d
Follow us

How Are Sentences Determined In Florida Criminal Cases?

Sentences for Florida Crimes

In determining sentences for Florida crimes, Florida criminal courts take into account quite a bit of information. Crimes are assigned levels based on the crime’s severity. The levels are assigned a certain amount of points, which increase as the offense severity level increases. That goes for all crimes to be punished at the time of sentencing, as well as prior record crimes.

Florida sentencing guidelines also take into account victim injury and sexual contact, and points are added based on the severity. The guidelines also have enhancements for circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime, such as for:

  • Violations of probation
  • Crimes committed while on probation
  • Gang-related crimes
  • Crimes against law enforcement
  • Drug trafficking
  • Crimes committed by violent offenders of special concern

Sentences may also be reduced in some cases. An experienced criminal trial attorney can research any potential mitigating circumstances and other ways to reduce your sentence.

Learn About More About Sentencing for Florida Crimes

Sentencing for Florida crimes is complicated. If you have a question about sentencing in Florida criminal courts, in Tallahassee criminal cases or in Leon County criminal defense cases, contact (call or text) Bodiford Law, P.A., at 850-222-4529 or online. Our experienced criminal trial attorneys can help you understand how Florida criminal courts work and how we can help represent you.

Joe Bodiford is certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar, certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, the author of the Florida Criminal Cases Notebook and Cross Examination in a Nutshell, and teaches Florida Criminal Procedure and trial advocacy at the Stetson University College of Law.  He has been in practice since 1996, exclusively in criminal law. Joe has practiced law in over 40 of the 67 counties in Florida.  Associate attorney Gannon Coens has been with Bodiford Law since 2015, and practices exclusively in the areas of criminal pretrial practice, criminal trials, and criminal appeals. You will not find a more qualified Tallahassee criminal defense office.