Out of all the crimes that you could be charged with, nothing is considered as serious as a felony. And while some things with regards to felonies in Florida might differ from what they are in other states, one thing is the same: it’s one of the most serious offenses one can be charged with.
Although we’ve described felonies as the most serious offenses committed, the description does not end there. There is further classification that divides felonies into 5 different classes, which we’ve discussed further in this blog.
Before we begin, here are the 5 classes of felony: capital felony, life felony, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, and third-degree felony.
1. Capital Felony
What’s the worst crime that someone could ever commit? What’s something you can be sentenced to death for? If you guessed murder, then you’re right on the money. Murder is the worst felony one can commit, with no chances of bail or freedom abound. Murderers face either death or life imprisonment, and parole is out of the question. And yes, capital punishment is a reality in Florida: the state ranks 4th overall in its executions by numbers. The most famous person to have been executed at the Florida State Prison was none other than Ted Bundy.
2. Life Felony
While you won’t be sentenced to death for committing a life felony, you will face a life sentence (or at least 40 years in prison). You’ll also be required to pay a $15,000 fine. These are very serious crimes such as rape, treason, extreme child abuse, and human trafficking.
3. First-Degree Felony
Burglary and drug trafficking are among first-degree felonies, and you end up with 30 years in prison, along with a $10,000 fine if you get caught up in one.
4. Second-Degree Felony
You’ll get 15 years in prison, in addition to a $10,000 fine for robbery, aggravated battery, and other serious offenses of the sort.
5. Third-Degree Felony
This is the lightest of all felonies, and includes possession of a controlled substance or a concealed firearm. Third-degree felonies end in a $5,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison.
Getting Bail for Felonies
According to the 2005 Florida Code, Chapter 903 (Criminal Procedure and Corrections), you can be denied bail for “certain felonies.” Even for the lighter felonies for which bail is possible, the judge will ensure that the convict or alleged criminal is perfectly safe to be released back into society. If you’ve committed murder, a bail bondsman can’t help you.
If you’ve been charged with one of the lighter felonies, Lee Calhoun’s team of bail bondsmen can help you post a bond and pay your hefty fine. We help people in Gainesville, Marion, and most of Alachua County.
You can get directions for Lee Calhoun Bail Bonds here.