St. Petersburg Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers

Aggressively Defending Clients In & Around St. Petersburg, FL

Being accused of a crime, whether a misdemeanor or felony, is often a frightening occurrence, leaving you anxious and uncertain about how to handle the situation and how it will affect your future. In the case of criminal charges, how you react can have a profound effect on your personal wellbeing, that of your family, your reputation, your freedom, and your future when all is said and done. Even with misdemeanor charges, the stakes are high which is why it is vital to have an experienced attorney that you can trust to be at your side every step of the way through the criminal justice process.

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., we represent clients day in and day out in the courts surrounding the greater St. Petersburg area. Our legal team is made up of experienced professionals, including a former state prosecutor who has handled cases ranging from domestic violence to DUI, robbery, manslaughter, and first-degree murder. Our team consists of seasoned trial lawyers who know how to fully investigate a case looking for flaws, procedural errors, and other evidence that can be used in your favor, how to thoroughly prepare a case for trial, and how to present compelling arguments before a judge and jury. If you are facing misdemeanor charges, we urge you to seek the help you need from our elite and established team.

We are available 24/7. Call Morris Law Firm, P.A. at (727) 592-5885 or contact us online for outstanding legal representation in the face of misdemeanor charges.

Misdemeanor Charges in Florida

The main difference between a misdemeanor charge and a felony charge lies in how severe the crime was and thus the penalties you will face. Misdemeanors are considered lesser crimes that lead to penalties involving up to a year in jail and/or fines of varying degrees based on the nature of the offense.

In Florida, misdemeanors are categorized as one of the following two:

• Second-degree misdemeanors, which are the least serious, resulting in jail time of up to 60 days, up to six months of probation, and/or a fine of up to $500. If a specific law fails to classify the level of a misdemeanor, then it is generally charged as second-degree. An example is a shoplifting charge.
• First-degree misdemeanors, which are the most serious. A conviction can lead to up to a year in jail or up to year of probation and/or a fine of up to $1,000. An example is theft of property valued between $100 up to $750.

Examples of misdemeanors can also include but are not limited to:

• Petty theft
• Disorderly conduct
• DUI
• Driving on a suspended license
• Domestic violence assault
• Prostitution
• Marijuana possession
• Loitering
• Vandalism
• Battery
• Providing minors with alcohol
• Criminal mischief

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, one of the other repercussions you will face is having a permanent criminal record that can be easily accessed by others on a routine background check. This can negatively affect your ability to gain future employment or housing, present financial problems, and may disqualify you for other career opportunities such as a professional license.

Let Morris Law Firm, P.A. Defend You at This Difficult Time

Because of all of the negative consequences that can follow misdemeanor charges, you need to be as proactive as possible in protecting yourself and your future. At Morris Law Firm, P.A., we can act as your advocate throughout the entirety of the legal process, standing by your side at every phase. We will work zealously on your behalf to have your case dismissed or to have charges or sentencing reduced such as probation in lieu of jail time. Our team has the experience and the commitment to help you seek the most favorable outcome possible.

Contact a St. Petersburg misdemeanor defense attorney at (727) 592-5885 to arrange for a consultation about your case today.