Have you been arrested for a felony in Lakeland, Florida? A felony charge can threaten your freedom, record, and future. An experienced Lakeland felony defense lawyer at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys can review the charges and begin building a defense designed to protect your rights.
Call (863) 688-4606 today for a confidential consultation and let us help you get a fair outcome in your case.
Why Choose Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Felony Case in Lakeland?
Felony cases are the most serious in criminal law. They require representation that understands what you are up against and can ensure you receive the fair judicial process and fair outcome you deserve.
Clients in Lakeland, FL, choose Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys because:
- We focus our practice on criminal defense and understand how felony cases are prosecuted
- Our Lakeland criminal defense attorneys have decades of trial and negotiation experience
- We have been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers and other leading legal organizations
- We have dozens of five-star Google reviews
- We provide personal attention during one of the most stressful moments in your life
Reach out today to speak to our criminal defense attorneys for the legal help you deserve.
What Criminal Offenses Qualify as Felonies in Florida?
In Florida, felonies are more serious than misdemeanors. A felony is generally any crime that can result in more than one year of incarceration.
Common felony charges in Lakeland include:
- Aggravated assault and battery
- Theft crimes
- Weapons crimes
- Drug crimes
- Felony DUI
- Sex crimes
- Domestic violence felonies
- Fraud and financial crimes (white collar offenses)
- Probation violations involving felony offenses
Some crimes are felonies by themselves. Others start as misdemeanors but become felonies due to prior convictions or aggravating circumstances.
What Are the Penalties for Felonies in Florida?
Florida felony penalties depend on the type and degree of the offense, your prior record, and the sentencing scoresheet.
Potential felony penalties may include:
- Third-degree felony – Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
- Second-degree felony – Up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- First-degree felony – Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Some offenses even carry life sentences, or in rare cases, the death penalty. Probation terms in felony cases can also be extremely burdensome.
You should not assume the maximum sentence is inevitable. Many felony cases are resolved through reduced charges or litigation that weakens the state’s case.
Do Felony Convictions Come With Collateral Consequences?
Yes. A felony conviction can follow you long after prison terms and probation are complete.
Collateral consequences may include:
- Loss of voting rights until rights are restored
- Loss of firearm rights
- Difficulty finding employment
- Professional licensing problems
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Housing and rental difficulties
- Loss of educational opportunities
- Security clearance issues
- Problems with custody or family court matters
- Damage to your reputation
- Registration requirements in certain cases
A felony conviction can close personal and professional opportunities years after the case ends. That is why your defense strategy should not focus only on avoiding jail. It should also consider your long-term future once penalties have been served.
Defenses to Felony Charges That Often Lead to Reduced or Dismissed Charges
The right defense to felony charges depends on the charge and evidence. No two defenses are alike because felony cases involve different facts and circumstances.
However, many felony cases have weaknesses that can be challenged through investigation, negotiation, and pretrial motions.
Possible defenses may include:
- Illegal traffic stop
- Illegal search or seizure
- Lack of probable cause
- Miranda violations
- Weak or unreliable witness statements
- False accusations
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of intent
- Self-defense
- Defense of others
- Lack of possession or knowledge
- Problems with forensic evidence
- Chain of custody issues
- Unreliable informants
- Entrapment
- Insufficient evidence
- Constitutional violations
- Police misconduct
In some cases, a strong defense can lead prosecutors to dismiss the charge. In others, a good defense might reduce a felony to a misdemeanor or help achieve a resolution that limits the long-term damage to your future.
The best way to learn what defenses are available in your case is to contact an experienced felony defense attorney in Lakeland.
Contact a Lakeland Felony Defense Lawyer Today
A felony charge does not have to define the rest of your life. The prosecution still has to prove its case, and you have the right to challenge the evidence against you.
Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys represents clients facing serious felony charges throughout Central Florida. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Lakeland felony defense lawyer.