Robbery

The law defines a robbery as the “act of intentionally taking another person’s property without their consent.” A robbery is considered a felony offense and the penalties depend on the specific category of the offense. For instance:

• First degree robbery – Using a deadly weapon to threaten another person and steal their property, carries the possibility of a maximum 30-year prison term or a life sentence.
• Second degree robbery – Committing a robbery using actual physical force or threat and harming the victim carries a punishment of 15 years in prison or 15 years of probation.
• Third degree robbery – Sudden snatching without using any violence, threat, or force carries a penalty of five years in prison or 5 years on probation.

Sexual Battery

Any kind of unwanted sexual act without the consent of the other person is considered a sexual battery. The act includes:

• Any kind of sexual contact even if it is just touching
• Actual penetration is not necessary
• The victim can be fully clothed or nude
• Any kind of violence or force with the intention of penetration or union
• Statutory rape where the partner is under the age of 14 years
• Any kind of sexual contact even though the victim non-verbally denied consent

Assault

Any action that causes fear of harm or a threat is considered assault. If actual unwanted touching or physical harm was incurred, that is considered a battery charge. The penalties will depend on the specific circumstances. For instance, if you felt threatened by an assailant who was carrying a deadly weapon and you reacted in self-defense, the charges can be lowered. Assault can be of different kinds such as:

• Misdemeanor charge or simple assault/battery
• Aggravated assault or felony/battery
• Aggravated battery or felony charge

Drug Crimes

In the state of Florida, juvenile cases are heard by a judge without the presence of a jury. Exceptions to this rule include a direct filed case where the trial is held in an adult court. The judge may direct that the child be held in a detention center or allowed to go home with their parents. A juvenile program may have any one of four commitments such as:

• A low-risk program that lasts from 30 to 45 days
• A moderate-risk program that lasts from four to six months
• A high-risk program that lasts from six to nine months
• Juvenile prison term that lasts from 18 to 36 months

Burglary

A burglary is considered a felony criminal offense where the accused enters or remains in a building or vehicle with the purpose of committing an offense. The other conditions for proving a charge include:

• The premises are not open to public
• Entering or remaining in the premises without permission or license
• Remaining in the premises with the intention of committing an offense even after permission has been revoked

A burglary can be first degree, second degree, or third degree and incur penalties accordingly.

Resisting Arrest

Any act that prevents a law enforcement officer from arresting you is called resisting arrest. If an officer asks a person to stop, provide identification, or to leave a location, it is advisable to comply with the instructions. Using violent or non-violent means to resist arrest can incur a misdemeanor or felony charge.

• First degree when the defendant refuses to be handcuffed.
• Second degree offense when the person tries to hide or run from the officer to prevent getting arrested. Going limp or tensing up is also resisting.
• Third degree offense when the person uses a weapon to attack the police officer or threatens with violence. Kicking and hitting the officer is a felony charge.

Probation Violation

Probation is typically part of the sentencing for a criminal charge. Not complying with court orders is considered a punishable offense. For instance:

• Negotiated plea where the judge awards prison time or community control, also called probation
• Split sentence where the defendant completes a combination of jail or prison time and probation
• Committing a new crime while on probation
• Not paying the costs determined by the court
• Testing positive for drugs

DUI

A DUI can not only affect your personal life, but  your professional life life as well. DUI arrests can carry with them mugshots, a criminal record, and many other consequences that could exclude you from employment and other opportunities. Under Florida law, a fourth DUI (the last DUI mentioned in the statute) can result in up to:

• 5,000 in fines
• A third degree felony charge
• Permanent drivers license revocation
• Up to 5 years in prison

If you have been arrested on a DUI charge, call on one of our Lakeland DUI lawyers to review your case. We are experienced in defending DUI cases, and can identify flaws in your case that could lead to lesser charges, less monetary fines, and even a dismissal.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges often are accompanied by additional charges, and can have a significant impact on personal liberties like child custody, spousal support, and more. Apart from personal consequences, you may also have an injunction issued against you to protect the victim. Violating this injunction can result in penalties up to:

• 5 years in prison
• 5 years probation
• $5,000 in fines

If you are arrested and charged with domestic violence, Smith and Eulo is here for you. We understand that your side of the story needs to be heard, and our Lakeland domestic violence lawyers can present your case in a clear, calculated manner. We know the Florida courts, and how to prepare the best possible defense for your domestic violence case.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes can range from simple fines to life in prison, and everything in between. Depending on the offense and the amount of times you have been charged with the crime, you could be charged with a felony or misdemeanor for committing the crime. Common drug  crimes that individuals are charged with include:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell
• Manufacturing of a controlled substance
• Drug trafficking

Even a minor drug charge can have severe consequences. If you are arrested for a crime involving drugs, contact one of our Lakeland drug crime lawyers to determine the best defense for your criminal case. We defend individuals charged with drug crimes every day, and will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.