Someone charged with a criminal offense may feel overwhelmed and confused as to how they should proceed. In such cases, speaking with a knowledgeable legal advocate could reveal several available possibilities. Options that allow someone charged with a crime to receive a better deal than they would if convicted are not uncommon.
If you face a criminal charge and want to learn of available alternatives that could allow you to avoid the worst-case scenario, the help of one of our professional Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could make a genuine difference. Speak with a Sunrise criminal Lawyer about the risks and benefits of proceeding to trial and those of pursuing possible alternative resolutions to your case.
Circumstances Preempting a Conviction
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, and any evidence gathered in violation of this right, barring certain exceptions, may not be used against a person charged with an offense. When evidence essential to a prosecution is precluded from admission on this basis, the state may decide to dismiss the case altogether, or if the preclusion of important evidence diminishes the strength of the state’s case, the accused may receive an offer to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
In addition, certain circumstances may allow an adult facing a Misdemeanor charge to participate in a pre-arrest diversion program that eliminates their arrest record in exchange for community service. Under other circumstances, the accused could receive a reduced sentence after qualifying as a youthful offender or assisting the state in resolving a criminal case. Someone facing a criminal charge in Sunrise should consider any mitigating circumstances that might reduce their burden or culpability by getting in touch with a Sunrise criminal Lawyer familiar with the law in their case.
Penalties for First Convictions in Sunrise
Florida criminal statutes provide a range of factors that affect the penalty imposed for an offense, such as whether the alleged offense involved a weapon, any prior convictions, the person against whom an offense was carried out, and the harm they sustained. Excluding such variables, some penalties imposed for first offenses include, as per §775.082 of the Florida Statutes:
- Up to 60 days in prison for a second-degree Misdemeanor
- Up to one year in prison for a first-degree Misdemeanor
- Up to five years in prison for a third-degree Felony
- Up to fifteen years in prison for a second-degree Felony
Speak with a Sunrise Criminal Attorney Today
A criminal charge may leave you feeling lost, but you should avoid letting it lure you into apathy. Most cases never proceed to trial. A lack of compelling evidence could bring a dismissal, and that is just one potential alternative. Stand up for yourself now to avoid regretting a missed opportunity later.
Criminal allegations are made every day, and every day resolutions are reached without a trial. You cannot exercise your options without knowing what they are. Speak with one of our Sunrise criminal Lawyers at Leifert & Leifert to learn more about your rights and how to defend yourself.
