Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors.
A "misdemeanor," defined in Florida Statute Section 775.08(2), means:
any criminal offense that is punishable under the laws of this state, by a term of imprisonment in a county correctional facility, except an extended term, not in excess of 1 year. The term "misdemeanor" shall not mean a conviction for any noncriminal traffic violation of any provision of chapter 316 or any municipal or county ordinance.So, a misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by up to 1 year in a county jail.
Under Florida Statute Section 775.081(2), there are 2 different classifications of misdemeanors:
Punishable by up to 60 days in jail
What are the possible fines for a misdemeanor conviction?
Up to $1000
Second Degree Misdemeanor
Domestic Battery
Simple Battery
Petit Theft
Shoplifting
Resisting an Officer Without Violence
False Report of a Crime
Disorderly Intoxication
Prostitution
Worthless Check
Trespass
and more!
What is an "Habitual Misdemeanor Offender?"
An "Habitual Misdemeanor Offender" means a defendant who is before the court for sentencing for a specified misdemeanor offense and who has previously been convicted, as an adult, of 4 or more specified misdemeanor offenses which meet the following criteria:
- The offenses, in relation to each other and the misdemeanor court before the court for sentencing are separate offenses that are not part of the same criminal transaction or episode, and
- The offenses were committed within 1 year of the date that the misdemeanor before the court for sentencing was committed.
"Specified misdemeanor offense" means those misdemeanor offenses described in:
- Chapter 741 - Domestic Violence
- Chapter 784 - Assault; Battery; Culpable Negligence
- Chapter 790 - Weapons and Firearms
- Chapter 796 - Prostitution
- Chapter 800 - Lewdness; Indecent Exposure
- Chapter 806 - Arson and Criminal Mischief
- Chapter 810 - Burglary and Trespass
- Chapter 812 - Theft, Robbery and Related Crimes
- Chapter 817 - Fraudulent Practices
- Chapter 831 - Forgery and Counterfeiting
- Chapter 832 - Violations Involving Checks and Drafts
- Chapter 843 - Obstructing Justice
- Chapter 856 - Drunkenness; Open House Parties; Loitering: Prowling: Desertion
- Chapter 893 - Drug Abuse
- Chapter 901 - Arrests
"Convicted" means a determination of guilt which is the result of a trial or the entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld.
What happens if I'm found to be a Habitual Misdemeanor Offender?
If you are found to be an habitual misdemeanor offender, the court shall impose one of the following sentences:
- a minimum 6 months in jail up to 1 year, or
- a minimum 6 months in a residential treatment program, up to 1 year, or
- a minimum 6 months home detention, up to a year.
* If the judge classifies you as an habitual misdemeanor offender, but finds that an alternative disposition is in the best interest of the community, the judge has the authority to deviate from the three sentencing options above.
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904-642-3332 (Jacksonville)