Fort Lauderdale Misdemeanors Lawyer

Under Florida law, a misdemeanor is defined as any criminal act which is punishable by imprisonment for no more than one year in any county-funded correctional facility.

There are two different degrees of criminal misdemeanor. In a first degree offense, the defendant has been convicted of a crime such as a 1st offense DUI, petit theft, identity theft, or criminal mischief over $200. The maximum fine for a 1st degree misdemeanor is $1,000, and may require up to one year in jail. On the other hand, a 2nd degree misdemeanor carries a maximum fine of $500 or 60 days in jail, and relates to criminal mischief under $200.

The legal system can be very confusing. A reputable, experienced defense attorney will help you to navigate the legal process, understand the steps involved, appear in court with you and on your behalf, and stand by your side every step of the way. They will help you to understand what will be expected and what will happen during various phases of the case.

When choosing a defense attorney, it is important to research both the individual as well as the reputation of their law firm. Likewise, seek an attorney who specializes in your area of concern, especially if that concern has to do with criminal law. A general practice attorney may provide services at a cheaper price; however, they do not possess the skills, experience, or education necessary to properly argue your position.

A professional misdemeanor attorney helps you as an individual as well as someone who deserves legal protection, freedom under the law, and preservation of civil rights. Most misdemeanor criminal cases are heard through jury trials. The jury will hear the facts of the case and the judge will hear any legal issues.

Because the legal process of misdemeanor is complex, it is very important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney you can trust. If you have a case pending in the Fort Lauderdale & Broward County area, contact criminal defense attorney Barry Butin. The Law Office of Barry Butin practices exclusively in criminal law. He has 23 years of experience in all courts. He is a member of Florida bar, the federal bar, national association of criminal defense, Florida association of criminal defense lawyers, Broward association of criminal defense lawyers and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).