Orlando, FL Felony Attorney
Serious Charges Require a Serious Defense. Call Us Now.
What This Page Covers:
- Severe consequences: Felonies in Florida can lead to significant prison time, fines, and social implications, affecting your reputation, family life, and opportunities.
- Classification of felonies: Florida categorizes felonies into five types, from third-degree to capital felonies, each with varying penalties based on the crime’s severity.
- Legal defense: Effective defense strategies may include comprehensive investigations, challenging the prosecution’s case, negotiating plea bargains, and robust courtroom representation.
- The Wiseman Law Firm: With over 15 years of experience, Attorney Simon Wiseman offers personalized legal strategies and post-conviction support.
At The Wiseman Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys act fast whenever we need to come to the defense of our clients, especially after they have been arrested for a felony violation. By legal definition, a felony is any crime that can incarcerate someone for at least one year. Fines and fiscal penalties related to felony crime convictions are also dramatically higher than misdemeanors or infractions. If you have been arrested for a felony in Orlando, you must be aware of these consequences and be willing to stand up for your rights.
Your reputation and your family life may be in danger. You can lose custody and visitation of your children and face a social stigma that can affect your relationships in the future. Having a permanent criminal record can also bar you from obtaining loans, educational opportunities, professional licenses, jobs, and housing, as it will appear on any background checks that a potential employer or financial institution may run. You may even be barred from living in certain areas, such as close to schools or to the alleged victim, for certain criminal convictions.
Contact our Orlando felony criminal defense lawyer to put a true fighter in your corner. Free confidential case evaluations are available upon request.
Charges Our Felony Attorneys Defend in Orlando
Crimes that are classified as felonies are often the most dangerous or morally upsetting on a state’s record. Prosecutors, judges, and juries can all enter the courtroom biased against the accused, having already made an image of them in their mind based on the alleged criminal violations that took place. If you want to keep everything balanced and ensure your right to a fair trial, you need a highly-experienced felony defense lawyer representing you in Orlando.
Different felony crime cases we can handle include, but are not limited to:
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Grand theft
While a felony charge is already quite serious, the circumstances that led to your arrest can escalate a felony to different levels. The higher class a felony, the harsher the penalties. If you know the exact name of the charges, be sure to tell your Orlando felony defense lawyer as soon as you can so we can get a clear understanding of what you are up against.
Potential Penalties for Felony Convictions
In addition to jail time, which will be a year or more, and the high costs of navigating the judicial system, felony convictions also come with many social implications.
In 2018, Florida voters approved Amendment 4, a landmark constitutional amendment that restores voting rights to convicted felons. To be eligible, however, former offenders must have no outstanding debts related to their case, including unpaid fines, court costs, and restitution. The financial burden from a felony conviction can therefore have a much deeper impact on your life than just emptying your bank account. Your rights are in jeopardy when facing a felony charge.
What You Should Know About Felony Classifications in Florida
Felonies are the most severe type of criminal offense, carrying significant legal and social repercussions. In Florida, felonies are categorized into five primary types based on the severity of the offense and the corresponding penalties:
Third-Degree Felony
Third-degree felonies are considered the least severe felony charges but still carry substantial penalties. Convictions can result in up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and fines up to $5,000. Examples include aggravated assault, theft of property valued between $300 and $20,000, and certain drug possession charges.
Second-Degree Felony
More serious than third-degree felonies, second-degree felonies can lead to up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and fines up to $10,000. Crimes in this category include aggravated battery, burglary of an occupied dwelling, and possession of certain amounts of controlled substances.
First-Degree Felony
First-degree felonies are more severe and carry harsher penalties, including up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation, and fines up to $10,000. Examples include carjacking, human trafficking, and serious drug offenses like trafficking large quantities of controlled substances.
Life Felony
As the name suggests, life felonies are punishable by life imprisonment. In some cases, they may also include fines of up to $15,000. Crimes in this category often include first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery with a deadly weapon.
Capital Felony
As the most serious type of felony, capital felonies are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. First-degree murder is a primary example of a capital felony.
Felony Severity
Several factors can elevate the severity of a felony charge, leading to more severe penalties. These aggravating factors may include:
- Use of a Weapon: Typically, if a weapon was used during the commission of a crime, the charge is elevated to a higher degree.
- Prior Criminal Record: Defendants with previous convictions may face harsher penalties.
- Vulnerable Victims: Crimes committed against vulnerable individuals, such as children or the elderly, often result in more severe charges.
- Gang-Related Activity: Involvement in gang-related activities can lead to enhanced penalties.
Each classification comes with its own challenges and potential consequences, underscoring the importance of having a knowledgeable attorney. Attorney Simon Wiseman has the knowledge needed to help you navigate these complexities.
How an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You Fight a Felony Charge
From drug trafficking charges to murder and everything in between, Attorney Simon Wiseman has the skills necessary to mitigate your charges and protect your future. His in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system and his experience as a former prosecutor allow him to anticipate the prosecution’s moves and counteract them effectively.
Personalized Legal Strategies
Attorney Wiseman takes time to understand the unique circumstances of each case. He knows when you are facing felony charges, the penalties can be severe, so your defense strategy must be tailored specifically to your situation for the most effective results. He ensures every possible angle is explored and every viable defense is utilized to safeguard your rights and interests.
Comprehensive Investigation
Building a robust defense starts with a thorough investigation. Attorney Wiseman will meticulously review police reports, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence. He also conducts interviews with witnesses and, when necessary, collaborates with experts to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Challenging the Prosecution
Felony charges can carry severe penalties, but Attorney Wiseman is skilled at finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Whether through questioning the credibility of witnesses, challenging the admissibility of evidence, or highlighting procedural errors made by law enforcement, he works diligently to protect your rights and challenge the case against you.
Negotiating Plea Bargains
Sometimes, negotiating a plea bargain may be in your best interest. Attorney Wiseman’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him unique insight into how the other side thinks and operates. He uses this knowledge to negotiate the most favorable terms possible, potentially reducing charges or minimizing penalties.
Courtroom Representation
If your case goes to trial, having an experienced felony defense attorney is essential. Attorney Wiseman has extensive trial experience and is well-versed in courtroom procedures. His ability to present a compelling defense, cross-examine witnesses effectively, and deliver persuasive arguments can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Smart Solutions, Aggressive Defense
Our Orlando, FL felony defense lawyer has earned a reputation for thinking outside of the box when it comes to defending our clients. We can see your case to the end in a court trial, or we can decide if a plea bargain would be more beneficial. Whatever the option, you know that we are always operating in your best interests.
Clients can trust in Attorney Wiseman due to his numerous accolades and experiences:
- 15+ years of legal and trial experience
- A former prosecutor with unique insight for your case
- Numerous positive testimonials from people he has helped
- 24/7 availability so you always have help when you need it
If your rights are on the line, you need to be willing to fight! Contact us without hesitation.
