What are the different types of crimes?
Criminal Courts cover circuit criminal and county criminal charges, including traffic charges.
Felony (Circuit Criminal)
A Felony is any criminal offense that is punishable under Florida laws (or that would be punishable if committed in Florida) by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary.
Misdemeanor (County Criminal)
Misdemeanors are violations of the law that are less serious than Felony offenses. They are punishable by a fine, probation, and/or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, as opposed to a state prison sentence on a Felony charge.
Criminal Traffic (County Criminal)
A Criminal Traffic offense is a violation that may subject a defendant, upon conviction, to incarceration, fine, and/or loss of driving license. Criminal offenses require a court appearance and can carry penalties including fines/costs, probation, and/or incarceration.
Do I need an attorney?
Only you can decide if you need an attorney. A Public Defender or Court-Appointed Attorney may be provided if you cannot afford an attorney. See Indigency information.