Felony Defense If you are facing felony criminal charges in Florida, you need a talented lawyer on your side.

Crimes are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies, the latter having much harsher sentences. Misdemeanors are milder crimes, such as shoplifting or disorderly conduct, while felonies include murder, violent assault, and burglary.

If you’ve been charged with a felony in Palm Beach County, you need solid representation from an experienced felony lawyer. Kevin Peterford can help fight your case, protect your rights, and ensure the best outcome for you.

Felony Vs. Misdemeanor

Misdemeanor charges carry penalties such as fines, house arrest, or probation. While the exact sentencing will depend on the circumstances, misdemeanor crimes rarely carry lifetime consequences.

Felony crimes may carry a minimum prison sentence and have far-reaching lifetime consequences. In addition to the prison time, hefty fines, and other legal consequences, felons also lose their right to:

• Posses or carry a firearm
• Vote or hold public office
• Federal and state benefits

A felony DUI charge in Palm Beach County carries hefty fines and much longer jail sentences.

More Than Legal Consequences

Felons also have difficulty gaining future employment, applying for loans, and traveling. A felony charge is serious, and should not be taken lightly. If you’ve been accused of a felony, finding a felony lawyer in Florida is an essential step in fighting your case. According to the law, you are innocent until proven guilty. Don’t take a chance—defend yourself with assistance from Kevin Peterford, an experienced felony defense lawyer in Palm Beach County.

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Degrees of Felonies in Florida

Just like misdemeanor crimes have degrees, so do felonies—the higher the degree, the tougher the sentence.

Strategies of Felony Criminal Defense

Being convicted of a felony can result in consequences that last a lifetime, on top of jail time and hefty fines. Working with a trustworthy and experienced felony lawyer is the best action you can take to protect your freedoms. If you have been charged with a felony, it’s important to understand the key strategies your lawyer may use in your defense.

1. Innocence

This defense strategy revolves around evidence that you did not commit the crime you have been charged with.To prove your innocence, a felony attorney will likely gather witnesses to testify, experts to take the stand, and evidence your alibi is true.

2. Self-Defense

This defense strategy is most often used in assault, battery or murder cases. For a self defense strategy to be effective, you must work with your lawyer to prove to the court that there was true risk and danger that justified the use of violence as self-defense.

3. Constitutional Violations

The Constitution requires specific circumstances and actions be taken when someone is arrested and accused of a crime. Whether or not you committed the crime, your lawyer may use a Constitutional defense strategy if any of the following occurred:

• You were not read your Miranda rights when arrested
• The police collected evidence from your car or your home without following appropriate protocols
• No warrant was obtained
• You were coerced into confessing to the crime
• The chain of custody on collected evidence was broken
4. Insanity

A final defense strategy is to claim insanity, meaning that you were not of sound mind when you committed the crime you are being charged with. This is a very difficult strategy because your lawyer has to prove that when you committed the crime, you could not differentiate right from wrong.

For your best chances at preserving your rights and receiving a fair trial, find a trusted felony lawyer to handle your case. Working with an experienced and compassionate attorney is crucial for protecting your future.

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When Misdemeanors Become Felonies If you are facing felony criminal charges in Florida, you need a talented lawyer on your side.

The lines defining felony charges are often blurred by the circumstances of the crime committed. Previous criminal activity, the presence of firearms or deadly weapons, and the age of the victim can enhance the criminality of a charge. Such factors can also elevate a typical misdemeanor charge to a first- or second-degree felony.

For example, a fourth DUI is a felony, even though DUI crimes are typically considered misdemeanors. To prevent the elevation of charges, you’ll need expert assistance from a felony lawyer.

Kevin Peterford The Felony Defense Lawyer in Palm Beach County that You Can Count On.

Kevin Peterford is an experienced Palm Beach County felony lawyer, and he has years of experience. As a previous prosecutor, Kevin has a unique knowledge of the courtroom. He knows Florida law inside and out, and he can help you build a winning defense.

Felony charges are serious—you face lifelong consequences if convicted of a felony. But, all is not lost. As our law states, all individuals are innocent until proven guilty. There are various legal defenses for felony crimes, including self-defense, duress, lack of capacity, and more. Kevin Peterford knows these defenses as he has seen them from both sides of the courtroom. He will work with you to develop a solid defense and ensure you the best outcome possible in your case.

Common Felony Charges That Kevin Handles

Felony DUI

A fourth DUI charge, or a third DUI charge that occurs within 10 years of a previous DUI charge, is tried as a second-degree felony in the state of Florida. Other circumstances that elevate a DUI charge to a felony include the death or injury of someone else or the presence of a child in the car.

Kevin Peterford is an established DUI lawyer, he handles both misdemeanor and felony DUI cases in Palm Beach County. A felony DUI typically involves uncontrollable circumstances, and this may work in your favor when developing a defense.

Drug Charges

Depending on the circumstances of drug crimes, felony charges can be brought upon the perpetrator. Trafficking is typically charged as a felony, and possession of large amounts of drugs and firearms will also bring felony charges. Selling drugs to minors, or possession of drugs within the vicinity of drug-free zones can also lead to felony charges.

Felony drug charges are circumstantial, and a strong defense can prevent the prosecution team from taking advantage of you. Many drug convictions require mandatory minimum sentences, so having a talented lawyer like Kevin on your side is paramount to a positive outcome.

Possession of a Firearm

While the right to bear arms is protected by our Second Amendment rights, convicted felons do not have that right. The simple possession of a firearm if you have a previous felony conviction on your record can send you to prison for a statutory minimum of 3 years. Additionally, a misdemeanor crime committed with a firearm can lead to felony charges.

Kevin has worked on various felony cases that involved the use or possession of firearms. He knows what the prosecution is looking for and how to build a solid defense against your felony firearm case .

Violent Felony

Any crime that was committed with excessive force or violence against a victim or police officer can be elevated to felony status. Examples include aggravated assault or battery, theft with a firearm, and housebreaking. Disregard for human safety and life is a serious criminal offense and will be charged with the full force of the law.

Kevin has handled various violent criminal cases, including domestic violence, and he knows the legal protocols. Violent crimes are often fueled by passion or self-defense, and Kevin will use these facts to protect your rights and fight your case.

Burglary

Burglary, the most serious theft crime, occurs when an individual trespasses on private property with the intention to steal. How much property is stolen, the presence of a firearm, and the assault of victims are all factors that can increase the severity of the burglary charge.

Theft is a common crime, and Kevin has represented plenty of clients facing similar charges. If you want a solid defense, you can count on his expertise as a felony lawyer and his solid Palm Beach County legal reputation.

Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide in Florida refers to an automobile accident caused by reckless operating of a vehicle that results in someone’s death. It’s important to remember that if loss of life had not occurred, these same actions would likely be met with a minor traffic ticket. However, vehicular homicide verdicts can come with hefty punishments and long-lasting consequences.

As soon as you learn you’re being charged with vehicular homicide, it’s crucial to speak with a qualified and compassionate vehicular homicide attorney. Peterford Law can help you formulate the strongest defense possible and help protect your rights.

Felony Firearm Charge

If you are facing felony firearm charges in Florida, it’s important to understand the details of the charge, the potential punishments, and the possibilities for your defense. Especially because these charges apply specifically to those who have already been convicted of a felony, building a strong case is crucial for retaining your rights and protecting your freedoms.

Because this charge is uniquely nuanced and the stakes are high, it’s crucial to work with a felony firearm attorney who is experienced in Florida criminal defense. Peterford Law has handled over a thousand cases and has experienced both sides of the courtroom as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. His years of experience and local knowledge can help in building the best possible defense for your felony firearm case.

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A felony charge is a serious legal offense that has resounding consequences for your entire life. Even if you’re only charged with a third-degree felony — the lowest offending felony — you still lose your civil rights and will struggle your entire life with employment, loans, and personal relationships. This is not a legal charge to take lightly.

To protect your rights, you need a strong defense from a dedicated felony lawyer. As a former prosecutor, Kevin Peterford saw the devastating effects of felony charges firsthand. He is now on the other side of the courtroom, defending everyday people from the dire consequences of felony crimes. No matter the circumstances of your case, your side of the story counts, and Kevin Peterford is here to give you a voice in the courtroom.

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