Being accused of a crime and placed under arrest is a frightening and frustrating ordeal. A criminal charge might result in severe penalties that can include fines and time in prison. Having an attorney on your side will help you protect your rights and work towards a favorable outcome for your case.
A criminal record can damage your career and reputation. With your future at risk, dealing with the criminal justice system can be difficult and stressful. If you have been accused of a crime, regardless of whether it is a misdemeanor or felony offense, you need the help of a Tampa criminal defense lawyer.
Type of Criminal Offenses We Handle in Tampa
In Florida, a crime is any unlawful action or behavior that not only violates the law, but also violates social standards.
Some of the most common cases that our Tampa criminal defense attorneys can help with include:
Domestic Violence
A person can face domestic violence charges when causing physical or emotional harm to a family member. Examples of these cases are child abuse, stalking, assault, kidnapping, battery, false imprisonment and sexual battery.
Drug Crimes
Depending on the circumstances of the offense, drug charges that defendants in Florida commonly face can range from drug possession, trafficking/distribution, cultivating or manufacturing.
DUI
In Florida, a DUI offense occurs when a person was arrested because their faculties for operating a vehicle were affected by Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
Federal Crimes
A crime can be filed as a federal charge if the offense broke a federal law or took place across two state lines, a military base, federal waters or federal government property.
Sex Crimes
A sexual offense is an unlawful sexual act or behavior committed by one person to another. Some of the most common sex crimes are prostitution, sexual battery, indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious behavior, possession of child pornography, and traveling to meet a minor.
Violent Crimes
As its name suggests, violent crimes are offenses that imply the use of violence or the threat of harming another person. Common violent crimes are assault, aggravated assault, murder or manslaughter, and robbery.
White-Collar Crimes
Unlike most crimes, these offenses are not violent. White-collar crimes take place in business environments where the person commits an illegal act to obtain financial gain. Examples of these offenses are racketeering, money laundry, tax evasion, credit card fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and wire fraud.
What are the Degrees of Criminal Charges in Florida?
In Florida, a crime can be classified as infractions, misdemeanor or felony. These classifications are designated based on the severity of the crime as well as the penalties that the convicted might receive. An infraction is the non-criminal transgression of an administrative regulation or traffic rule. Examples of these infractions include:
- Littering
- Drinking in public
- Jaywalking
- Traffic violations
- Disturbing the peace
Although a misdemeanor is not seen as very severe crimes, these offenses are more serious than infractions. Depending on the severity of the offense, these crimes can be classified as first or second degree misdemeanors. Some examples of misdemeanors include:
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Driving without a license or a suspended license
- Petit theft and shoplifting
- Prostitution
- Indecent exposure
- Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana
- First offense for domestic violence
A felony is a more serious crime and, therefore, the penalties for these offenses can be harsher than the punishments for a misdemeanor or an infraction. Examples of common felonies include:
- Aggravated assault or battery
- Burglary
- Child abuse
- Domestic violence
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Murder and manslaughter
- Robbery
- Theft
What is the jail time for criminal charges in Tampa?
As mentioned above, in Florida, the penalties for a crime are determined depending on different circumstances such as the type of offense, the presence of aggravating factors as well as the offender’s past criminal record.
Since misdemeanors are less severe crimes, in some cases, the accused might face either imprisonment or probation time.
Speak with a Tampa Attorney for a Criminal Defense
When you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge, do not take this lightly. A criminal conviction can impact the rest of your life, including job opportunities, relationships, where you can live, and your ability to vote.