In Florida, First Degree Misdemeanor crimes are those which are punishable by up to one year in the county jail. Second Degree Misdemeanors are punishable by up to sixty days in jail. Some Misdemeanors are often not punishable by jail time. In fact, due to recent budget cuts the Courts will often certify that they will not place you in jail, because they cannot afford to appoint a public defender.

Certain misdemeanors can become felonies if you have prior convictions. For example:

Petit Theft - if previously convicted, two or more times, of any theft charge, a new conviction will be considered a third degree felony. See, F.S. 812.041(3)(c). Also, the court may suspend your driver’s license for a first petit theft conviction, and will suspend your driver’s license for a second conviction. See, F.S. 812.0155(1).

Battery - if previously convicted of misdemeanor battery, aggravated battery or felony battery, you may be charged with third degree felony battery. See, F.S. 784.03(2)

Possession of Marijuana - be aware that a conviction of possession of any controlled substance carries a 2 year drivers license revocation. See, F.S. 322.055.

Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI)

PTI is a program offered by the State Attorney which is like a modified probation and allows your charge to be DISMISSED if you complete the program. It is usually only offered to first time offenders of misdemeanors or third degree felonies. Florida Statute 948.08 sets out the ground rules for PTI.

CONTACT US TODAY TO SEE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PTI.