Criminal Defense

Stephen J. Stanley, Attorney at law

412 E Madison St., Ste 1100, Tampa, FL 33602, 813-226-2727

LITIGATION, REAL ESTATE, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, PERSONAL INJURY, FAMILY LAW, APPEALS


MISDEMEANORS

A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by less than one year in jail. Considered less serious than felonies, misdemeanors are handled at the county court level.

FELONIES

A felony, in Florida, is a crime punishable by the possibility of more than one year in jail. Felonies are the most complicated and serious offenses in Florida.

VIOLATION OF PROBATION

A V.O.P. is a violation of community supervision, and can have disastrous consequences. Even worse, judges don't usually allow bond on VOP charges.

APPEALS + POST CONVICTION

Stephen J. Stanley represents clients in all post-trial matters, including appeals, post-conviction, sentence reductions, and Ineffective Assistance of Counsel.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Driving under the influence has serious consequences, and having an experienced attorney can (and often does) ensure the best outcome.

FEDERAL CRIMINAL CHARGES

Defending against federal charges is not the same as defending state charges. It is thus very important to retain an experienced federal criminal attorney.


Criminal defense practice

Attorney Stephen J. Stanley zealously represents clients facing criminal charges. If you (or a loved one) have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable criminal attorney as soon as possible. Criminal charges are serious, and can impact the rest of your life.


TWO TYPES OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES IN FLORIDA

  1. Misdemeanors:

  2. Felonies



MISDEMEANORS

In Florida, a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by not more than one year in jail, and (in most cases) a maximum fine of $1,000.00. Considered less serious than felonies, misdemeanors are handled at the county court level. They are punishable by a fine, probation, and/or imprisonment in the county jail, as opposed to a state prison sentence on a felony charge.

A misdemeanor conviction won’t result in the loss of a person’s civil rights—their right to vote and their right to own and possess firearms, among others. This isn’t to say that a misdemeanor conviction carries no consequences at all. Or to say that the consequences are negligible. A misdemeanor conviction can and will appear on your record, and may very well impact your employment opportunities, cause problems with securing housing, gaining attendance at a university, and even cause a hike in certain insurance rates. Further, if you are not a United States Citizen, in some cases you can be deported because of a misdemeanor conviction.


FELONIES

Felony crimes are the most complicated and serious offenses in Florida. Typically, the government trains and hones its most experienced and accomplished prosecutors to handle such cases. Felony crimes, unlike misdemeanors, are handled by circuit court judges and are punishable by the possibility of more than a year in jail. Felonies are divided as follows:

  • Capital Felony: A Capital Felony is punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. These include first-degree murder, and high treason.

  • Life Felony: A life felony is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole, or probation for the remainder of your life, and a $15,000 fine. Examples include murder, rape, and human trafficking.

  • First-Degree Felony: First-degree felonies are punishable by up to 30 years in the Department of Corrections (prison) and in some instances, by life in prison.

  • Second-Degree Felony: Second-degree felonies are punishable by up to 15 years in the Department of Corrections (prison).

  • Third-Degree Felony: Third-degree felonies are punishable by up to 5 years in the Department of Corrections (prison).



CONSEQUENCES OF A FELONY CONVICTION

  • Unable to rent an apartment

  • Ineligible for federal or state financial aid

  • Inability to find and/or hold employment

  • Loss of Civil Rights

  • Ineligible to obtain State License

  • Ineligible to hold public office


Make no mistake, a felony conviction has devastating consequences and will severely limit your employment opportunities, your ability to obtain suitable housing, your ability to travel, and your ability to maintain good credit and secure loans—in addition to the loss of your civil rights.

Attorney Stephen J. Stanley represent clients in all criminal defense matters. Don't go into court without an aggressive experienced criminal defense attorney.

To learn more about how Tampa criminal defense attorney Stephen J. Stanley can help you, call 813-226-2727 today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.