Felony Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg

Aggressive Representation in Pinellas County

If you have been charged with a felony, you are facing some of the most serious consequences our legal system allows. Felony convictions can result in years, even decades, of prison time, steep fines, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of civil rights. The stakes could not be higher, which is why you need a seasoned defense attorney on your side from the start.

At Joseph Montrone, Jr., I represent people facing felony charges throughout the Tampa Bay area. For over 29 years, I have handled criminal cases. My experience includes six years as a prosecutor in Pinellas County, where I dealt with some of the state’s most serious criminal charges. Now, as a defense attorney, I put that experience to work for individuals whose freedom, rights, and reputations are on the line.

Reach Joseph Montrone, Jr. online or at (727) 617-6095 to reserve your free phone, in-person, or virtual consultation with me as a St. Petersburg felony lawyer. 

Understanding Florida Felonies

Florida crimes are generally categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. While misdemeanors can lead to up to one year in jail, felonies are punishable by more than one year in state prison. The penalties vary based on the degree of the felony, the nature of the alleged offense, and your prior record.

Felonies are classified into five main categories:

• Capital felonies – The most serious category, which includes first-degree murder and can be punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty
• Life felonies – Offenses like sexual assault of a child that can result in life imprisonment
• First-degree felonies – Crimes such as drug trafficking and aggravated child abuse, carrying up to 30 years in prison
• Second-degree felonies – Including burglary of an occupied structure and aggravated battery, punishable by up to 15 years
• Third-degree felonies – Such as grand theft and felony DUI, which may carry up to five years in prison