St. Augustine Misdemeanor Lawyer

Defending Clients in Misdemeanor Cases throughout St. Johns County

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns, or in the surrounding areas of Florida, you have the right to defend yourself in a court of law. Your best defense in any misdemeanor case is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. We strongly advise you to contact Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys to set up a consultation with a lawyer who can review your case and advise you on how best to proceed. Our firm's legal team has decades of experience in the field of criminal defense and we focus primarily on this field of law, which gives us a cutting-edge in handling your case.

Contact our St. Augustine misdemeanor lawyer by calling (904) 204-6499 today!

Misdemeanor Cases in Florida

A misdemeanor is generally considered to be a less serious offense than a felony and is punishable by up to one year in jail, probation of up to one year, and fines up to $1,000.

Many people think that because a misdemeanor is such a minor offense, they need not worry about the consequences. A misdemeanor, however, will result in a criminal record. If you are placed on probation because of it, you will have to adhere to the terms of your probation or face jail as a consequence. Furthermore, an experienced and skilled attorney may be able to get misdemeanor charges dismissed or penalties reduced. That is why it is important for you to discuss your case with an attorney at our firm so that you can get the exact legal counsel you need from a seasoned legal professional who knows the law and the system in this area.

What Are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor Conviction?

A misdemeanor conviction, while less severe than a felony, can still carry significant consequences that impact various aspects of a person's life. The penalties associated with a misdemeanor conviction typically involve a combination of fines, imprisonment, and other legal repercussions.

For many misdemeanors, fines can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. In addition to monetary penalties, incarceration is also a possibility. Jail time can range from a few days to up to one year. Unlike felonies, which are typically served in state prison, misdemeanor sentences are served in county jails.

Apart from fines and incarceration, additional penalties may include mandatory community service, probation, or participation in rehabilitation programs. Probation, if imposed, often comes with strict conditions, including regular meetings with a probation officer, adherence to curfews, and avoidance of further legal trouble. Failure to comply with probation conditions can result in additional penalties or revocation of probation.

It is important to note that a misdemeanor conviction can also have long-term effects beyond legal penalties. A criminal record may impact employment opportunities, housing applications, and other areas of personal and professional life. Understanding these potential consequences can aid in making informed decisions about legal strategies and possible defenses.

Consulting with an experienced misdemeanor attorney in St. Augustine can provide valuable insight into the specific penalties associated with a misdemeanor conviction and help in exploring options to mitigate these effects.