Tampa Criminal Attorneys
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, it is vital to have an experienced Tampa criminal attorney on your side as soon as possible. With nine offices across Florida, including one in Tampa, and over 100 years of combined experience, the criminal defense lawyers at Musca Law will provide you with experienced representation you can trust. Call or email today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
We handle all types of criminal defense cases, including juvenile crimes, DUI, sex crimes, probation violations. Depending on the circumstances of a past conviction, we can in many cases expunge your criminal conviction or seal the record.
Experienced in All Aspects of Criminal Defense
The experience of the Tampa criminal defense attorneys at Musca law extends to all aspects of your case. We will provide effective representation at every stage after your arrest, including pre-trial hearings and negotiations.
Florida Felonies
A felony in Florida is a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Florida recognizes several different classes of felonies.
The least severe are third degree felonies, which can result in up to five years in a state prison. An example of a third degree felony in Florida is a third DUI within a ten year period.
Next are second degree felonies which are crimes carrying up to 15 years in a Florida prison. For instance, manufacturing or distributing explosives with the intent to harm people or property can result in 15 years in prison.
First degree felonies, such as sexual battery on a person over the age of 12, are punishable by up to 30 years in the state penitentiary. A life penalty can result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or probation for the rest of life of the convicted individual.
Finally, a capital felony is punishable by death in the state of Florida, or alternatively life imprisonment without parole. In addition to the prison terms, all felonies carry other penalties as well, most notably probation and large fines.
Misdemeanors in Tampa
Florida law has divided misdemeanors into two groups. Second degree misdemeanors can be punished by as much as 60 days in a county jail, whereas first degree misdemeanors can result in up to one year in jail. For example, possession of less than20 grams of marijuana is a first degree misdemeanor.
Criminal Expungements & Record Sealing
Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to have your criminal record expunged or seal. Expungement is the process by which your criminal convictions are removed from your state records. Sealing records makes the record of your convictions very difficult to access. Talk to one of our experienced Tampa criminal attorneys to find out if you are eligible for expunging or sealing your criminal records.
The Musca Law Tampa Defense Lawyers
Call (813) 864-9498 or fill out our online contact form for your free and confidential initial consultation.
