There are many felony crimes in Florida. Some are relatively straightforward, while others are obscure and unusual. To avoid a felony charge, it’s a good idea to know what some felonies are so you can avoid them. For example, Did you know that it’s a third-degree felony to poach an alligator in Florida? You should think twice about shooting that lizard if it winds up on your property.
Theft has a range of felony penalties. Theft is bad regardless of the age of the person who is defrauded, but if you steal from someone who is 65 or older, you’re in for harsher penalties. Theft from a person who is 65 or older results in a second-degree felony if the amount stolen is between $10,000 and $50,000.
Another interesting fact is that a hit-and-run crash is more serious than a fourth felony DUI charge. The second-degree felony for failing to stop at a scene is also known as a hit-and-run crash felony charge. If the accident involves a death and you leave the scene, a second-degree felony charge may come your way. Comparatively, a felony DUI is only a third-degree felony on a fourth conviction or any conviction thereafter.
When it comes to battery, felonies begin to be of the highest degree. Aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, code inspector or person 65 years of age or older is a first-degree felony. Comparatively, it’s a second-degree felony to commit an aggravated battery against someone under 65.
There are a range of felony charges for almost any crime. Know what you’re accused of, so you can fight to reduce or eliminate penalties.
Source: Florida Department of Corrections, “Florida Criminal Punishment Code: Offense Severity Ranking Chart Section 921.0022, Florida Statutes,” accessed Dec. 22, 2017