Accomplished Orlando Lawyer Fights for Clients in Felony Cases
Determined defense lawyer protects your rights and focuses on positive outcomes
In Florida, state authorities dedicate immense resources to investigating and prosecuting felonies, the most serious type of crime. If you have been charged with a felony, you face a prison term of more than a year along with considerable fines, possible forfeiture of property and loss of other rights. With your freedom and your future at stake, you need a knowledgeable and determined attorney who will work tirelessly to obtain a positive outcome. For more than 27 years, The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. has provided robust defense representation for clients charged with felonies in state and federal courts.
Penalties for felony offenses in Florida
Florida law provides five categories of felonies with a range of penalties:
- Third degree — Offenses are punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a $5,000 fine.
- Second degree — A conviction is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine.
- First degree — A conviction carries up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation and a $10,000 fine.
- Life felony — A conviction means life in prison without the possibility of parole or probation for the remainder of the offender’s life, plus a $15,000 fine.
- Capital felony — Florida allows the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole for this category of offense.
In addition to prison time, a felony conviction results in civil penalties. You lose the right to vote, to serve on a jury, to hold public office and usually to get a professional license. Sex offenses require mandatory registration for life. Federal criminal law makes it illegal for convicted felons to own firearms.
Common felony crimes charged in Florida
Mr. Yates has experience defending clients in a wide variety of felony cases, including:
- Assault —Aggravated assault, committed “with intent to commit a felony” or “with a deadly weapon without intent to kill,” is a third degree felony.
- Battery —Aggravated battery, done “intentionally or knowingly” and causing “great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement” or committed with a deadly weapon, is a second-degree felony.
- Burglary — The charge can run from a felony of the third degree to the first degree, depending on whether there are aggravating factors.
- Drug crimes — Simple possession of even a small amount of certain controlled substances is a first degree felony.
- DUI — If a defendant already has two DUI convictions within a 10 year period, the next DUI is charged as a felony. A fourth DUI is a felony regardless of how far back the other convictions go.
- Domestic violence — Violating a domestic violence restraining order is a felony of the third degree if an offender has two or more prior convictions.
- Robbery — Armed robbery, carjacking and home invasion are first-degree felonies; strong-arm robbery is a second-degree felony; and robbery by sudden snatching is a third-degree felony
- Sexual battery — Florida law on sex crimes allows rape to be charged as a first degree, life, or capital felony depending on the age, status and capacity of the victim and the degree of violence in the act.
With so much at stake, you should hire the most qualified criminal defense attorney you can find. Mr. Yates has a 25-year track record of success and is determined to provide a robust defense on your behalf.
Contact a felony defense attorney in Orlando for a consultation
Conviction for a state or federal felony crime can totally disrupt your life. If you face such charges, call The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. at 407-608-7777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
