West Palm Beach Felony Defense Attorney

In most states, there are three levels of crime. Infractions are at the bottom, and they generally result in fines. The next level of crime is a misdemeanor. These range in severity as well. At the lowest level, a misdemeanor could result in a hefty fine, and a more egregious misdemeanor could lead to probation or jail for up to one year.

Felony crimes are the most severe. They include everything from car theft to murder. A felony conviction can ruin someone’s life. It can lead to years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. After release, a felony still follows you. Felony convictions make it hard to secure work and basic housing, and they can lead to you losing some of your fundamental constitutional rights as well.

Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A. is here to help people accused of felony crimes. No matter the charge, you deserve the right to a defense. For years, our firm has represented clients in Palm Beach County. We know the system, and we can help preserve your innocence. Our team can investigate the evidence against you, helping expose holes in the prosecution’s claims.

If you’ve been charged with a felony in West Palm Beach, trust our lawyer for a solid criminal defense. Call us today at (561) 902-1122 to set up an appointment.

Felony Classes in Florida

Felony of the Third Degree

These are the lowest felonies in the state, but don’t let that fact fool you. Penalties for these crimes are high, and they can last a lifetime.

Examples include:

• Fraud
• Bribery
• Burglary of a Structure or Conveyance
• Drug Possession
• Aggravated Assault
• Carrying a Concealed Firearm
• Domestic Battery by Strangulation
• Felony Battery

The state can penalize felonies of the third degree with up to 5 years in prison, up to 5 years of probation, and up to $5,000 in fines.

Felony of the Second Degree

Examples include:

• Sale of Drugs
• Aggravated Battery
• Dealing in Stolen Property
• Manslaughter
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury
• DUI Manslaughter
• Burglary of a Dwelling

Penalties include up to 15 years in prison, up to 15 years of probation, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Felony of the First Degree

These crimes are classified as the “first,” but there are still some felonies in Florida that have harsher sentences.

Examples include:

• Carjacking
• Home Invasion Robbery
• Drug Trafficking
• Aggravated Child Abuse
• Burglary with an Assault or Battery

These crimes can lead to up to 30 years in prison, up to 30 years of probation, and up to $10,00 in fines. Some first-degree felonies, such as Burglary with an Assault or Battery, are reclassified as first-degree felonies punishable by life (“PBL”). As the name suggests, these felonies are punishable by up to life in prison.

Life and Capital Felonies

These crimes can result in life in prison without the possibility of parole. First-degree murder is the one capital felony in Florida that is still punishable by death.

Other examples include:

• Capital Sexual Battery
• Human Trafficking of a Child for Commercial Sexual Activity

Enhanced Sentences for Felonies in Florida

If you’ve been previously convicted of a felony, you may face even harsher penalties. In Florida, judges can extend prison sentences for so-called repeat offenders.

Florida’s Point-Based System for Felonies

Sentencing is also determined by a point system known as the Criminal Punishment Code. A person’s “minimum recommended sentence” is determined by a “scoresheet” for alleged felonies. For different aspects of the crime, judges assign a number between 1 and 10. Points are assigned for things such as the crime’s severity, impact on the victim, and the accused’s criminal history.

Once the points are totaled, judges then assign a sentence. If, for instance, the score is lower than 44 points, a judge can order a non-prison sentence like community service, probation, prison diversion, etc. If a person is convicted of a felony and this person’s score is 44 points of more, a judge must impose a prison term unless there is a legal basis for a downward departure.

Trust Our Team to Handle Your Felony Charges

Our dedicated lawyer is experienced and award-winning. Attorney Greg Rosenfeld has argued in over 50 trials at both the state and federal levels, and he has received many accolades throughout his career. If you’re accused of a felony, our firm can help in a variety of ways. Be sure to choose an attorney who is well-versed in felony crimes and is committed to using their knowledge and experience to fight for you.

Turn to our West Palm Beach felony defense lawyer for help with your case. You can schedule time with us online today.