Jacksonville Felony Defense Lawyers
Expert Legal Representation for Felony Charges in Duval County & Nearby Courts
You can trust Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite to stand up for you and your record. Whether you’re facing accusations of drug trafficking, aggravated assault, grand theft, or DUI with injury, we bring strong, strategic defense to every case.
Our Jacksonville felony defense lawyers have experience handling serious criminal cases in Duval County and nearby courts.
We take a strategic, client-focused approach – investigating the facts, protecting your rights, and building a strong defense tailored to your case.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Call Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Jacksonville felony defense attorney.
Types of Felony Offenses in Florida
Felony charges in Florida cover a wide range of serious offenses, each carrying the potential for severe penalties and long-term consequences. At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we have experience defending clients against some of the most challenging felony allegations in state court.
Whether you’re accused of a violent crime or a complex robbery offense, our team is ready to build a defense that protects your rights and your future.
Common Felony Charges We Defend
Our firm specializes within a few types of felony offenses. We understand the nuances of Florida law and know how to challenge the prosecution’s case effectively.
- Aggravated assault & battery
- Drug trafficking
- Burglary and robbery
- DUI with injury or manslaughter
- Resisting an officer with violence
- Written threats
Each charge comes with unique legal and factual challenges. We tailor your defense strategy to the specific circumstances of your case.
Other Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Defense ➔
How are felonies classified in Florida?
Florida divides felonies into five levels based on the severity of the offense. The more serious the classification, the higher the potential penalties.
- Capital felony: punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty and typically includes crimes like first-degree murder.
- Life felony: 25 years to life in prison and fines up to $15,000, and may include offenses such as sexual battery on a child under 12.
- First-degree felony: up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, with examples including armed robbery and trafficking in large quantities of drugs.
- Second-degree felony: up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, often involving charges like aggravated battery or burglary with assault.
- Third-degree felony: up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000, and may involve offenses such as grand theft or possession of a controlled substance.
Understanding how your charge is classified helps determine your exposure and guides our legal strategy. We use this framework to evaluate sentencing risks and opportunities for reduction.
Why Choose Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite to Fight Your Felony Charges
Felony charges in Florida are high-stakes. They come with serious legal penalties and can impact nearly every part of your life.
At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we act fast to protect your rights, evaluate the case against you, and guide you through each step.
An early, well-planned defense can make the difference between prison time and a second chance.
Call (904) 619-1386 today to speak with a Jacksonville felony defense lawyer and schedule a confidential consultation.
We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the first step toward protecting your future.
Why Are Felony Charges in Florida So Serious?
Felony offenses in Florida are punishable by long prison terms, large fines, and a criminal record that follows you for life. Some felonies can even lead to life in prison or the death penalty.
These charges can also impact your civil rights, such as the right to vote, hold public office, or own a firearm.
For non-citizens, a felony conviction can result in immigration consequences, including removal proceedings or denial of naturalization.
Even before a conviction, felony charges can derail your life. You may face arrest, jail time, job loss, and strict pretrial release conditions.
We understand how felony charges can disrupt your life, and we’ll fight to protect you at every opportunity.
Florida’s Sentencing Guidelines & Collateral Consequences
Florida uses a structured point system to determine felony sentencing. Each offense is assigned a value, and those points help judges decide if prison is mandatory or if alternatives like probation are possible. The higher your score, the more severe the potential penalty.
Beyond the courtroom, felony convictions carry serious collateral consequences that can affect your future for years to come.
What Aggravating Factors Increase a Sentence in Florida?
Florida courts consider several aggravating factors when scoring a felony charge. These factors can significantly raise the likelihood of a longer prison term or mandatory incarceration.
- Prior convictions
- Weapon use
- Victim harm
Each of these elements adds points under the state’s sentencing guidelines, limiting flexibility at sentencing and increasing your legal exposure.
An experienced Jacksonville felony defense attorney can work to challenge or minimize these factors.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Felony Conviction?
The consequences of a felony conviction go far beyond jail time. A criminal record can affect nearly every area of your life, even after you’ve completed your sentence.
- Loss of voting and gun rights
- Difficulty with housing and jobs
- Immigration and professional license issues
These long-term effects can create lasting challenges for your future and freedom. We work hard to mitigate these risks through strategic defense and case planning.
What is the statute of limitations for felonies in Florida?
The statute of limitations sets a legal time limit for the state to file felony charges. In Florida, this timeframe depends on the severity of the alleged offense. If prosecutors miss the deadline, the case may be dismissed – though certain exceptions can extend or pause the clock.
- Capital or life felonies: No time limit
- First-degree felony: 4 years
- Second-degree felony: 3 years
- Third-degree felony: 3 years
These limits help protect your right to a fair trial by preventing charges based on stale evidence. Our criminal defense attorneys can assess whether the statute of limitations affects your case and use that information to your advantage.
How Our Attorneys Approach Felony Defense
At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we know that every felony case requires a custom legal strategy. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all defense – we build each case around the facts, the client, and the courtroom.
Our team takes a proactive approach, working to limit your exposure, challenge the prosecution’s case, and protect your future from the start.
Local Knowledge. Strategic Advantage.
We leverage our experience in Jacksonville and Duval County courts to your benefit.
- Experience with Duval County prosecutors
- Familiarity with Jacksonville judges and procedures
Our deep local insight allows us to anticipate legal tactics and develop smarter defense strategies.
What to Expect from Our Defense Team
- Review of all evidence
- Suppression of unconstitutional searches
- Negotiation for reduced or dismissed charges
- Trial preparation when needed
From pretrial motions to courtroom arguments, our expert felony defense attorneys in Jacksonville are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
FAQs About Felony Charges in Jacksonville
Understanding your rights and options is critical when facing a felony charge.
Below are answers to common questions we hear from clients across Jacksonville and Duval County.
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and feel confident at every stage of your case.
What should I do if I’m being investigated for a felony?
Don’t talk to police without a lawyer. Contact a Jacksonville felony defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
Can I be released on bail for a felony?
Yes, in most cases. Bail depends on the charge, criminal history, and other factors.
What if I already have a felony on my record?
Prior convictions can increase sentencing risks. They may also limit plea options or eligibility for diversion.
Will I serve prison time?
Not always. Sentencing depends on the charge, point score, and case details.
Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, in some cases. This may happen through negotiation or a plea agreement.
How long do felony cases take in Florida?
Most cases take several months. Complex cases can take longer depending on the court schedule.
What if the police violated my rights?
We may be able to suppress evidence or seek a dismissal. Unlawful searches or arrests can seriously weaken the prosecution’s case.
Speak With a Jacksonville Felony Defense Lawyer Today
Don’t wait to get the legal defense you deserve. The felony charges you’re facing could change everything.
Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite are ready to review your case, guide you through Florida’s criminal process, and help protect your future.
Call (904) 619-1386 now to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Jacksonville felony defense attorney.