Felony Defense Attorney

In many felony cases, one of the most important outcomes we pursue is a withhold of adjudication, a judicial determination that avoids a formal conviction even when guilt is admitted or found. A withhold of adjudication in Florida means you are not technically convicted of the felony, your civil rights including the right to vote and in many cases the right to possess firearms may be preserved, professional licensing consequences may be reduced, and you may be eligible for record sealing in the future. Not all offenses are eligible, and courts have discretion, but when it serves our clients’ long-term interests, our attorneys pursue this outcome aggressively.

Many of the strongest felony defenses begin long before a trial date is set. From Fourth Amendment challenges to unlawful searches and seizures, to attacking the credibility of witnesses, to identifying procedural violations in how evidence was gathered, the pre-trial stage is often where cases are won or lost. Our attorneys review every element of the investigation and the arrest to find the angles that matter most in your case.

Many felony sentences involve probation either instead of or following prison time. Felony probation comes with strict conditions, regular reporting, travel restrictions, no new criminal offenses, possible drug testing, and more. A violation, even a technical one, can result in arrest and a hearing where a judge has broad discretion to impose any sentence up to the original maximum. Our attorneys defend against violation allegations, challenging whether the violation actually occurred and arguing for outcomes short of incarceration when that is not warranted.

Florida has five felony classifications: third-degree (up to 5 years), second-degree (up to 15 years), first-degree (up to 30 years), life felony, and capital felony. Actual sentences are calculated using the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet system, which considers the offense, prior record, and other factors.

Felonies carry significantly more serious penalties than misdemeanors, including potential prison sentences, larger fines, longer probation terms, and more severe long-term consequences involving employment, firearm rights, professional licensing, and reputation.

In some cases, yes, through negotiation with prosecutors, successful legal motions, or diversion programs. The possibility depends heavily on the nature of the charge, the evidence, and your criminal history. This is one of the strategic goals our attorneys evaluate in every felony case.

A felony conviction results in loss of voting rights and firearm rights, and may affect professional licenses, housing options, employment, and for non-citizens, immigration status. Collateral consequences are a critical consideration in every felony defense strategy we build.

Many felony convictions are not eligible for sealing or expungement under Florida law. However, certain felony arrests that did not result in a conviction may qualify depending on the circumstances. Contact us to evaluate your specific situation.

Yes. Certain felony offenses may carry severe immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation, inadmissibility, visa complications, or denial of naturalization. Protecting immigration status is a critical part of our defense strategy for non-citizen clients.

In most circumstances, no. Felony convictions result in the loss of firearm rights under both Florida and federal law. This consequence applies regardless of the nature of the felony and cannot typically be restored through standard civil rights restoration processes.

Florida uses a points-based system to determine the recommended sentence range for felony offenses. Points are assigned based on the severity of the primary offense, the number of additional charges, the defendant’s prior record, and victim injury. Understanding the scoresheet calculation is essential to understanding your sentencing exposure, and identifying where there may be room to reduce it.