Felony Attorney in St. Petersburg

Direct Representation, Former-Prosecutor Insight, & Personalized Strategy for Pinellas County

The shock of facing a felony charge in St. Petersburg brings fear, uncertainty, and immediate questions about your future. At Plotnick Law Offices, we recognize the anxiety that comes with criminal accusations and the daunting prospect of going through the Pinellas County justice system.

If you or a loved one is navigating the criminal courts in St. Petersburg, you need a felony attorney who can explain the process and build a defense around the facts. With more than 35 years of combined experience, including service as former prosecutors in Florida courts, our attorneys tailor every defense to the facts, risks, and local realities of your situation.

Contact a felony attorney in St. Petersburg at Plotnick Law Offices for a consultation. Call (727) 619-1827 or contact us online today. In-person and virtual consultations are available.

Understanding Felony Classifications in Florida

Florida law recognizes five felony categories under Chapter 775 of the Florida Statutes: third-degree, second-degree, first-degree, life, and capital felonies. The degree assigned to a charge is an important starting point, but it isn’t the only factor shaping your sentencing exposure. The specific charging statute, your prior record, offense-specific enhancements, mandatory minimums, and aggravating or mitigating facts all enter the picture. A statutory maximum sets the upper limit for a sentence, while a mandatory minimum sets a floor when specified legal requirements are met.

Florida felony categories include:

• Third-Degree Felonies: These are the least severe felonies but still carry up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Common examples include grand theft, possession of certain controlled substances, and aggravated assault.
• Second-Degree Felonies: These offenses are punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Common charges in this category include burglary of a dwelling, aggravated battery, and certain drug trafficking offenses.
• First-Degree Felonies: These serious offenses carry up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Examples include armed robbery, drug trafficking of larger quantities, and kidnapping.
• Life and Capital Felonies: These are the most severe charges in the state. Life felonies are punishable by life in prison, while capital felonies such as first-degree murder carry the possibility of the death penalty.

Florida’s sentencing scoresheet system calculates a lowest permissible sentence based on points assigned to the offense, prior record, and other factors. When the facts and law support it, we may argue for a downward departure that allows a judge to sentence below that calculated floor. The analysis is case-specific, and the right approach depends on what the scoresheet shows and what grounds exist to depart.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction

The penalties that follow a felony conviction extend well beyond the courtroom. Depending on your profession, circumstances, and the applicable law, a conviction may affect several areas of your life:

• Civil Rights: A felony conviction in Florida can affect your right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office, though some rights may be restored through a formal process.
• Firearm Possession: State and federal law impose restrictions on firearm possession following a felony conviction. The scope and permanence of those restrictions can depend on the specific offense and applicable statutes, and the legal landscape isn’t identical under state and federal law.
• Professional Licensing: Certain licensing boards may suspend, revoke, or deny a license based on a felony conviction. The outcome varies by profession, agency rules, and the nature of the offense. Not every conviction automatically ends a career.
• Housing and Credit: Some landlords and lenders may deny applications from people with felony records, though practices vary. A felony conviction can complicate the process of rebuilding financial and housing stability.

Record sealing and expungement are separate legal questions with their own eligibility requirements under Florida law. Whether either option is available depends on the disposition of the case and the offense charged. We can address those questions once the facts of your situation are known.

Steps to Take After a Felony Arrest or Investigation

If you are unsure what to do after a felony charge or investigation, start with these steps:

• Contact an attorney quickly to protect your rights
• Don’t discuss your case with law enforcement without counsel present. You can request an attorney before answering substantive questions
• Gather any documents or information related to your arrest
• Preserve texts, photographs, recordings, location information, and contact details for potential witnesses or others who may have relevant evidence
• Attend all required court appearances as scheduled and follow any release conditions unless they are changed through the proper legal process

Once you contact us, you work directly with an experienced felony attorney in St. Petersburg. We walk you through your charges, explain possible penalties, and outline a realistic defense plan tailored to the local courts and prosecutors.

Felony cases require urgent attention. Delays can put evidence, witnesses, and your legal standing at risk. Whether you are being investigated or already charged, we move quickly to review the allegations, preserve available information, and identify deadlines or court requirements.