A Florida conviction for criminal charges is often punished by jail time, which is the major focus of penalties most convicted individuals want to avoid. Many are unaware there are additional criminal fines and other punishments that can be associated with a Florida conviction.
Criminal fines have a maximum level for each type of Florida conviction and in many cases the judge will automatically assign this full penalty to your case. A Miami criminal attorney can help you get these fines reduced or even dropped in some circumstances, but you must act quickly to begin this process.
Criminal Fines for a Misdemeanor Florida Conviction
There are 3 levels of misdemeanor Florida conviction and 2 have criminal fines associated with them. A misdemeanor of the 1st degree can have a maximum of $1,000 in criminal fines as punishment, aside from jail time. Florida conviction for a misdemeanor of the 2nd degree can result in a maximum of $500 in criminal fines. Noncriminal violations such as traffic offenses are also punishable by fines up to $500.
Criminal Fines for a Felony Florida Conviction
A Florida conviction for a felony crime can be brought at 5 different degrees. The highest level of felony, capital felony, does not have criminal fines imposed as the sentencing is normally for a life term or punishment by death. The remaining degrees of felony are fined as follows:
- $15,000 for a life felony;
- $10,000 for a felony of the 1st or 2nd degree;
- $5,000 for a felony of the 3rd degree.
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Remember, these are the maximum criminal fines for these levels of Florida conviction. They are not always the final penalty you have to face when you have an experienced Miami criminal attorney helping you fight your case. Evidence of the crime and a good criminal defense can often help have these fines reduced or even dropped.
Additional Penalties for a Florida Conviction
Jail time and criminal fines are not the only methods of punishment a judge can impose in your sentencing. In many cases where the Florida conviction was for a driving-related action, your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked. Any other licenses related to the crime may also be in jeopardy.
House arrest, probation, and community service are all also optional punishments for various crimes. The penalties you face for your Florida conviction are dependent on the nature of the incident and the type of criminal violation you are accused of committing.
Working with a Miami criminal attorney is your best chance at avoiding the maximum criminal fines and many other punitive measures in your Florida conviction. The sooner your attorney is involved in your case, the better chance you have at avoiding unnecessarily high punishments.