Do I need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale?

Law firms offer direct access to legal professionals who understand the ins and outs of our legal system. With their assistance, you can beat your misdemeanor to avoid jail time, fines, and future complications caused by having a criminal record. At the Law Office of Carlos A. Canet, PA, we dedicate the time and energy you deserve into understanding the details of your case and forming a solid defense. With over 30 years of experience, we fight for your best interest.  

  

As the middle range of criminal offenses, typically, misdemeanors carry heftier charges than infractions, which usually amount to warnings or citations. Misdemeanor offenses may be punishable by fines or jail time, but usually not more than one year. Examples of misdemeanor charges include:  

  • Petty theft  
  • Simple assault  
  • Trespassing  
  • Reckless driving  
  • Prostitution  
  • Public intoxication  
  • Disorderly conduct  

Like felonies, misdemeanors are subdivided into classes with Class A Misdemeanors being the most serious and Class D Misdemeanors being the least. This system will give you a general sense of what kind of sentences you may be facing: Class A may lead to jail time while Class D is usually just a fine.  

In some cases, the determining factor for if one is charged with a felony or misdemeanor comes down to the specifics of the situation. The severity of the offense, your criminal history, and the existence of specific legal statutes can sway these charges either way. However, this may also lean in your favor. The prosecutor in your case may push for a felony charge, but the court can decide to implement misdemeanor penalties instead. If you find yourself in this tenuous situation, enlisting the help of a Florida criminal defense lawyer can help turn the tides in your favor. Call our experienced team of attorneys to help you throughout your case.