Pumphrey Law Criminal Defense Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor Charges

Those charged with misdemeanor offenses often believe the charge is not that serious. People sometimes think that they can just avoid a criminal record by pleading “no contest” or accepting probation. If you were charged or cited with a misdemeanor, you should not attempt to resolve it without the assistance of an experienced Tallahassee criminal defense attorney.

If you don’t do things right, you might get convicted of the crime and face very serious collateral consequences. That conviction can remain on your criminal record forever. Further, misdemeanors can sometimes be viewed as a first strike for those who are subsequently convicted of other criminal charges that then become much more serious. A misdemeanor is any offense that is punishable under Florida laws, or that would be punishable if committed in Florida, by imprisonment in the local County jail.

A misdemeanor is any offense that is punishable under Florida laws, or that would be punishable if committed in Florida, by imprisonment in the local County jail.

Attorney for Misdemeanor Crimes in Tallahassee, FL

It is important to hire an attorney who can assist you if you have been charged with a misdemeanor. An experienced attorney can guide you in entering an appropriate plea or defense, and in some cases, can even arrange to have the charge dismissed.

Contact the attorneys at the Pumphrey Law for a free and confidential consultation regarding your alleged misdemeanor offense. The firm proudly represents individuals throughout the Florida Panhandle, including the cities of Panama Beach, Tallahassee, Bonifay, Quincy, Freeport, Blountstown, Port St. Joe and Bristol, among others.

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Examples of Misdemeanors in Florida

The firm has a great deal of experience representing all kinds of individuals accused of many different misdemeanor offenses. Although less serious than felonies, misdemeanors can still be difficult to defend, along with having the potential to stay on your permanent record.

Representation is also offered for those accused of misdemeanor theft. Considering this is a crime of trust, having a theft conviction on your criminal record can hurt your prospects of finding a job or getting into certain programs or schools.

Don Pumphrey and the legal team also have a strong comprehension of Florida DUI laws and have represented many individuals accused of their first DUI offense. This also extends to those who have been in trouble before, with the firm willing to work with Floridians accused of a second DUI offense.

The firm also works on cases that involve violent misdemeanors. This includes the allegation of misdemeanor assault, which can come with harsh potential sentences because of the fact that you are threatening another with physical injury.

Additionally, they also focus on individuals who are currently dealing with a misdemeanor domestic violence charge or have been accused of a violation of probation. No matter what the charge is, you can count on the Pumphrey Law.

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Common Misdemeanor Crimes in Florida

Misdemeanor charges include, but are not limited to the following:

• simple battery;
• domestic violence battery;
• criminal mischief;
• loitering and prowling
• resisting arrest without violence;
• possession of marijuana;
• possession of drug paraphernalia;
• prostitution;
• petit theft / shoplifting / retail theft;
• DUI (driving under the influence);
• reckless driving;
• driving while license suspended;
• no valid driver’s license;
• underaged possession of alcohol / minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage;
• Fake ID Florida Law (with only the date of birth being altered);
• disorderly intoxication / public drunkenness.

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Florida Misdemeanor Charges Information Center

• Classification and Penalties of Florida Misdemeanors
• Differences Between Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
• Habitual Misdemeanor Offenders
• Avoid a Misdemeanor Criminal Record
• Florida Misdemeanor FAQ

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Classification and Penalties of Florida Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors, as defined in § 775.081 of the Florida Statutes, can either be misdemeanors of the first degree, or misdemeanors of the second degree.

According to Florida Statutes §§ 775.082 and 775.083, misdemeanors of the first degree are more serious. First degree misdemeanors are punishable by imprisonment up to one year and/or fines up to $1,000. Second-degree misdemeanors, which are less severe, can incur up to 60 days imprisonment and/or fines up to $500.

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Differences Between Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanors are often less serious charges than felonies and can carry less harsh punishments. Felonies frequently involve state prison time of more than a year, and misdemeanors can incur county jail time for 12 mnoths or less.

Additionally, fines for misdemeanors are lower than felony fines. However, habitual misdemeanor offenders can receive greater penalties.

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Habitual Misdemeanor Offenders

If someone receives four or more misdemeanors within a certain period of time, they can be classified as a habitual misdemeanor offender. Under Florida Statutes 775.0837, habitual misdemeanor offenders in Florida can be sentenced to mandatory prison time, mandatory commitment to a treatment program, or mandatory supervised detention.

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Avoid a Misdemeanor Criminal Record

Once you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, it may be on your criminal record for many years to come. However, it is possible to have your criminal record sealed or expunged with many misdemeanors. If your misdemeanor record is expunged in Florida, the court records will be destroyed, but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will retain a copy of the record.

However, other governmental entities will not have access to the record. When you seal your record, certain government agencies will be allowed to access your criminal record, but the general public will not be able to see you have a criminal record.

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The Warrantless Arrest in Florida

Under Florida Statute Section 901.15, F.S., a law enforcement officer may arrest a person without a warrant when:

1. a warrant for the arrest has been issued and is held by another officer for execution;
2. the officer reasonably believes that a felony has been or is being committed and that the person to be arrested has committed or is committing it;
3. a felony has been committed and he or she reasonably believes that the person committed it;
4. the person has committed a felony or misdemeanor or violated a municipal or county ordinance in the presence of the officer.

An arrest for the commission of a misdemeanor or the violation of a municipal or county ordinance must be made immediately or in fresh pursuit.

The courts consider the sufficiency of reasonable suspicion or probable cause by looking at the events which occurred leading up to the stop or search. Then the courts consider whether these facts, viewed from the standpoint of an objectively reasonable police officer, amount to reasonable suspicion or to probable cause.

As a general rule, an officer must witness a misdemeanor occurring in order to make a warrantless arrest. Florida law allows for several statutory exemptions from this requirement in s. 901.15, F.S.16

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Find a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers in Leon County, FL

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Leon County, Tallahassee, contact the attorneys at the Pumphrey Law to discuss the particular facts of your case and your possible defenses. An attorney can help you understand the most effective ways to present mitigation or have the criminal charges dismissed entirely.

Hiring an aggressive attorney is your best option to avoid harsh penalties. Contact us at (850) 681-7777 for a free consultation about your alleged misdemeanor charges.

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This article was last updated on Thursday August 26, 2021