Crimes in Florida and around the country are prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are relatively minor crimes that carry a maximum custodial sentence of 12 months. Felonies are more serious offenses and are punishable by more than a year behind...
Felonies
What is a Habitual Felony Offender in Florida?
The difference between misdemeanor and felony crimes is clear in most cases, but there are also special designations for those the State of Florida views as habitual offenders. In fact, the term “Habitual Felony Offender” is a specific designation in Florida law....
Is trespassing a felony?
Facing a trespassing charge could impact your life in more ways than one. Depending on the severity of your situation, you may lose the trust of others and your reputation may suffer. Fortunately, most trespassing convictions do not have as serious of legal...
When is a DUI a felony in Florida?
There are some crimes that are always charged as felonies, like murder. However, crimes like driving under the influence in Florida can become either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the circumstances. If the State of Florida is charging you with a DUI, you must...
What are some barriers to employment after a felony conviction?
A felony conviction on your criminal record can result in many negative consequences beyond the sentence the court hands down. One area where it can have a huge impact is employment. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a felony conviction can...
Orange County authorities make arrest based on algae evidence
Law enforcement officers in Fort Lauderdale literally have a treasure trove of scientific tools and resources at their disposal to assist in the investigation of crimes. General public opinion and popular media may lead many people to simply assume that such tools are...
Is mail fraud a felony?
In Florida, the law considers some white collar crimes to be felonies. This means the law treats the charges in a more severe manner. Felony convictions often come with longer jail sentences and bigger fines. Today, we will look at one of these crimes. Mail fraud is a...
What voting rights do you have after a Florida felony conviction?
In the past, a felony conviction would prevent someone from being able to vote in Florida, but this is no longer automatically the case. Now, residents may be able to legally vote following a felony conviction, but they first have to meet certain requirements. ...
Assaulting a firefighter in Florida
Firefighters in Florida must respond to accident scenes and conflagrations. When people are charged with assaulting firefighters or committing batteries against them, the defendants may face stiff penalties. Florida law specifically forbids assaults and batteries on...
Florida man killed after trying on flak jacket
According to officers with the Tampa Police Department, a 23-year-old man was shot and killed on Sept. 10 after he tried on a flak jacket. The man reportedly asked out loud whether the flak jacket was bulletproof. This allegedly led his 24-year-old cousin to shoot him...

