviction carries substantial consequences for the offender including the loss of freedom for decades or life in some cases. Convicted felons often experience considerable difficulties in...