Misdemeanor Charges Lawyer in Tampa

Are you facing misdemeanor charges? Take a moment to talk to a Tampa criminal lawyer about your options and your legal rights in this matter. You may be at risk of facing jail time and fines as well as other penalties, and an attorney can help to protect you from these consequences.

All crimes are classified as misdemeanors or felonies in varying degrees depending on the specific penalties that may be imposed if a defendant is convicted. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by a maximum of up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Some examples of misdemeanor offenses include battery, disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended license, loitering, petty theft, prostitution and DUI (driving under the influence). In some cases, however, certain aggravating circumstances may cause these offenses to be charged as felonies.

Penalties for Misdemeanor Offenses

Though misdemeanors are less serious than felony offenses, they may still have lasting effects for a convicted offender. The following penalties may be imposed for the different classifications of misdemeanor offenses in Florida:

Misdemeanor of the First Degree – punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Misdemeanor of the Second Degree – punishable by up to 60 days in jail.

It is important to note that the specific penalties enforced by the court may vary depending on the circumstances of the particular case, the jurisdiction and even the judge’s discretion in some cases. It is therefore important to discuss your specific misdemeanor charges with a criminal lawyer who can advise you on what penalties may apply for your unique case.

Facing misdemeanor charges? Call a Tampa criminal attorney at our firm.

In addition to helping you challenge criminal charges or accusations of a misdemeanor offense, an attorney at our Tampa law firm can help you with expungement if you are interested in clearing a misdemeanor from your criminal record. A conviction of this kind may negatively impact employment and educational opportunities, but you may be able to have your record sealed or cleared.

Contact a Tampa misdemeanor defense attorney at our firm today to discuss your case.