Misdemeanor offenses are prosecuted far less harshly than felonies, for which a conviction could result in lengthy incarceration terms in state prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Under current state law, a first-degree misdemeanor offense carries maximum penalties of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, while a second-degree misdemeanor is punishable with up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up $500.
However, any kind of criminal conviction could substantially affect your job, education, and housing opportunities, and being convicted multiple times of the same misdemeanor offenses could result in your charge being upgraded to a felony. Fortunately, you could get proactive, experienced help from the criminal defense attorneys at Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC. Our team has many years of experience helping clients handle common misdemeanor charges in Key West. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Both simple assault and simple battery are common misdemeanor charges filed against residents and visitors alike in Key West. Florida Statutes § 784.011 defines simple assault as a second-degree misdemeanor involving an intentional physical or verbal threat to cause harm to another person. In contrast, Fla, Stat. § 784.03 defines simple battery as a first-degree misdemeanor involving intentional physical contact with, or injury to, another individual.
Under Fla. Stat. § 316.193, a first-time conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is considered a misdemeanor offense with penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000 in fines and up to six months in jail. Additional consequences may include community service, counseling, a six-month driver’s license suspension, short-term impoundment of your vehicle, or mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Key West, contact our team with extensive experience handling this common misdemeanor offense.
Another typical misdemeanor in Key West involves the possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana for personal use, defined as first-degree under Fla. Stat. § 893.13. Possession of certain other controlled substances is treated similarly under state law. However, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana or higher-scheduled drugs is likely to be classified as a felony.
Disorderly conduct is a frequent misdemeanor charge filed against both residents and visitors in Key West. Those who engage in a public fight, breach the peace, “corrupt[s] the public morals, or outrage[s] the sense of public decency” could be charged with this second-degree misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. § 877.03.
No two criminal cases are exactly alike, just as no two defendants are. Therefore, even if you are facing one of the common misdemeanor charges in Key West, the right tactical approach—and the potential consequences of a conviction—may differ significantly from what another person facing the same charges might experience. Having supportive and knowledgeable legal counsel is essential to resolving your charge as favorably as possible. Contact Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC today to protect your rights and explore your options.
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