If I Have Been Charged With a Felony in Martin County Will I Have to Go to Prison?
Are you or your loved one facing a felony criminal charge? It is a serious offense. You may be wondering: Does a felony result in prison time? The short answer is that all felony charges in Florida carry the potential for state prison with a conviction. Here, our Stuart felony defense lawyer highlights key points to know about your potential prison time for a felony charge in Martin County.
Arrested for a Felony? You May Be Required to Post Bail/Bond
Arrested for a felony offense in Martin County? You will be transported and booked at a local jail. Unless the felony offense is extremely serious and/or there are unusual circumstances, you will likely be allowed to post bail/bond to secure your release while you await trial. Bail is a set amount of money that acts as insurance between the court and the defendant. Bond is a portion of bail that is backed by a company. There are some limited cases in which a court may allow release on your own recognizance (ROR)—which means you can be released without posting bail based on your promise to return for court appearances.
All Felony Offenses Can Carry One Year (or More) in Prison in Florida
Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 775.08), a felony is “any criminal offense that is punishable under the laws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed in this state, by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary.” In Florida, all felony offenses carry the potential for a prison sentence of one year or more. The severity of the penalty varies depending on the class of the felony. Many felonies carry the risk of significantly more state prison time. Indeed, first-degree felony offenses carry a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Note: Not all felony convictions automatically require state prison time. In some cases, a defendant may be offered alternative sentencing, such as probation, usually through a plea agreement.
A Felony Charge is an Allegation: You Have the Right to Defend Yourself
That you were arrested for and charged with a felony certainly does not mean that you will go to state prison. A felony is, ultimately, an allegation raised by the state. They have the burden of proving a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are facing a felony criminal charge in Martin County, you have the right to defend yourself. A top-tier Stuart, FL, felony defense attorney can help. You have the right to an attorney to confront witnesses against you, to remain silent, and to present evidence in your defense.
Consult With Our Martin County Felony Defense Attorney Today
At The Law Office of Denise Miller, PA, our Martin County felony defense lawyer is a skilled, experienced advocate for justice. If you have any questions about a felony charge, we can help. Call us now or contact us online to arrange a fully confidential consultation. We defend felony charges across Martin County, including in Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Indian town, and Jensen Beach.
