Bonita Springs Felony Lawyer

Bonita Springs Felony Attorney

Felony charges are some of the most frightening and overwhelming accusations you may face in Florida. They often carry life-altering consequences, with hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. A Bonita Springs felony lawyer can represent you throughout every stage of your case, from your initial arrest to the final court verdict.

About Us

The Law Office of Donald P. Day has spent years representing the people of Bonita Springs, Naples, and the surrounding Southwestern Florida cities in their felony cases. Our team has decades of combined legal experience from handling thousands of cases, ranging from simple DUIs to homicide charges. Founder Donald Day began his career as a prosecutor before opening his own firm. His legal accomplishments earned him an AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Overview of Felonies in Florida

Felonies are the classification for the most serious criminal offenses throughout the country. In 2024, approximately 3,470,000 total felony cases were filed across the United States, or 22% of all case types. In Florida that same year, there were 154,327 felony filings statewide, with 44.4% being for nonviolent charges.

A wide range of charges are either already felonies or escalated to one after meeting certain criteria. Common types of felony cases include:

• Grand theft, or theft of property worth more than $750
• Violent crimes, ranging from aggravated assault to murder in the first degree
• Almost all drug-related crimes in Florida
• Sexual offenses
• Unlawful firearm ownership or use
• White-collar crimes, such as forgery or fraud
• Escape from custody

Felony charges in Bonita Springs are processed through the Lee County Justice Complex Center, located at 2000 Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33901.

Types of Felonies in Bonita Springs, Florida

Felony laws hold a range of punishments and severity, depending on the case. The following are the types of felony accusations that the Law Office of Donald P. Day can assist with: 

• Third-degree felony. These are the lightest felony charges, being for mostly non-violent accusations. Punishments include a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison.
• Second-degree felony. One step above third-degree charges, this category of felony comes with harsher penalties. Second-degree charges can result in a $10,000 fine and a maximum imprisonment of 15 years.
• First-degree felony. Drug trafficking, aggravated assault on a peace officer, or robbery are all examples of first-degree felonies. Sentencing can change between different convictions. The general guidelines include up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Life felony. Life felonies can result in a $15,000 fine and either 40 years or life in prison.
• Capital felony. This is the most serious type of felony you may face in Florida, reserved mainly for first-degree murder. There are no fines; instead, there is either life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Hire a Felony Lawyer

Allegations of any level, from third-degree up to capital, can all have major impacts on your life. When facing such high stakes, hire a felony lawyer to handle your situation. Your Bonita Springs felony attorney can manage every step of your case.

Experienced legal counsel can advocate for you through all interrogations, discussions, and hearings. They can formulate a defense that matches your situation, such as self-defense, a strong alibi, a lack of evidence, police misconduct, actions taken under duress, or any other fitting strategy.

If you are guilty of a crime and a conviction seems certain, your felony attorney can negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. Plea deals can lessen the impact of a charge on your life, including shorter prison sentences, cheaper fines, and lower-level crimes appearing on your record. While not ideal, this option can allow you to return to your normal life sooner.

FAQs

How Much Does a Felony Attorney Cost in Florida?

How much your Florida felony attorney costs depends on the type of charges you face, the complexity of your case, and the work hours it requires. A capital felony defense with multiple parties involved tends to be more expensive than a case centered around a third-degree felony allegedly committed by a first-time offender. The Law Office of Donald P. Day offers initial consultations, during which we can provide an estimate for your final bill.

What Is the 33-Day Rule in Florida?

The 33-day rule in Florida refers to the time limit for which you can be held for an accusation of a felony. Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.134 states that the state can only hold someone for 33 days before filing formal charges. This time limit may be extended if the state can provide good cause. However, if no charges are filed, the defendant is automatically released after 40 days.

What Should You Not Do If Accused of a Felony in Florida?

There are many things you should not do if you are formally accused of committing a felony in Florida. The first is to never speak to law enforcement without a lawyer present. Innocuous comments on allegations may be manipulated and used against you later. Another important action to avoid is contacting any alleged victims, speaking with witnesses, or publicly commenting on the case. An attempt to contact can be seen as intimidation or evidence tampering.

What Is the Three-Felony Rule in Florida?

In Florida, the “three-felony” or “three-strikes” rule is an informal guideline that courts may use for habitual felony offenders. It states that if someone has committed two or more previous felonies and is accused within five years of the defendant’s prior felony conviction, punishments are increased and, in some cases, doubled for the current allegation.

Speak With a Bonita Springs Felony Attorney Today

At the Law Office of Donald P. Day, we understand how overwhelming and terrifying facing felony accusations in Florida can be. Our team can use our extensive legal skills, knowledge, and experience to represent you throughout your case.

Contact us today for a consultation, where we can learn your story and discuss potential legal strategies to resolve your case.