Award-Winning Criminal
Defense Lawyers Serving
Gainesville And All Of Central Florida

Juvenile Offenses

In the state of Florida, cases involving children are tried in a court where only a judge presides, without a jury present. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as direct filed cases where juveniles are tried in adult court. Upon arrest, the court may decide to transfer the child to a detention center or allow them to return home with their parents until ordered to appear. Various offenses classified as juvenile include:

• Violating curfew
• Shoplifting
• Harassment
• Truancy
• Underage possession or consumption of tobacco or alcohol
• Possession of marijuana or any other illegal substances

Theft Crimes

In Florida, theft is defined as knowingly taking or using someone else’s property without permission. It also includes obtaining another person’s property with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of their rights. Theft can be classified as either petty theft or grand theft.

• Theft involving property valued at $30,000 or higher is categorized as grand theft, a first-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• If the value of stolen property ranges from $300 to less than $750, it is considered a misdemeanor.
• Repeated instances of similar offenses can elevate petty theft charges to felony status.

Sex Offenses

Sexual crimes in Florida are associated with severe penalties. The severity of the charges depends on factors such as:

• Age of the victim
• Age of the offender
• Any other aggravating circumstances

Punishment for sex offenses varies according to the crime. For instance:

• Probation for a first-time offender for solicitation of prostitution that is considered a misdemeanor
• Up to 15 years’ imprisonment for lewd or lascivious battery
• Aggravated sexual battery, where the victim is over 12 years old, can result in prison terms ranging from 11 years to life.
• If the defendant is over 18 years old, sexual battery on a child under 12 years old can lead to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Probation Violations

The court can award probation to any person and order them to be released from detention under supervision, if they show good behavior. However, in case the person violates the terms of the probationary  punishment, they must face severe penalties. Probation can be technical or substantive. Technical violations can include:

• Failing to pass a drug test
• Failing to pay the court fees
• Failing to show up for the mandatory probation meeting
• Failing to complete the rehabilitation program

Substantive violations can include committing a new crime while under probation for an existing offense. The court may choose to revoke the probation and order imprisonment.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence incidents are defined by the state of Florida as specified acts of violence committed against a member of the family or household. The minimum penalty is a five days’ prison term. However, if the charges are combined with assault and battery, a domestic assault conviction can result in extended jail time. Some of the offenses included in household violence include:

• Assault
• Kidnapping
• Battery
• Sexual assault
• Stalking

Domestic violence charges can be for crimes committed against a current or ex-spouse, persons who are currently or were formerly living together as a family, or persons who share a child, whether or not they are now or were once married.

Loitering and Prowling Offenses

The law does not permit any person to loiter or prowl in a place or time, displaying behavior that is unusual for a citizen respecting the law. Any law enforcement officer may stop a person if they have reason to believe that the person in question can be a potential threat to peace and security to other people or property in the area. Here are some of the typical reasons for such charges:

• Running away on sighting the police officer
• Refusing to provide identification
• Attempting to hide or conceal objects
• Refusing the leave the area when asked to

Loitering and prowling offenses are considered misdemeanors of the second degree and can be punished accordingly.

Robbery Offenses

Robbery is a felony offense and can be categorized as first, second, or third-degree carrying different punishments according to the severity of the crime.

• Sudden snatching typically includes pickpocketing or grabbing purses and falls under the third-degree offense category. Such crimes are punishable by a prison term or probation terms of up to 5 years.
• Robbery by force is when the act accompanies some kind of violence and harms the victim. Such offenses are considered second-degree and carry a sentence of a maximum of 15 years in prison or probation.
• Robbery with a deadly weapon is when a weapon is used to threaten or harm the victim and take away their possessions. Such cases are considered first-degree felonies with the possibility of a maximum 30-year prison term.

DUI

While a single DUI may not be the end of the world, multiple DUI offenses can lead to thousands of dollars in fines, a lifetime revocation of your license, and years served in prison. However, a first-time DUI is still no laughing matter. A single DUI charge can result in up to:

• Fines up to $1,000
• 180 days license revocation
• Mandatory DUI interlock program (up to $110/mo)
• 6 months in prison

In addition, a DUI charge can have a sever impact on your personal and professional life. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact Smith & Eulo Law Firm to review your criminal case. We can represent you in the Alachua court system, and craft the best possible defense for your situation.

Assault and Battery

While assault and battery charges are often grouped together, there is a clear distinction between the two. If the offender has physically touched the victim, the act is considered battery and an additional battery charge is usually added to a simple assault charge. The penalties for assault and battery could be up to:

• $10,000 in fines
• 15 years imprisonment
• Additional anger management/physical offender classes

Assualt and battery charges are no laughing matter. If you have been charged with assault, battery, or a combination of both, contact Smith and Eulo Law Firm for a free initial case consultation. We work to tell your side of the story, and present your defense clearly so the Alachua courts can make an informed decision.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes can be anything from a simple possession of marijuana charge, to a life-changing charge of trafficking a Schedule I narcotic. In some instances, offenders can even be labeled a drug kingpin, bringing on more severe penalties. The penalties for the most severe drug crimes can include:

• Life imprisonment
• $500,000 in fines
• Mandatory substance abuse programs

If you are charged with a drug crime, Smith and Eulo Law Firm is here to defend you. Our Gainesville defense lawyers can represent you in the court of law, and present your case in a way that proves a reasonable doubt in the minds of your peers.