Naples Felony Lawyer

Naples Felony Attorney

Being charged with a felony is a shocking and life-altering event, especially in a place like Naples, Florida, which has a very low crime rate compared to the state average. When it happens, you might feel fear, anxiety, or other emotional distress. A Naples felony lawyer from the Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC can help you understand your charges, inform you of the potential penalties, and advise you about your rights under Florida law.

Felonies can result in penalties ranging from one year to the death penalty. Felonies that go to trial in Naples are prosecuted inside the Collier County Courthouse, in the Collier County Government Complex at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL. With our extensive knowledge of the law and the Collier County courts, we can help you explore your defense options to fight your charges.

How Felonies Are Classified in Florida

It’s important to understand the classification system used in Florida when trying felony cases. The following are the five types of felonies charged in the state and their penalties:

1. Capital felony: This is for the most serious crimes, including murder in the first degree. A capital felony in Florida can result in life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Having a skilled felony attorney at your side is essential in a capital felony case.
2. Life felony: Another serious charge, based on crimes that are violent or involve a minor. This is punishable by life or up to 40 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine if convicted. Life felonies may also involve drugs, which carry a heavy sentence in Florida.
3. First-degree felony: This felony charge can result in up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Examples are carjacking and burglary.
4. Second-degree felony: May result in up to 15 years in prison and a penalty of $10,000. Crimes that may result in a second-degree felony charge include unlawful gun possession and extortion.
5. Third-degree felony: The lesser of the felony charges, but still a serious crime, and may result in imprisonment up to five years and a $5,000 penalty.

Understanding the classification system and the possible consequences of your charges can help you decide on the appropriate course of action in your case.

Additional Consequences After a Felony Conviction in Naples

Being convicted of a felony doesn’t just result in criminal charges. Consequences can include a loss of certain rights and opportunities.

If you are convicted of a felony in Naples, Florida, you can lose your right to vote in any election and may also lose your right to own or carry a firearm. Beyond the loss of civil rights, a felony conviction can create difficulty in everyday life.

For many, one of the most impactful consequences is the trouble finding stable employment. According to the National Employment Law Project, field research published in The Temp Trap showed that 57% of the participants experienced difficulty finding a full-time job for minimum wage one year after their release from incarceration.

Hire a Felony Lawyer in Naples

When you are faced with felony charges, it may be overwhelming and frightening. The penalties can be life-shattering. It is in your interests to hire a felony lawyer to help you establish a solid defense against your charges to avoid a conviction. If a conviction is inevitable, your lawyer may be able to secure a plea deal to lessen your charges or decrease your penalties.

When you’re in the Collier County court system, you want a lawyer who has the experience and familiarity with the criminal court to protect your rights and defend your case. At the Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC, we have a combined 60 years of legal and trial experience and proven results in both criminal cases and criminal appeals.

FAQs

Can a Lawyer Get a Felony Charge Dropped in Naples?

While it isn’t easy, yes, a diligent lawyer can get a felony charge dropped or make a plea for a lesser sentence or charge. This all depends on the facts of the case, the evidence, and the type of crime. If there are procedural issues, such as a faulty chain of custody for evidence or a lack of physical evidence, the prosecution may choose to work with your lawyer to drop or lower charges.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Naples?

The cost of a criminal defense lawyer in Naples may vary for different reasons. The complexity of the charges and the attorney’s experience can both play a part in the cost. There may also be additional legal fees, such as those for expert testimony. Defense lawyers generally charge a flat fee or request a retainer before work begins. Every case is different, which is why a consultation is important.

What if This Is Not My First Felony in Florida?

If this is not your first felony in Florida, you may be considered a repeat offender. If you served time for a felony charge in Florida within the past three years, this can be an aggravating factor in your case. You may be given more severe penalties and will likely serve prison time if convicted. The penalties for a repeat felony are classified under Florida Statute 775.082.

How Do You Fight a Felony Charge in Naples?

Your first step in fighting a felony charge in Naples is hiring a felony attorney. A Naples felony attorney at the Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC can help you in the following ways:

• Analyzing your arrest report for mistakes or actions inconsistent with Florida laws
• Negotiating with the prosecutor on your behalf to either drop or lower your charges
• Consulting with expert witnesses before and during your trial

Our team can protect your rights at every stage of the criminal process.

Choose the Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC

If you’ve been charged with or are being investigated for a felony, you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, and scared. At the Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC, our Naples felony lawyers can ensure you understand your charges, your rights, and the penalties at play in your case. We can offer support, decades of legal knowledge, and aggressive representation.

We are a client-centered firm and can give your case personal attention. Contact us today for a free consultation and have your felony case assessed by one of our Naples felony attorneys.