Misdemeanor Criminal Defense
Out the two basic classifications of crimes in Florida, (misdemeanors and felonies), misdemeanors criminal offences are less serious. A Misdemeanor is any offense where the Court may sentence an individual to county jail for up to one year (as opposed to Florida State Prison). There are two main classifications of misdemeanor charges:
A large number of misdemeanorcases may be eligible for diversionary programs such as the Misdemeanor Diversion Program or attending Drug Court which will often times result in dismissal upon successful completion. If these options are not available, our lawyers would try other ways to achieve dismissal of the charges. among these alternatives are the payment of miminal court costs or probation. We will agressively seek to avoid an actual conviction or that a record of the the offence be placed on our client's record (This is commonly referred to as a "withholding of adjudication") . Later we will explore ways to having the records expungement or sealing.
In a large number of misdemeanor cases, your appearance in court is not necessary:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Drug Possession
- Possession Cannabis
- Petit Theft
- Shoplifting
- Assault
- Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Violation of Restraining Orders
- Solicitation for Prostitution
- Resisting Arrest
- Trespass
- Disorderly Conduct
- Disorderly Intoxication
- Bad Checks
- Juvenile
- Violations of Probation
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Criminal Mischief
Misdemeanor Penalties
A misdemeanor offense is a crime punishable by:
- One year in jail,
- One year of probation, or
- $1,000 fine
There are no minor criminal convictions.
Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor traffic violation or a felony DUI, our lawyers will see to it that you are given due process and a fair trial. If convicted, they will file an appeal on your behalf immediately when there are grounds to do so. Should it become necessary, they will actively encourage the court to consider beneficial sentencing options such as community service whenever possible.
Expungement — Clearing the Public Record
Whether you have been acquitted of charges, had charges that were “nollo prosed” (set aside) or dismissed, or you were pardoned, we may be able to help you obtain an expungement. In expungement, the record is removed from public access and sealed, allowing you to go on with your life as if the entire criminal charge had never happened.
Don't Go At It Alone, Hire A Lawyer!
Some people feel that going before a judge on a misdemeanor will only result in a slap on the wrist or small fine but you should consider:
- Withholding Adjudication of Guilt is still a conviction under Federal law
- A misdemeanor will go on your adult criminal record,
- If you're placed on probation, you could face jail if you violate,
- Our attorney may actually be able to get the entire case dismissed.
Please consider that even though a misdemeanor conviction will not result in the loss of your civil rights, there is ALWAYS the possibility of you being sentenced to jail if you appear without an attorney. The lawyers at Kinney, fernandez, and Boire have the experiance to represent you and your loved ones when charged with a misdemeanor criminal offence. We will agressively defend your rights under the laws of the state of Florida.
PUT OUR TEAM TO WORK FOR YOU!!!
Please Contact Us Today, So We Can Discuss Your Situation!