Felonies

We're Not Afraid of Going to Trial

Sarasota Felony Lawyer

Experienced Former Prosecutor on Your Side

The most serious crimes are classified as felonies and a conviction can lead to serious consequences, such as a lengthy prison sentence, fines worth thousands of dollars, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of certain rights. As soon as you are arrested or learn you are under investigation in Sarasota, FL, you should take steps to protect your rights by hiring a criminal defense attorney with experience handling felony cases. At Law Offices of Eric Reisinger, PA, our Sarasota felony attorney provides skilled legal representation for clients facing the most serious felony charges.

Contact our Sarasota criminal defense 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 big difference in your case. Attorney Eric Reisinger aggressively defends the rights of clients charged with felony offenses, from third degree felonies to capital felonies.

Our Sarasota firm represents clients charged with felonies, such as:

Due to the serious nature of these crimes, the first thing to do is get a defense lawyer. It is not in your best interests to speak to police, give a statement, or answer questions without first speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contacting our Sarasota criminal defense law firm at the beginning of the process allows us to protect your rights from your initial questioning until your case is resolved.

Felony Classes in Florida

If you are convicted of a felony in Florida, you could be facing a long prison sentence, life in prison, or even the death penalty. The specific penalties that you may be facing depend on the class of the felony. Like most states, Florida classifies felonies into categories based on the seriousness of the offense.

The five felony classes in Florida include:

  • Felony in the third degree – Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine
  • Felony in the second degree – Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
  • Felony in the first degree – Up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
  • Life felony – Up to 40 years in prison and a $15,000 fine
  • Capital felony – Life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty

In addition to the criminal penalties, there are lasting consequences for people convicted of felonies, even after they are released from prison. Having a felony offense on your criminal record makes it difficult to find employment, rent a place to live, get a loan to continue your education, and you will lose your right to vote and own a firearm.

What Is Sarasota Felony Probation?

Certain felony convictions allow for a person to participate in Florida's felony probation program, otherwise known as community supervision. Not all felony convictions are eligible for probation. This can serve as an alternative to prison time, if the judge deems appropriate. The supervision will fall under the Community Corrections department in the Florida Department of Corrections. Probation programs may include mandatory drug rehab, imposed curfew, regularly reporting to a probation officer, house arrest, and/or group counseling. Probation violations are taken very seriously and can result in prison time and fines. If an individual violates probation he or she will have to stand before a judge and present a compelling defense.

Building a Strong Defense

Our Sarasota felonies attorney has experience in the criminal justice system from both sides, as a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. He uses this experience to help guide our clients through the complexities of the legal process, defend their rights, and build a vigorous defense for each client.

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. We are available after hours and on weekends by appointment only.

Is Fraud a Felony in Florida?

Yes. Under Florida Statute § 817.034, fraud (or a scheme to defraud) refers to systematic, continued actions of a person that has the intent to defraud one or more people to obtain property or assets via willful misrepresentation or false pretenses.

Committing a scheme to defraud is considered organized fraud. You can face the following penalties if convicted of such an offense: 

  • Organized fraud involving obtained property that is valued at less than $20,000 is considered a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. 
  • Organized fraud involving obtained property that is valued between $20,000 and $50,000 is considered a second-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. 
  • Organized fraud involving obtained property that is valued at $50,000 or more is considered a first-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000. 

You can also be charged with a felony if you are found to be involved in a fraudulent scheme and to have furthered that scheme by communicating with any person. This is considered communication fraud, and you can be charged with multiple counts—one count for each act of communication. 

The penalties for communications fraud are as follows: 

  • If the property obtained using communication is worth $300 or more, the offense is a third-degree felony. 
  • If the property obtained using communication is worth less than $300, the offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a year in prison. 

There are also other types of criminal fraud offenses for which a person may be charged with a felony offense, including: 

  • Credit card fraud 
  • Mail fraud 
  • Tax fraud 
  • Insurance fraud 
  • Wire fraud 
  • Bankruptcy fraud
  • Securities fraud

Please call our Sarasota criminal defense lawyer today at (941) 541-5335 to schedule an appointment

  • Over Two Decades of Experience
  • Former Prosecutor
  • Strong Referral Rate from Other Attorneys
  • Trusted Reputation with Judges & Prosecutors
  • Phone Is Answered 24/7
  • Successful Trial Experience

Trust Our Proven Trial Record

We Fight Fearlessly for Our Clients
  • Successful Resolution 2019 CF 1401 - Armed Buglary
  • Case Dismissed 2018 MM 000354 – Misdemeanor Battery
  • Case Dismissed 2018 CF 000323 – Two Counts Felony Battery on a Person 65 or Older
  • Not Guilty Verdict 2016 CF 004875 NC – Life Felony Second Degree Murder
  • Case Dropped 2021 CF 000518 AX - Felony Aggravated Assault
  • Case Dismissed 2018 MM 016449 NC– Misdemeanor Battery

Client Testimonials

Your Rights Are Our Priority
  • “An articulate, professional, talented attorney.”
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    - Kathy
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    - Heather
  • “Now I have a regular driver's license and no felony record thanks to these guys.”
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    - Diane
  • “I am very pleased with how quickly the issue was taken care of.”
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  • “I wouldn’t trust any other attorney.”
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  • “When it comes to legal defense you need Eric in your corner.”
    “If you need legal assistance you have found the right attorney.”
    - Kevin
  • “Attentive, efficient, and communicated with me quickly.”
    “My experience with attorney, Eric Reisinger was exceptional.”
    - Lisa
  • “He did everything he said and more! I am extremely grateful Eric!”
    “If you need legal counsel STOP looking and call Eric Reisinger.”
    - William

Former Prosecutor at the State Attorney’s Office

In Depth Knowledge and Understanding
What Makes Us the Right Choice?
  • Over Two Decades of Experience
  • Former Prosecutor
  • Strong Referral Rate from Other Attorneys
  • Trusted Reputation with Judges & Prosecutors
  • Phone Is Answered 24/7
  • Successful Trial Experience

Contact the Firm

Call 941-541-5335 or Use This Form to Setup a FREE Consultation
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