What is a Felony Charge?
A felony is any criminal offense that is punishable under Florida laws, or that would be punishable if committed in Florida, by death or imprisonment in a state correctional facility.
Felony charges include, but are not limited to: murder, manslaughter, rape, burglary, grand theft, kidnapping, worthless checks, forgery and uttering, aggravated battery, aggravated child abuse, possession and/or sale of drugs, and sexual battery. Felonies are classified for purposes of sentencing into the following categories:
- Capital Felony
- Life Felony
- Felony of the first degree
- Felony of the second degree
- Felony of the third degree
What is a Misdemeanor Charge?
A misdemeanor is a violation of a Florida Statute that is punishable by a fine, court costs, probation, or imprisonment in the county jail for no more than one (1) year. Most misdemeanor offenses are bondable offenses according to a bond schedule.
Misdemeanor offenses include, but are not limited to: Petit Theft, Worthless Checks, Prostitution related charges, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest Without Violence, Assault and Battery (includes Domestic violence).
Misdemeanor offenses also include payable civil infractions such as boating, hunting and fishing violations, Code Enforcement violations or Animal Control violations.
What is a Criminal Traffic Charge?
A Criminal Traffic charge is a violation of a Florida Statute that is punishable by a fine, court costs, probation, or imprisonment in the county jail for no more than one (1) year. Most Criminal Traffic offenses are bondable offenses according to a bond schedule.
Criminal Traffic charges include, but are not limited to: Driving Under the Influence, Driving while License Suspended, Reckless Driving, No Valid Driver Licenses, Attaching Tag not Assigned, Expired Driver Licenses more than 6 months which, in most cases, requires a court appearance and it carries with it criminal penalties which may include a fine and/or the possibility of a jail term.
This failure to appear could result in a delinquency fee being assessed; your driving privilege being suspended and a possible capias could be issued for your arrest.
If you have any questions, you can contact the Criminal Traffic Division at (863) 773-4174 ext 7403 or email:Â hardeetraffic@hardeeclerk.com