Lawyer for Felony Charges in Tampa

Why Do Clients Choose Taracks & Associates for Felony Charges in Tampa?

Results Matter when Choosing An Attorney for Felony Charges

As a respected felony defense law firm in Tampa, we have over 30 years of experience defending clients against felony charges. In each of the cases we’ve handled, our clients were either freed from the justice system or faced reduced sentences because of our representation.

Furthermore, our team comprises a former prosecutor who understands the strategies used by those trying to secure a conviction in your case. We’ll leverage his knowledge, skill, and experience to get you the best possible outcome in your felony case.

 

What Is A Felony?

Understand Felony And Its Types

A felony is a category of offense punishable by a minimum sentence of at least one year of imprisonment. This sentence requirement differentiates felonies from misdemeanors or summary infractions, which are punishable by lesser sentences.

Florida law classifies felonies by the type of sentences that you can receive if convicted. There are five severities of felonies:

Capital Felonies

A capital felony can be punished with the death penalty or with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Only murders (and not all) fall into this category of felony.

Life Felonies

The next lesser degree of felony is a life felony. These felonies are punished with a life sentence that offers the possibility of parole. Examples of this category of felony include some murders, kidnapping, robbery with a deadly weapon, and use of a weapon of mass destruction. The minimum sentence for a life felony is usually 40 years in prison, but this can be negotiated down in a plea agreement.

First-Degree Felonies

The majority of first-degree felonies are punishable by a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000. A few charges in this category can be punished by a life sentence, but that is uncommon. The most common first-degree charges are for drug trafficking and child abuse.

Second-Degree Felonies

A second-degree felony is punishable by a sentence of 15 years in prison, at most. Second-degree felonies can range from vehicular homicide, felon in possession of a firearm, drug charges, burglary charges, and aggravated battery charges.  If facing a second-degree felony, there are many defenses your attorney can pursue to avoid a conviction as charged.

Third-Degree Felonies

Third-degree felonies are the most common and varied type of felonies under Florida law and are punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. Depending on the circumstances, all of the following can be third-degree felonies:

• Resisting arrest with violence
• Drug possession
• Burglary
• Battery/Battery on a LEO
• Hit and run / Leaving the scene of an accident
• Grand Theft
• Domestic violence
• Driving under the influence / DUI with injury

 

Felony Charges in Florida

Our Tampa Felony Offense Lawyer Answers Common Client Questions

You have questions, and we have answers below:

What Are The Consequences of A Felony beyond Fines And Imprisonment in Florida?

According to Florida law, a person convicted of a felony loses all voting rights until they have completed their sentence, including probation. A felony conviction may also affect your voting rights, public assistance benefits, chances of employment and housing, etc. If you are not an American citizen, a felony conviction will almost always get you deported after the completion of your sentence.

How Do I Have The Right to Appeal An Adverse Decision?

Yes, you can request for a supervisory court to overrule an earlier decision if it violated your rights in some way. In most cases, your appeal will be handled by the same lawyer that handled your original case. This ensures that the lawyer is as knowledgeable about your case as possible.

Why Do I Need A Lawyer for A Felony Charge?

While the law permits you to represent yourself, doing so can place you in a highly disadvantageous position. Without a law degree, you likely lack the necessary legal knowledge to effectively avoid conviction, even if you are innocent. That’s why it’s essential to have our knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorneys in Tampa advocate on your behalf.

Do You Represent Clients in Federal Felony Cases?

Not only does our law firm represent clients in federal court, but we also have an impressive record of success in federal court. We have a former prosecutor on staff who understands the intricacies of federal felony cases. Our attorneys also have the experience to provide a powerful defense on your behalf.

 

Depend on Taracks & Associates to Fiercely Defend Your Rights

Our Tampa Felony Offense Lawyers Are Strategic And Tenacious

A Tampa felony conviction can ruin your life. Even if you are convicted of a relatively minor charge, you will find it difficult to ever return to the life you had before your felony conviction. A lawyer for felony charges in Tampa will fight to have your charges and sentences reduced so that you can move forward with your life in the best way possible.