Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Tampa

Many individuals view misdemeanors as simple offenses that they need not worry about, so they often wonder whether it’s necessary to hire the services of a Tampa misdemeanor defense lawyer. Is this your dilemma, too? It’s vital to understand that getting quality legal representation is the single most important decision to make in the circumstances.

Indeed, misdemeanors are not severe offenses, especially when compared to felonies. However, this doesn’t make them any less significant as they still come with huge legal and social consequences. A misdemeanor can appear on your criminal record, affecting your education, insurance, employment, and housing prospects.

Misdemeanors can also carry steep penalties like jail terms, fines, driving license suspension, and loss of professional license. Additionally, a misdemeanor conviction is a dent in your reputation and can make you less relevant in your social circles.

These are consequences that you shouldn’t have to endure, especially when you can access legal assistance. It’s essential to have a competent misdemeanor defense attorney by your side when facing a misdemeanor charge.

 

What is a Misdemeanor in Tampa, Florida?

Per Florida Statute 775.08 (2), misdemeanors are offenses that are punishable by a maximum of one year of imprisonment. Misdemeanors may also attract fines of up to $1,000 and probation.

Generally, the crimes classified under misdemeanors do not cause significant economic losses to the government. They also don’t involve extreme violence against others. As such, they’re “more forgivable” and don’t deserve the severe penalties that felonies do.

However, the simple nature of misdemeanors makes them very easy offenses to commit. It’s no surprise that misdemeanors make up about 80% of criminal cases in the United States every year. Despite their low severity, the State of Florida doesn’t take misdemeanor offenses lightly, and neither should you.

At Taracks and Associates, we never underestimate the consequences that come with your misdemeanor charge. Our misdemeanor defense lawyers will give your case the attention it deserves and craft an appropriate defense strategy for it.

Do I Need a Tampa Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer?

The truth is that Florida allows you to represent yourself in misdemeanor cases. However, it is in your best interests to hire the services of a compassionate Tampa misdemeanor defense attorney for these reasons:

The Legal System is Complex

Florida’s legal system is so complicated that only an experienced attorney can navigate it without problems. Without a thorough legal background, it’s almost impossible to understand which of the numerous rules and exceptions apply to your case. You’ll also need help to follow the right procedures and successfully work through the large piles of required paperwork.

The Penalties for Misdemeanors are Steep

The consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are too severe for a trial-and-error approach. They can affect not just you, but your friends, family, and loved ones. From heavy fines to a possible jail term, tainted criminal record, and harm to your reputation, representing yourself is a risk not worth taking.

You Deserve a Fair Trial

You’ll be doing yourself a great disservice by trying to defend a criminal charge alone. Since the prosecutors are experienced attorneys dedicated to their cause, the odds are highly stacked against you. Standing alone against such formidable legal professionals creates an unlevel playing field that only an experienced misdemeanor defense lawyer can balance.

Misdemeanors Can Escalate into Felonies

Many accused persons have no idea that misdemeanors can easily become felonies. All it takes is the presence of certain seemingly insignificant factors.

For example, a person facing a potential charge for marijuana possession may not realize how significant the amount in question is. They may casually admit to holding 50 grams of cannabis without knowing that the threshold for misdemeanor drug possession is 20 grams. In such situations, what could have otherwise been a misdemeanor will escalate into a felony charge with severe consequences.

Meanwhile, a defense attorney’s job is to mitigate your circumstances and ensure that you don’t end up worse than you started.

You Need Emotional Support

Standing trial for a misdemeanor can be emotionally overwhelming. As such, you need someone to take the significant burden off your shoulders as you navigate these tough times. Representing yourself in this situation will increase your stress which might worsen your mental, psychological, and emotional health.

On the other hand, compassionate misdemeanor defense lawyers understand the toll a criminal charge can take on your emotional well-being. Our attorneys will give you all the support and encouragement you need to ensure that you’re always at your best. The more mentally alert and emotionally stable you are during the process, the higher your chances of a favorable outcome.

Why Choose Us?

It’s not enough to hire just any attorney for your case. Since your choice of defense lawyer significantly impacts the success of your case, it’s wise to be selective about who represents your interests. Here’s why we come highly recommended by our past clients and even colleagues in the legal community:

• Free consultation and affordable legal services
• Impeccable investigative and negotiation skills
• Accessibility and excellent communication skills
• Proven track record of success with over 10,000 clients helped and 185 jury trials handled
• Over 30 years of experience in criminal defense
• Skilled in misdemeanor defense in Tampa
• Aggressive defense tactics and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?

While a misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum of one year in prison, felonies typically carry much longer jail terms. Common misdemeanor offenses include shoplifting, petty theft, DUI, and disorderly conduct. On the other hand, child abuse, aggravated battery, sex crimes, drug trafficking, etc., are categorized as felonies.

How long will a misdemeanor stay on my record?

Generally, a misdemeanor charge will remain on your criminal record forever. It will only be removed or restricted from public viewing if your criminal defense lawyer can have your record sealed or expunged.

What are the defenses to misdemeanors in Florida?

There are many possible defenses to misdemeanors in Florida, depending on the peculiarities of your case and the loopholes that can be leveraged. For example, your case may be dismissed if law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during arrest or interrogation. In other cases, lack of criminal intent, self-defense, coercion, or mistaken identity may be the appropriate defenses.

How many categories of misdemeanors are there?

There are two broad categories of misdemeanors—1st degree and 2nd degree. While 1st degree misdemeanors carry the maximum penalties, 2nd degree misdemeanors refer to offenses that can result in a jail term of not more than 60 days and a maximum fine of $500.

Let Our Tampa Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Handle Your Criminal Charges

While misdemeanors are lesser crimes than felonies, they still carry short- and long-term consequences that you may never recover from. So, it’s imperative that you work with an experienced attorney to draw up an effective defense strategy for your case.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look too far to access quality legal representation in your case. At Taracks and Associates, our misdemeanor defense teams are always ready to help. We remain dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you achieve only the best possible outcomes in your circumstances.