Florida Felony & Misdemeanor Penalties

The penalties a defendant faces for a criminal charge include jail, probation, fines, community service, court ordered programs, and having a conviction on their record. In addition to these criminal penalties, there are many other negative consequences that may affect the defendant, such as:

1) Termination or denial of employment
2) Loss or denial of professional licenses
3) Suspension or expulsion from school
4) Loss of grants or scholarships
5) Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote
6) Loss of right to possess firearms
7) Administrative driver license suspension
8) Deportation or denial of citizenship
9) Loss of reputation in your community

Please note that the penalties below apply to most misdemeanor and felony offenses, however, certain crimes such as reckless driving and drug trafficking have additional penalties or mandatory minimum sentences imposed by statute. Also some individuals may face significantly higher penalties due to their prior criminal record. Please review the Florida Statutes provided on the bottom of this page for additional information on Criminal Penalties.

Misdemeanor Penalties:

Penalties for Second Degree Misdemeanor: Usually up to 60 days in the county jail or 6 months of probation or a combination thereof, up to a $500 fine, community service hours, court imposed programs, and court costs

Penalties for First Degree Misdemeanor: Usually up to 1 year in the county jail or up to 12 months of probation or a combination thereof, up to a $1,000 fine, community service hours, court imposed programs, and court costs

Felony Penalties:

Penalties for Third Degree Felony: Usually up to 5 years in State prison or up to 5 years of probation or a combination thereof, up to a $5,000 fine, community service hours, court imposed programs, and court costs

Penalties for Second Degree Felony: Usually up to 15 years in State prison or up to 15 years of probation or a combination thereof, up to a $10,000 fine, community service hours, court imposed programs, and court costs

Penalties for First Degree Felony: Usually up to 30 years in State prison or up to 30 years of probation or a combination thereof, up to a $15,000 fine, community service hours, court imposed programs, and court costs

Life Felony: Up to life in prison

Capital Felony: Punishable by death penalty

Experienced Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer:

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime, call us today to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. In many criminal cases, a properly prepared defense by a criminal lawyer will result in either reduced penalties, reduced charges, or a dismissal of the charges. Even in criminal cases where the evidence of guilt is overwhelming, a properly prepared defense and presentation of mitigating circumstances by an Orlando criminal lawyer can result in significant decreases in the penalties you receive.

Florida Statutes:

The following Florida Statutes provide some additional information on Florida penalties and fines as well as circumstances which can lead to enhanced penalties or the reclassification of some offenses.

Florida Statute 775.082 – Penalties; applicability of sentencing structures; mandatory minimum sentences for certain reoffenders previously released from prison.
Florida Statute 775.083 – Fines.
Florida Statute 775.0837 – Habitual misdemeanor offenders.
Florida Statute 775.084 – Violent career criminals; habitual felony offenders and habitual violent felony offenders; three-time violent felony offenders; definitions; procedure; enhanced penalties or mandatory minimum prison terms.
Florida Statute 775.08435 – Prohibition on withholding adjudication in felony cases.
Florida Statute 775.0845 – Wearing mask while committing offense; reclassification.
Florida Statute 775.0846 – Possession of bulletproof vest while committing certain offenses.
Florida Statute 775.0847 – Possession or promotion of certain images of child pornography; reclassification.
Florida Statute 775.085 – Evidencing prejudice while committing offense; reclassification.
Florida Statute 775.0861 – Offenses against persons on the grounds of religious institutions; reclassification.
Florida Statute 775.087 – Possession or use of weapon; aggravated battery; felony reclassification; minimum sentence.
Florida Statute 775.0875 – Unlawful taking, possession, or use of law enforcement officer’s firearm; crime reclassification; penalties.
Florida Statute 775.16 – Drug offenses; additional penalties.
Florida Statute 921.0022 – Criminal Punishment Code; offense severity ranking chart.
Florida Statute 921.0023 – Criminal Punishment Code; ranking unlisted felony offenses.
Florida Statute 921.0024 – Criminal Punishment Code; worksheet computations; scoresheets.
Florida Statute 958.04 – Judicial disposition of youthful offenders.

Orlando Criminal Attorney Services:

Speak with a Orlando criminal attorney and review our website for more information on Florida criminal offenses: