Felony charges in Florida are among the most serious criminal offenses and can have life-altering consequences. From lengthy prison sentences to permanent criminal records, the stakes are incredibly high. At The Lipsey Law Firm, our experienced Tampa felony defense attorney, Attorney Theo Lipsey, is dedicated to providing aggressive legal defense for individuals facing felony charges. Whether you’re charged with a violent crime, white-collar crime, or drug offense, we will fight to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Why Choose The Lipsey Law Firm for Felony Defense?
- Experienced Felony Defense Lawyer: Attorney Theo Lipsey has extensive experience defending clients against serious felony charges in Tampa. He understands the complexities of felony cases and works diligently to protect your rights.
- Aggressive Representation: We leave no stone unturned in building your defense, examining every piece of evidence and exploring all legal avenues to challenge the charges against you.
- Personalized Legal Strategies: Every felony case is different. We develop defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Understanding Felony Charges in Florida
In Florida, felonies are classified into different categories based on the severity of the crime. The penalties for a felony conviction vary depending on the type of felony and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
- Third-Degree Felony: These are the least severe felonies but still carry significant penalties, including up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Common third-degree felonies include theft, drug possession, and certain assault charges.
- Second-Degree Felony: Convictions for second-degree felonies can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Examples include aggravated battery, drug trafficking, and burglary.
- First-Degree Felony: First-degree felonies are among the most serious, with penalties of up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Crimes such as manslaughter, robbery with a deadly weapon, and certain drug trafficking charges fall under this category.
- Capital Felony: Capital felonies, such as first-degree murder, can result in the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Types of Felony Charges We Defend
At The Lipsey Law Firm, we handle a wide range of felony charges, including but not limited to:
- Violent Crimes: Felonies such as aggravated assault, manslaughter, and armed robbery require a strong defense to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your freedom.
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution: Felony drug charges, especially those involving trafficking or large quantities, carry severe penalties. We scrutinize the evidence and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges.
- White-Collar Crimes: Felonies involving fraud, embezzlement, or identity theft can result in significant prison time and financial penalties. We use our legal knowledge to build a strong defense for white-collar crime cases.
- Sex Crimes: Felony sex crime convictions can carry mandatory prison sentences, lifetime sex offender registration, and other harsh penalties. We fight to protect your reputation and your future.
- Burglary and Theft: Depending on the severity of the crime, theft and burglary charges can be classified as felonies. We work to reduce these charges and, when possible, negotiate alternative sentencing.
- Weapons Charges: Using a firearm during the commission of a crime can elevate the charges to a felony, resulting in harsher penalties. We explore every defense option available to challenge the charges.
Potential Penalties for Felony Convictions
Felony convictions in Florida come with severe penalties, including:
- Prison Time: Felony convictions can result in years of imprisonment, ranging from 5 years for third-degree felonies to life in prison for capital felonies.
- Fines: Felony fines can be substantial, reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
- Loss of Civil Rights: A felony conviction can lead to the loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, and own firearms.
- Permanent Criminal Record: A felony conviction stays on your record permanently, affecting your ability to find employment, housing, or even obtain certain professional licenses.
The consequences of a felony conviction are life-changing, making it crucial to have a skilled felony defense attorney on your side.
How We Defend Felony Charges in Tampa
At The Lipsey Law Firm, we take a comprehensive approach to defending felony charges, including:
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct a meticulous investigation into the circumstances of the alleged crime, gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, and speaking to witnesses.
- Challenging Evidence: We scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, including forensic analysis, witness testimony, and any physical evidence. If there are any inconsistencies or procedural violations, we will challenge the admissibility of the evidence in court.
- Negotiating Reduced Charges: In some cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to have felony charges reduced to misdemeanors, which carry less severe penalties.
- Plea Bargaining and Alternative Sentencing: Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may explore options for alternative sentencing, such as probation, community service, or treatment programs, to avoid prison time.
- Aggressive Trial Defense: If your case goes to trial, Attorney Lipsey is a tenacious and experienced litigator who will fight for your acquittal in court.
What to Do If You’re Charged with a Felony in Tampa
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
- Contact The Lipsey Law Firm Immediately: Time is critical when facing felony charges. Contact our office as soon as possible to begin building a strong defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Defense in Tampa
1. Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, in some cases, felony charges can be reduced to misdemeanors through negotiation or by challenging the evidence. Attorney Lipsey will work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
2. Will a felony conviction affect my ability to get a job?
A felony conviction can impact your ability to obtain certain jobs, especially those requiring background checks or professional licenses. We will fight to protect your future and work to avoid a conviction if possible.
3. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
Felonies are more serious crimes with harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines. Misdemeanors typically result in less severe consequences, such as shorter jail time or probation.
Contact The Lipsey Law Firm for Felony Defense in Tampa
If you’re facing felony charges in Tampa, you need an experienced and aggressive defense attorney on your side. Contact The Lipsey Law Firm today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
Call: 813-683-7017
Visit: 13065 W Linebaugh Ave, Suite 102, Tampa, FL 33626
Email: contactus@lipseylawfirm.info
