Felony Defense Attorney in Dunedin, Florida

In Florida, a person may be arrested and charged with a felony for committing a serious crime that causes severe bodily injury or harm to another person. Felony offenses may include murder, child abuse, rape, carjacking, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking. Unfortunately, a felony conviction can jeopardize the defendant’s quality of life, liberty, reputation, career, and future opportunities. 

If you’re facing felony charges or if you’re under investigation for a felony offense, you need to get in contact with a Florida criminal defense attorney immediately to help build your defense. At Venessa Bornost, P.A., I have the skill, resources, and diligence to defend and represent clients in their felony cases. As your legal counsel, I can fight vigorously for your rights, refute the allegations against you with substantial evidence, and ensure that you’re given a fair hearing. 

My firm – Venessa Bornost, P.A. – is proud to serve clients across Dunedin, Florida, and the surrounding areas of Hillsborough County and Pasco County. 

Crimes Classified as Felonies in Florida 

Felonies are the most serious type of crime in Florida. According to Florida law, a felony can be described as any criminal offense punishable under state law by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary.  

In most cases, felony crimes usually involve violence, harm, or serious injury to the victim. Some common examples of felonies in The Sunshine State include murder, kidnapping, child abuse, rape, aggravated assault, carjacking, incest, burglary, drug possession, and drug trafficking. 

Classes of Felonies in Florida 

In the state of Florida, felony offenses are classified into the following categories: 

Capital Felony: Capital felony is the most serious felony charge in Florida. It is punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. Examples of capital felony offenses include: 

• First-degree murder 

• Capital drug trafficking  

• Armed kidnapping. 

Life Felony: Life felonies involve extremely serious offenses and are punishable by life in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000. Examples of life felony offenses include: 

• Aggravated sexual assault 

• Kidnapping 

• Unpremeditated murder 

• Accomplice to murder 

• Possessing, using, or selling a weapon of mass destruction 

• Lascivious molestation of a minor below 12 years old. 

• Subsequent convictions of first-degree felonies. 

First-Degree Felony: These offenses are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Examples of first-degree felony offenses include: 

• Aggravated assault of a police officer on duty 

• Carjacking 

• Aggravated child abuse. 

• Burglary with an assault or battery. 

• Marijuana trafficking 

• Drug trafficking 

• Robbery with a weapon. 

• Home invasion. 

Second-Degree Felony: These offenses are punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Examples of second-degree felony offenses include: 

• Shooting or throwing a deadly missile 

• Aggravated battery 

• Possession of ammunition by a felon 

• Burglary of a dwelling 

• Selling cocaine 

• Dealing of stolen property 

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon 

• Leaving the scene involving death 

• DUI manslaughter. 

Third-Degree Felony: Third-degree felonies are the least serious and most common types of felony offense in Florida. These crimes are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. Examples of third-degree felony offenses include: 

• Aggravated stalking 

• The battery of an officer 

• Child abuse 

• Child neglect 

• Employee theft 

• Marijuana possession 

• Forgery 

• Marijuana cultivation 

• Grand theft 

• Driving with a suspended license 

However, the degree classification of the felony charge will determine the severity of your penalties. An experienced attorney can enlighten you about the nature of your charges as well as the possible penalties and ramifications. 

Possible Penalties 

Additionally, felony crimes often attract severe and far-reaching punishments. In extreme cases, a felony charge may result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Here are some penalties for a felony conviction in Florida: 

• Lengthy imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• Significant fines 

• A criminal record/history 

• Community service 

• Probation 

• Restitution to the victims 

Some other immediate and life-long consequences of a felony conviction include: 

• Deterioration of professional and personal relationships. 

• Difficulties in traveling overseas. 

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans. 

• Increased difficulties in getting government benefits. 

• Loss of the right to vote during elections. 

• Mandatory registration as a sex offender (for some sex-related crimes). 

• Loss of gun ownership rights 

• Increase difficulties in getting accommodation, new job, or educational opportunities. 

• Deportation or inadmissibility to the United States 

A strategic Florida felony defense lawyer will review all of the facts of your case, enlighten you about the state’s criminal justice process, and strategize a strong defense in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your personal situation. 

How a Dependable Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help 

Facing felony accusations can be terrifying. If convicted, you could be subject to lengthy incarceration, massive fines, a criminal record, and other devastating, life-long consequences. However, defending your felony charges without reliable guidance and representation is never advisable. Therefore, when charged with a felony, hiring a dependable criminal defense attorney is imperative to help identify your best defenses and protect your legal rights.   

At Venessa Bornost, P.A., I enjoy giving my all to protect individuals wrongfully charged with a felony. As your attorney, I can investigate every aspect of your case thoroughly and craft a solid defense strategy to help fight your charges. Also, I will help you navigate the Florida criminal justice system and represent you intelligently in every phase of the legal proceedings. With me on your side, you can anticipate the best available outcome in your felony case.