Felony charges carry the most severe penalties under Florida law—including years or even decades in prison. Whether you are facing a murder charge, aggravated battery, drug trafficking, or a domestic violence charge, it is crucial to speak with a seasoned felony charges attorney right away. At Doran Foxman Sims Wolfe & Yoon, our Daytona Beach-based legal team brings decades of experience defending clients against the most serious allegations.

Led by Attorney Matthew Foxman, a former Florida Circuit Court Judge and prosecutor, our firm understands the complexity of the Florida criminal justice system from every angle. We provide aggressive and strategic representation, offering a complimentary 30-minute consultation with a criminal defense attorney to discuss your case.

What Is a Felony in Florida?

Under Florida law, felonies are criminal offenses punishable by more than one year in prison.

They are classified by degree and severity:

• Capital felonies – Punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole
• Life felonies – Punishable by up to life in prison and fines up to $15,000
• First-degree felonies – Up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
• Second-degree felonies – Up to 15 years in prison and fines
• Third-degree felonies – Up to 5 years in prison and fines

Understanding your charges and their classifications can impact your strategy and defense options. A knowledgeable attorney for felony charges can help you understand the nature of the charges against you.

Differences Between Felonies and Misdemeanors in Florida

Florida criminal offenses are divided into two broad categories: felonies and misdemeanors.

Misdemeanors are typically less severe and include offenses like petty theft, simple assault, or DUI without injury. These are punishable by up to one year in county jail and lower fines.

Felonies, on the other hand, involve more serious conduct and carry heavier penalties, including prison time of more than one-year, larger fines, and more severe collateral consequences inflicted on a person’s life. Early legal intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial.

List of Common Felony Charges in Florida:

• Aggravated Assault – Assault involving a deadly weapon or with intent to commit a felony.
• Aggravated Battery – Causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon during a battery.
• Arson – Deliberately setting fire to property or structures.
• Attempted Murder – Taking substantial steps to kill another person unlawfully.
• Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer – Physical contact with a police officer during their duties.
• Burglary – The unlawful entering of a dwelling or structure with intent to commit a crime.
• Child Pornography – Possession, distribution, or creation of sexually explicit material involving minors.
• Credit Card Fraud – Using or stealing credit card data with intent to defraud.
• Domestic Violence – Violence or threats between family or household members, which may be felony-level depending on injuries or prior offenses.
• Drug Manufacturing – Producing, cultivating, or creating controlled substances.
• Drug Possession- Unlawful possession of controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
• Drug Trafficking – Possession of controlled substances above statutory thresholds.
• Grand Theft – Stealing property valued at $750 or more.
• Homicide – The unlawful killing of another person, including murder and manslaughter.
• Human Trafficking – Exploiting individuals through force, fraud, or coercion.
• Identity Theft – Using someone else’s personal information for fraudulent purposes.
• Kidnapping – Unlawfully confining or transporting a person against their will.
• Robbery Charges – Taking property through violence, threats, or intimidation.
• Sex Crimes – Includes sexual battery, lewd acts, indecent exposure, and related offenses.
• Sexual Battery – Non-consensual sexual penetration or contact.
• Stalking and Aggravated Stalking – Repeated unwanted contact that may include threats.
• Weapons Offenses – Illegal possession or use of firearms and other weapons.
• White-Collar Crimes – Financially motivated crimes such as embezzlement or securities fraud.

Florida Sentencing Enhancements and Penalties

Felony convictions can lead to:

• Lengthy prison sentences
• Probation
• Hefty fines
• Mandatory rehabilitation programs
• Lifetime designation as a felon
• Loss of civil rights (voting, firearms, employment)
• Life imprisonment or the death penalty

Some convictions come with mandatory minimum sentences, especially for violent or drug-related crimes. Working with an experienced felony charges attorney is the best way to avoid the harshest outcomes.

Common Legal Defenses for Felonies

Our firm customizes each defense strategy to match the specific charges and evidence.

 Potential defenses may include:

• Lack of intent or knowledge – You must have intended to commit the crime; without intent, a conviction may not stand.
• Mistaken identity-Eyewitnesses can be wrong; we can show that you were not the person who committed the crime.
• Constitutional violations – If your rights were violated during arrest or the collection of evidence, we may move to suppress that evidence.
• Self-defense or defense of others: Florida law allows the use of reasonable force to protect yourself or others from harm.
• Alibi or lack of evidence – We can demonstrate that you were elsewhere at the time of the crime or that the state cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Our team thoroughly investigates every detail and works tirelessly to protect your rights in court.

Why Hire Doran Foxman Sims Wolfe & Yoon?

Attorney Matthew Foxman has handled thousands of felony cases, both as a Circuit Court Judge and a prosecutor, for over twenty years. His insight provides clients with a strategic advantage when facing high-stakes charges. While the prosecution wants a conviction, we want justice and will fight hard to achieve it.  

Our firm is committed to:

• Providing honest, practical criminal defense advice
• Protecting your constitutional rights at every stage
• Exploring all opportunities for charge reduction or dismissal
• Offering a free 30-minute consultation with a knowledgeable defense attorney

Talk to a Daytona Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing serious accusations, do not go it alone. Contact Doran Foxman Sims Wolfe & Yoon at (386) 253-1111 or complete our online form for immediate help. Our attorneys serve Daytona Beach, Volusia County, and Flagler County, defending clients in need of a lawyer for all misdemeanor and felony charges.

Schedule your free consultation with our felony charges attorney in Daytona Beach today. The sooner we start building your defense, the stronger your position will be. Our criminal defense team knows how to fight-and win.