The Significant Consequences of Minor Criminal Offenses
While less serious than felonies, a Florida misdemeanor arrest and guilty finding leads to criminal records with the FBI and state police. A misdemeanor can mean a permanent criminal record that may harm both educational and job prospects.
Florida misdemeanors carry a maximum punishment of a fine and up to one year in jail. Crimes for which a person may be punished by more than one year in jail or in prison are categorized in Florida as felonies.
Though they are less serious, misdemeanors are still crimes. As a result being charged with a misdemeanor means arrest, mugshots, fingerprinting and the posting of bond.
Florida: First and Second Degree Misdemeanors
In Florida, misdemeanors come in two classes. These are defined as First Degree Misdemeanors and Second Degree Misdemeanors. First degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1000.00 fine. Second degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.
Common Florida Misdemeanors
- Assault and battery
- Bad Checks under $150
- Boating under the Influence
- Criminal Mischief
- Disorderly Conduct
- Domestic violence/spousal abuse
- Driving with a Suspended License with Knowledge
- DUI/drunk driving
- First and second time driving with license suspended or with knowledge
- Indecent exposure
- Lewdness
- Marijuana possession (under twenty grams)
- Petit (petty) theft
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Reckless driving
- Resisting an Officer without Violence
- Shoplifting (under $300)
- Solicitation for prostitution
- Ticket Scalping
- Trespass
- Vandalism
Possible Pleas in a Florida Misdemeanor Case
A defendant charged with a misdemeanor in Florida may plead not guilty, guilty or nolo contendere (no contest). These pleas have different potential outcomes. When a not guilty plea is maintained it leads ultimately to a trial, either by a judge or jury. A guilty plea or nolo contendere often is the result of a plea bargain with the state attorney making a sentence recommendation to the judge.
Judicial Options following Plea or Finding of Guilty
Upon a finding of guilty after a trial, after a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, the judge has two initial options. In misdemeanor cases (and certain specific felonies) an adjudication of conviction may be entered, or such adjudication may be withheld. The difference is significant in that an adjudication of conviction results in a permanent criminal record, and a case in which adjudication has been withheld may be eligible to be expunged or sealed.
Possible Sentences Other Than Maximum
A judge may sentence a guilty defendant to any period of jail less than the maximum and/or impose a fine less than the maximum. Additionally, there is the possibility of a period of probation that does not include jail, but may include other conditions such as community service, or appropriate counseling for substance abuse or anger issues.