If you made a mistake or had a lapse in judgment and now find yourself facing misdemeanor charges, your mind is likely reeling with questions about what penalties you could face and how a conviction might affect your future. The uncertainty can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never been in trouble with the law before.
As an experienced Fort Lauderdale misdemeanor defense attorney, Dave L. Simmons understands how stressful and scary this situation is for you. He has helped hundreds of clients in your shoes fight for the best possible outcome in their cases. Attorney Simmons will thoroughly review the details of your case to determine the most strategic approach to your defense.
Keep reading to learn more about the potential sentences and other fees and costs associated with misdemeanor convictions in Florida. With this knowledge and the right legal representation, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have someone on your side to protect your rights.
Misdemeanors of the First Degree
In Florida, the offenses listed below are considered misdemeanors of the first degree. Unless noted otherwise, they are punishable with up to one year of jail time, up to $1,000 in fines, and up to one year of probation.
- Animal Cruelty
- Assault on Law Enforcement Officer
- Battery
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Contributing to the Delinquency/Dependency of a Child
- Criminal Mischief (Damage over $200)
- Culpable Negligence (Inflicting Injury)
- Driving While License Revoked as Habitual Traffic Offender (2nd or Subsequent Offense)
- Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (2nd or Subsequent Offense)
- Exposure of Sexual Organs
- Fraudulent Proof of Insurance
- Possession of Cannabis
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Prostitution (2′d or Subsequent Offense)
- Racing on the Highway — Fine: $500-$1,000; Driver’s License/Privilege Suspension: 1Year — Permanent Revocation
- Racing on the Highway (2nd violation within 5 years of the date of a prior violation that resulted in a conviction) — Fine: $1,000-$3,000; Driver’s License/Privilege Suspension: 2 Years —Permanent Revocation
- Racing on the Highway (3rd or subsequent violation within 5 years of the date of a prior violation that resulted in a conviction) Fine: $2,000-$5,000; Driver’s License/Privilege Suspension: 4 Years — Permanent Revocation
- Reckless Driving (Damage to Property or Person of Another) Refusal to Submit to Testing
- Resisting/Obstructing Without Violence
- Stalking
- Theft (Value of Property Taken More than $100 and Less than $300) Theft (2nd or Subsequent Offense)
Other First-Degree Misdemeanor Offenses
A first offense of reckless driving (without damage) is punishable by:
- Up to 90 days of jail time
- Between $25 and $500 in fines
A second (or subsequent) offense without damage is punishable by:
- Up to six months of jail time
- Between $50 and $1,000 in fines
Misdemeanors of the Second Degree
The offenses listed below are considered misdemeanors of the second degree. Unless noted otherwise, they are punishable with up to 60 days of jail time, up to $500 in fines, and up to six months of probation.
- All City/Municipal Ordinance Violations (unless designated otherwise)
- All County Ordinance Violations (unless designated otherwise)
- Assault
- Altered Registration License Plate or Validation Sticker
- Attach Registration License Plate or Validation Sticker Not Assigned Criminal Mischief (Damage up to $200)
- Culpable Negligence (Exposing to Injury)
- Disorderly Conduct
- Disorderly Intoxication
- Driving While License Suspended/Revoked (1st Offense)
- Driving Without a Valid License
- Driving While License Revoked as Habitual Traffic Offender (1st Offense)
- Expired Registration More Than 6 Months (2nd Offense)
- Failure to Obey Police Officer
- Failure to Sign Summons/Citation
- False Report to a Law Enforcement Officer
- Gambling
- Leaving the Scene of Accident/Crash
- Loitering or Prowling
- Obscene/Harassing Phone Calls
- Prostitution (1St Offense)
- Selling Alcoholic Beverage to Person Under 21 Years of Age
- Possession of Alcoholic Beverage Under 21 Years of Age
- Theft (1st Offense and Value of Property Taken Less than $100)
- Trespass (Without notice or warning)
- Unauthorized Use/Possession of Driver’s License/I.D.
- Unlawful Use of Temporary Tag
Other Sentencing Requirements and Costs in All Cases
- Court Costs as determined by the Clerk per statute
- Restitution to the victim for all damage or loss caused directly or indirectly by the defendant’s offense, and damage or loss related to the defendant’s criminal episode, if any
- Costs of Prosecution in the minimum amount of $50
- Investigative Costs, if appropriate and ordered by the Court