Antonio Pena Law Group PLLC

Free Consultation: 786-667-5055

Working Hard To Spare You From The Worst

Antonio Pena Jr.

Felony Defense Lawyer And Former Prosecutor In Miami

Felony crimes are the most serious crimes you will face under Florida law. They are the more violent and destructive allegations and carry the stiffest penalties. If you are faced with a felony, you need to turn to an attorney you can put your trust in.

My name is Antonio Pena, and I defend people across Miami and Broward County from felony charges. As a former prosecutor, I know how the case against you is being built, and I use that experience to build your defense. I make every effort to understand your needs and goals, so I can build an appropriate strategy for you.

Understanding What A Felony Is

A felony is loosely described as any crime punishable by more than a year in prison; a misdemeanor is any crime punishable by less than a year in prison. However, there are many charges that can be prosecuted as either; however, the choice the authorities make depends on the circumstances. I frequently help my clients facing such allegations as:

Florida law categorizes felonies into one of five classifications. The eventual sentence you may face fully depends on the class of felony your charge falls into, which can be:

  • Capital felony: The penalty associated with a capital felony is a lifetime sentence and possibly the death penalty.
  • Life felony: The penalties for a life felony are lifetime jail terms and up to a $15,000 fine.
  • First degree: The penalties for a first-degree felony include up to a 30-year jail sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
  • Second degree: The penalties for a second-degree felony include up to a 15-year jail sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
  • Third degree: The penalties for a third-degree felony include up to a 5-year jail sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.

Additionally, both capital and life felony classes must be declared in the statute for the crime, and there is no possibility of parole with either.

Felony Charges FAQ

Facing felony charges can be intimidating. Below are answers to common question to help you understand the implications and your options.

What distinguishes a felony from a misdemeanor?

A felony is a more severe crime than a misdemeanor, punishable by more than a year in prison. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are less serious. They result in less than a year of jail time. The distinction also affects legal processes and the severity of criminal penalties. Understanding the differences is crucial for building an effective legal defense.

What are the long-term consequences of a felony conviction?

A felony conviction carries significant long-term consequences. These can include loss of certain civil rights, such as voting or owning firearms, and difficulties in securing employment, housing or loans. A felony record may also impact your personal relationships and community standing. Additionally, felony convictions often result in harsher criminal penalties for future offenses. It’s important to seek a strong legal defense to mitigate these consequences.

Can a felony conviction be expunged or sealed from my record?

Felony convictions in Florida cannot be removed from your record, which underscores the importance of mounting a skilled legal defense to fight the charges before they become a conviction. Through strategic plea bargaining, you may be able to avoid having a felony on your record. Other avenues may also be available for challenging the felony charges. I will do everything in my power to keep a felony conviction off your record so you don’t have to shoulder the burdens of being a convicted felon.

Your Right To Remain Silent; Your Right To Counsel

Despite the seriousness of the charges ahead of you, you can do two major things to protect yourself: remain silent and seek my help. By proactively exercising your right to remain silent, you keep your words from being made part of the case against you.

As your felony defense attorney in Miami, I can take on the questions and investigation head-on and protect the rest of your rights as you deserve. Contact me today by calling 786-667-5055 or sending an email using this form. I can speak with you in English or Spanish, whichever works best for you.