If you were arrested or charged with a crime in Ensley, Florida, do not hesitate to contact the criminal defense attorneys of The Morris Firm. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to defend you against the charge you face. You can count on our legal team to advocate for your rights and fight hard for you.
It can be a scary time in your life after you’re arrested. Your future is uncertain, and you face a long road to freedom. The consequences of a conviction can be far-reaching and affect your family, job, and future. At The Morris Firm, we understand the challenges ahead and work hard to reach the best possible outcome for you.
Call The Morris Firm right now at (850) 503-2626 for a case evaluation with one of our Ensley criminal defense lawyers. We can review the circumstances of the criminal offense and create a legal strategy to try to get your case dismissed or the sentencing reduced.
Why Hire The Morris Firm?
You shouldn’t attempt to defend yourself without the assistance of an experienced legal team. Fighting the prosecution alone could leave you with an unfair conviction or sentence. Without a lawyer by your side, you can’t effectively fight the charges against you. You need a knowledgeable and skilled criminal defense lawyer in Ensley, FL, from The Morris Firm to prepare a solid defense for you.
The Morris Firm provides personalized attention and services to every client. We will treat you as a priority when you hire us. Our legal team is available 24/7, so you can reach us when you need us the most. You will always have someone here to speak with you about your case and address any concerns you have.
Areas of Practice
You will receive dependable representation when you hire The Morris Firm. We have extensive experience working on a range of criminal cases, including:
- DUI
- Drug crimes
- Sex crimes
- Felonies
- BUI
- Pre-trial diversion
- Juvenile offenses
- Assault and battery
- Theft crimes
- Violent crimes
- Misdemeanors
If you were arrested for a criminal offense, you should reach out to The Morris Firm right now. Preparing a quality defense takes time. We need to begin working on your case immediately, so we can speak to witnesses, gather evidence, and develop the right strategy to get your charges reduced or dropped.
Sentencing Guidelines for Crimes in Florida
Criminal offenses can be misdemeanors or felonies. It depends on the type of crime committed and additional factors. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, such as:
- Battery
- Petty theft
- Disorderly intoxication
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution (first two offenses)
- Domestic violence
Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors. Examples include:
Misdemeanors and felonies have different degrees indicating the severity and type of the offense. Sentencing depends on the classification of the crime, guidelines provided by state law, and additional factors a judge might consider.
The sentencing guidelines for criminal offenses in Florida are below.
Second-degree misdemeanor
- A maximum of a $500 fine
- No more than 60 days in jail
First-degree misdemeanor
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- A maximum of one year in jail
Third-degree felony
- Up to five years in prison
- No more than a $5,000 fine
Second-degree felony
- A maximum of fifteen years in prison
- Up to a $10,000 fine
First-degree felony
- No more than thirty years in prison
- A maximum of a $10,000 fine
Life felony
- Up to a $15,000 fine
- Imprisonment for life
Capital felony
- Death penalty
A habitual offender charged with a misdemeanor offense could face any of the sentences below unless the court determines an alternative disposition would be in the defendant’s and community’s best interests:
- Between six months and one year in a program at a residential treatment facility operated by the county or a private vendor
- Six months to one year in prison
- Detention at a designated residence between six months and one year with supervision or monitoring by a private vendor or the county
The court can impose enhanced sentencing for a habitual felony offender. If you already have a conviction on your record for a felony offense and face another felony conviction, the court could increase your sentence based on the guidelines for a habitual offender.
For example, a third-degree felony conviction is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. However, if you were previously convicted of a felony crime, you could receive up to a ten-year prison sentence instead.
Common Defenses Against Crimes in Florida
At The Morris Firm, our criminal defense lawyers in Ensley, FL, can discuss the charge you face and determine the defense we can use to fight for you in court. Since the prosecution’s job is to prove you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, all we have to do is create doubt in the juror’s minds.
The most common defenses used in criminal cases include:
- Innocence – If you’re innocent of the offense, we can argue that you have an alibi placing you somewhere else at the time of the crime. We can also present evidence, such as video surveillance or eyewitness testimony.
Self-Defense – Some crimes happen while the defendant defends themselves from an attack or threat. You might face charges of assault, but we could argue you feared for your life and had no choice but to protect yourself.- Violation of Constitutional rights – You have certain rights even if an officer arrests you for a crime. If law enforcement violates your rights, such as by performing an illegal search and seizure of your home, we could file a motion to suppress evidence. If we win our motion, that means the prosecutor can’t present the evidence found during the unlawful search in court.
- Lack of Evidence – There might not be enough evidence for the prosecution to prove you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence against you isn’t adequate, we could file a motion to get your case dismissed or reach a plea agreement for a reduced charge.
- Duress or Coercion – Some criminal offenses happen because someone forces the defendant to commit them. We could argue you only committed the crime because you felt like you had no choice and feared for your life or your family’s lives.
- Lack of Intent – The lack of intent defense doesn’t mean you didn’t commit the crime. However, it does mean you didn’t intend to. It could have occurred because of involuntary or voluntary intoxication at the time.
The Morris Firm will use the defense we believe can work the best in your case. You won’t have to face the prosecution alone. Our legal team will remain by your side until the end.
Contact Us
If you were arrested or charged with a crime in Ensley, contact The Morris Firm today for a confidential consultation. One of our Ensley criminal defense lawyers can meet with you to discuss what happened and determine whether we can take your case. You can count on us to fight for your freedom and future. Call us now at (850) 503-2626.
