Miami, Florida Felony Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, and Other Felony Offenses in Miami, FL

Crimes that are classified as felonies are more serious than misdemeanors. Felony charges carry potential sentences that are measured in years or decades rather than months, and convictions can lead to permanent consequences that will reach into every corner of a person's life. When a person is a convicted felon, this status can limit where they can live, what jobs they can hold, and what rights they can exercise. When prosecutors pursue felony charges, they are seeking outcomes that will fundamentally alter defendants' futures.

At Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, we represent clients who are facing felony charges in Miami. Our lawyer approaches felony cases with the seriousness that these charges deserve. Our clients' freedom and futures depend on the quality of representation they receive, and he serves as a dedicated advocate to help prevent convictions, reduce charges to misdemeanors, or take other steps to minimize the consequences a person may face.

Felony Classifications in Florida

Capital felonies represent the most severe crimes under Florida law. These offenses carry two possible sentences: death or life imprisonment without possibility of parole. First-degree murder is the primary offense classified as a capital felony, although certain other offenses may also lead to these types of charges when they involve particularly egregious conduct.

Life felonies carry maximum sentences of life imprisonment. They will generally involve serious offenses that cause harm to others. A person who is convicted of one of these offenses will most likely be unable to avoid lengthy incarceration.

First-degree felonies are punishable by up to 30 years in state prison and fines reaching $10,000. Second-degree felonies carry maximum penalties of 15 years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines. Third-degree felonies represent the lowest level of felony prosecution, and they carry maximum sentences of five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

The Loss of Civil Rights for Convicted Felons

Felony convictions will lead to the loss of fundamental rights that apply to most Americans. A person will no longer have the right to vote after a felony conviction in Florida. These rights can usually only be restored through a complex clemency process that may take years to complete, with no guarantee of success.

The Second Amendment right to possess firearms will no longer apply for convicted felons under both Florida law and federal law. This prohibition applies to all felons, regardless of whether an offense involved violence. Due to these prohibitions, felons who possess firearms may be charged with weapons violations.

The ability to serve on juries is forfeited after a felony conviction. This civic duty is both a right and a responsibility of citizenship, but it will no longer be available to convicted felons.

Beyond these significant issues, felony convictions may prevent a person from being eligible for numerous government benefits, professional licenses, and other opportunities. Public housing will usually be unavailable, federal student loans may be denied, and felons may be excluded from food assistance programs.

Employment and Economic Concerns Affecting Convicted Felons

The economic consequences of felony convictions can be devastating. Background checks conducted by employers will reveal felony convictions on a person's record, and many companies have policies against hiring felons. The only jobs available to felons may offer low wages and limited advancement opportunities.

A person's professional career may end after a felony conviction. A doctor will most likely lose their medical license, a teacher may be unable to work in schools, a financial advisor may lose their securities licenses, and countless other licensed professions will be closed to convicted felons. This can result in the loss of an investment of years of time and substantial money in education and training.

Types of Felony Offenses

• Felony DUI Charges: A third DUI conviction and any additional convictions will be classified as felonies. Felony charges may also apply in cases involving injuries or deaths. A conviction may lead to a multi-year prison sentence and a permanent loss of driving privileges, as well as other penalties.
• Felony Sex Crimes: Offenses that are classified as felonies include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, child pornography possession or distribution, and human trafficking. Many sex crimes are prosecuted as first-degree felonies or life felonies. In addition to lengthy prison sentences, sex crime convictions can also result in sex offender registration.
• Felony Violent Crimes: Murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and aggravated child abuse are among the serious violent crimes that are classified as felonies. These offenses carry some of the harshest penalties defendants may face in Florida, and they may include mandatory minimum sentences and limited eligibility for parole.
• Felony White Collar Crimes: Offenses involving fraud, embezzlement, grand theft, money laundering, or other financial crimes may be classified as felonies if they involve large amounts of money or a large number of victims. A conviction can affect a person's ability to maintain employment in fields such as financial services, healthcare, or other fields.
• Felony Drug Charges: Many drug crimes are classified as felonies, whether they involve allegations of possession, distribution, manufacturing, or drug trafficking. The level of felony charges and the potential penalties will usually depend on the types and quantities of drugs involved in a case. Because of the harsh stance against drugs taken by the justice system, people convicted of these offenses may face lengthy prison sentences and high fines, even if they played a minor role in a drug operation.
• Burglary: Breaking and entering with the intent to commit a crime is usually charged as a felony offense. The specific penalties may depend on whether a building was occupied or whether a person was armed with a weapon during the alleged offense.
• Robbery: Accusations of theft may lead to robbery charges if a person is accused of taking money or property from someone and using force or threatening to cause harm. Robbery is a felony offense, and more serious penalties will apply if a case involved the use of a weapon.
• Kidnapping: Parents or other family members may be charged with kidnapping or false imprisonment of children due to custody disputes or in other situations. Kidnapping charges may also apply if an adult was allegedly held against their will for certain criminal purposes, such as seeking ransom. First-degree felony charges may apply in kidnapping cases, and people charged with kidnapping children under the age of 13 could be charged with life felonies.

Why a Strong Defense Can Make the Difference in Felony Cases

When a person is charged with a felony, their case may involve multiple types of complex evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence. Investigations may last for months or years before charges are filed. Prosecutors will often enter court with fully developed cases, and they will have the resources needed to pursue convictions aggressively.

Our criminal defense attorney can help to level the playing field by performing independent investigations, challenging the prosecution's claims, and advocating for a defendant's constitutional rights. He has the experience needed to counter the tactics of prosecutors and advocate for positive outcomes.

The stakes in felony cases are high. Avoiding a conviction through a dismissal or acquittal may be the ideal outcome, and our lawyer will work to achieve this goal whenever possible. If necessary, he may negotiate to have felony charges reduced to misdemeanors or determine whether other resolution options may be available. Even when a conviction cannot be avoided entirely, his skilled defense can help to minimize the consequences that may affect a person's life.

Contact Our Miami Felony Defense Attorney

When you are facing felony charges, your case will require immediate attention from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, and skilled legal representation will be needed to help you achieve a positive outcome to the situation. At Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, our legal team has the knowledge, resources, and determination needed to fight against serious felony accusations. Contact our Miami, FL felony charges lawyer by calling 305-615-1285 and scheduling a free consultation.