Ave Maria Felony Lawyer

Ave Maria Felony Attorney

Felonies at any level are some of the most serious criminal matters you can be accused of in Florida. If you are facing a charge, an Ave Maria felony lawyer can provide crucial counsel through this trying time. They can represent you at each step of your case, fighting for a resolution that works for you.

About Us

Our team at the Law Office of Donald P. Day has over sixty years of combined legal experience, handling cases ranging from larceny to murder charges. We are committed to assisting the people of Ave Maria, Naples, Marco Island, and the surrounding Southwestern Florida cities in their felony legal matters. Founder Donald P. Day’s accomplishments have earned a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo and a top ten ranking in 2015 from the NACDA.

Overview of Felony Cases in Florida

Felony cases in Florida cover a wide range of offenses. In 2024, 154,327 felony cases were filed statewide, comprised of 44.4% nonviolent, 31.5% drug-related, and 24.1% violent offenses. That same year, Collier County had a violent crime rate of 51.9 per 100,000 residents. These cases can take many forms. Common examples include:

• Aggravated assault
• A third or subsequent DUI
• Robbery
• Rape
• Drug possession, distribution, or trafficking
• Homicide

Felony cases in Ave Maria are handled through the Collier County Circuit Court, located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112.

Types of Felony Cases We Handle

Florida felony laws categorize these offenses into distinct categories, each carrying different minimum and maximum punishments. The following are every level of charge and its associated felony penalties:

• Third degree. This is the least severe type of felony. It carries a maximum imprisonment of five years and fines of up to $5,000.
• Second degree. Second-degree convictions carry slightly more severe penalties, with up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• First degree. These charges have the same fine structure as second-degree infractions but a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment.
• Life. A life felony carries a $15,000 potential fine and either life in prison or 40 years.
• Capital. Capital felonies are the most severe type of felony you can face. These carry no fines and can either result in life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Hire a Felony Lawyer

With the potential for years, decades, or life spent in prison, it is recommended that you hire a felony lawyer to represent your case. Your Ave Maria felony attorney can be at your side at every stage of your case, from initial arrest to court verdict and appeals. They can also craft your legal defense. A few strategies often used for felony matters include:

• Alibi. You can prove that you were elsewhere during the alleged event.
• Duress. Any criminal action was done under threat.
• Self-defense. You may have committed a crime in defense of yourself or others.
• Lack of evidence. The state must provide enough evidence to prove that a crime occurred beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Police misconduct. An arresting officer failed to read your Miranda rights or approached you without probable cause.
• Statute of limitations. Your charges are for alleged actions that occurred beyond the applicable time limit.

If a conviction seems likely or you feel responsible for an alleged action, your legal counsel can negotiate a plea bargain that lessens the impact of the case on your life. Plea deals can reduce a conviction to a lesser charge, shorten prison or jail time served, lower fines, and provide alternative sentencing structures.

FAQs

Do You Need an Attorney for a Felony Case in Florida?

State law does not legally require you to hire an attorney to represent you in a felony case. However, with the potential for years or decades in prison, it is highly recommended that you seek legal counsel. An experienced felony lawyer can provide key benefits to your case, including proven defense strategies, negotiation skills, and local knowledge of how your judge may treat your case.

How Much Does a Felony Lawyer Cost in Florida?

How much your Florida felony lawyer costs depends on:

• The severity of the charges against you
• Whether a trial is necessary
• The parties involved
• The total workload

A third-offense DUI with a swift plea bargain tends to cost less than a capital murder charge requiring litigation.

In your initial consultation, our team can review your situation and provide an estimate of your final legal expenses.

What Is the Three-Felony Rule in Florida?

What the three-felony rule is and how it may affect your Florida criminal charges is important to understand. The term refers to a habitual felony offender, a designation used for defendants who’ve been convicted of a qualifying felony two or more times. If someone is classified as a habitual felony offender, they may face mandatory minimum prison terms or longer sentencing. Ask your felony attorney if your criminal history may result in enhanced penalties.

How Long Does a Felony Case Take to Resolve in Florida?

How long your Florida felony case takes to resolve will vary based on the severity of the accusations, pre-trial negotiations, the complexities involved, and whether a jury is necessary. A third-degree felony with an early plea bargain can take a few months, whereas a capital murder charge, with the death penalty as an option, requires jury selection and full litigation. That could take years. Your felony attorney can provide a loose timeline for your specific case.

Speak With an Ave Maria Felony Attorney Today

At the Law Office of Donald P. Day, we know how difficult, overwhelming, and frightening felony accusations can be. We can use our decades of experience, knowledge, and skills in criminal law to fight for the outcome you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. During our meeting, we can learn your side of the story, explain your legal rights, discuss defense strategies, and go over the legal processes that come next in your felony case.