Fighting to Protect Your Future: Felony Defense in Sarasota, Florida
The most serious crimes are classified as felonies, and a conviction can lead to severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of civil rights.
When you are arrested or learn you are under investigation in Sarasota, FL, take immediate steps to protect your rights by hiring a criminal defense attorney with experience handling felony cases. At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our felony attorney in Sarasota provides skilled legal representation for clients facing serious charges.
Contact our Sarasota felony lawyer at (941) 541-5335 for a free consultation to discuss your felony case and legal options.
Defending Clients in Sarasota Against Felony Charges
Felony charges are reserved for serious offenses, but the right criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in your case. Attorney Eric Reisinger defends the rights of clients charged with a range of felony offenses, from third-degree felonies to capital felonies.
Our Sarasota firm represents clients charged with felonies, such as:
Sarasota felony cases may move quickly through the court system, often beginning with an appearance at the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center downtown. Prosecutors from the State Attorney’s Office bring the government’s case, making it crucial to respond early with informed legal counsel.
Because of the serious nature of these crimes, you should immediately secure a defense lawyer. Do not speak to police, give a statement, or answer questions without consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contacting our Sarasota criminal defense law firm at the start of the process lets us protect your rights from your initial questioning through case resolution.
Understanding the Felony Classes in Florida
If you are convicted of a felony in Florida, you could face a long prison sentence, life in prison, or even the death penalty. The penalties depend on the felony class. Florida categorizes felonies based on the offense’s seriousness.
The five felony classes in Florida include:
Felony in the third degree – Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Common offenses include grand theft and some drug possession charges.
Felony in the second degree – Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Examples are aggravated battery and burglary of an occupied dwelling.
Felony in the first degree – Up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Kidnapping and armed robbery fall into this group.
Life felony – Up to 40 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Sexual battery on a child under 12 is one example.
Capital felony – Life in prison without parole or the death penalty. First-degree murder is a capital felony.
In addition to criminal penalties, felonies carry lasting consequences after release from prison. A felony record can make it much harder to find employment, rent housing, secure a loan for education, and you lose your right to vote or own a firearm.
How a Criminal Record Affects Your Future Opportunities in Sarasota
Having a felony record can greatly impact your professional and personal life in Sarasota. Most employers conduct background checks and may hesitate to hire people with criminal convictions.
Landlords may also refuse rental applications from people with felonies. Felony convictions can limit access to loans, financial credits, or state assistance programs, which can affect economic mobility and future plans.
Beyond these immediate challenges, a felony conviction in Sarasota brings civil consequences like the loss of voting rights and restrictions on gun ownership. Young adults may struggle to secure financial aid or participate in certain academic programs because of a criminal record.
Legal help may provide paths for record expungement or sealing to address some of these issues. Working with a skilled felony attorney can help you explore ways to lessen these effects and regain stability after a conviction.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Felony Defense in Sarasota
Defending against felonies requires a strategic and aggressive approach in the Circuit Courts of Sarasota. Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA uses our courtroom experience as former prosecutors to anticipate and neutralize the State’s case.
Key defense strategies we employ:
Challenging Constitutional Violations: We scrutinize the actions of law enforcement. If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure (Fourth Amendment violation) or if a confession was coerced (Fifth Amendment violation), we file a Motion to Suppress, which can lead to the dismissal of the entire felony charge.
Attacking Intent and Knowledge (Mens Rea): For crimes requiring specific intent (like Grand Theft or Trafficking), we create reasonable doubt by showing the client lacked the required mental state. This includes defenses like mistake of fact or lack of knowledge regarding the illegal nature of the activity.
Criminal Punishment Code Mitigation: We vigorously challenge the prosecutor's score sheet calculations, specifically aiming to reduce points assigned for victim injury or prior convictions, to bring the total score below the mandatory prison threshold.
Affirmative Defenses: We assert affirmative defenses such as Self-Defense or Florida's Stand Your Ground law, which can lead to judicial immunity from prosecution if we can prove the use of force was reasonably necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
Negotiating to a Lesser Charge: Where dismissal is not feasible, we leverage weaknesses in the State's evidence to negotiate a plea agreement to a lesser-included offense or a misdemeanor, thereby avoiding the devastating consequences of a Sarasota felony lawyer conviction.
Your Rights After Being Accused of a Felony in Florida
If you face felony charges in Florida, you keep fundamental rights throughout the legal process. The presumption of innocence protects you until a conviction.
Every person facing charges has the right to legal counsel, the right to remain silent, and must receive a clear account of their charges. Defendants can request a fair and public trial with an impartial jury unless they choose to waive that right.
The right to due process ensures that defendants stay informed of changes or developments in their case. Defendants can also challenge unlawful searches and seizures, so law enforcement must obtain the appropriate warrant when needed.
These rights play a crucial part in defense strategies. They give felony attorneys in Sarasota the ability to make sure legal protections are followed, which supports a strong defense. Contacting a felony criminal defense attorney in Sarasota early helps you reinforce these rights effectively through every stage of your case.
Contact Our Sarasota Felony Attorney Today!
Our Sarasota felony attorney brings experience from both sides of the criminal justice system—as a former prosecutor and as a defense lawyer. This perspective helps guide clients through the legal process, defend their rights, and work toward a vigorous defense strategy in every case.
We offer a free consultation to give you the opportunity to get legal advice that is specific to your situation, ask questions, and discuss your legal options. Call our Sarasota felony defense lawyer at (941) 541-5335 or online. We are available after hours and on weekends by appointment only.
Sarasota Felonies FAQ
What Are Some Examples of Felony Charges in Florida?
Examples of felonies include burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, drug trafficking, murder, and fraud. Each felony type carries specific legal consequences and requires a detailed understanding of the law.
What Should I Do if I Am Facing Felony Charges?
If you are facing felony charges, contact a qualified felony lawyer in Sarasota right away. Avoid discussing your case with anyone but your attorney and collect any documents or evidence that might help your defense.
What Penalties Can Be Faced for Felony Convictions in Sarasota?
Felony convictions may result in prison sentences, significant fines, probation, community service, and a permanent criminal record. The exact penalties depend on the classification of the felony and all case circumstances.
How Does the Legal Process Work for Felony Charges in Florida?
Felony charges proceed through several stages: arrest, arraignment, pre-trial hearings, plea bargaining, trial, and sentencing. Each requires careful legal guidance and a defense strategy tailored to your goals.
How Can a Sarasota Felony Lawyer Assist Me?
A felony lawyer in Sarasota provides legal representation, personalized guidance, and a strategy designed for your case. They help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, gather evidence, and seek the best possible outcome.
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
In some cases, felony charges can be reduced to misdemeanors or dismissed. The outcome depends on the circumstances, available evidence, and negotiations between your lawyer and the prosecution.
What Is Considered Felony Probation in Florida?
Certain felony convictions allow for participation in Florida's felony probation program, known as community supervision. Not all felonies are eligible. Probation can serve as an alternative to prison time if the judge allows it. Supervision falls under the Community Corrections department in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Some probation programs include drug rehab, court-ordered curfew, regular reporting to a probation officer, house arrest, or group counseling. Probation violations are taken seriously and may result in prison and fines. If someone violates probation, they must go before a judge and present a defense.
Is Fraud a Felony in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida Statute § 817.034, fraud (or a scheme to defraud) refers to ongoing efforts to defraud one or more people to gain property or assets through misrepresentation or false pretenses. Committing a scheme to defraud is considered organized fraud. You can face harsh penalties if convicted of such an offense.
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
Not Guilty Verdict2016 CF 004875 NC – Life Felony Second Degree Murder
Not Guilty Verdict2017 CF 000169 – Life Felony Armed Robbery
Successful Resolution2017 CF 002479 AX – 15 Counts of Possession of Child Pornography
Not Guilty Verdict2017 MM 11498 – Misdemeanor Battery and Misdemeanor Sex Offense -Unnatural and Lascivious Act
Case Dismissed2018 CF 000323 – Two Counts Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
Case Dismissed2018 CF 002675 AX–Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
When you hire the Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA to defend you on a criminal charge, we will conduct a full investigation of the circumstances leading to your arrest. As a former prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office, Attorney Reisinger has in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the state prepares and presents its cases.
