What is a felony charge?
A felony is any criminal offense that is punishable under Florida laws, or that would be punishable if committed in Florida, by death or imprisonment in a state correctional facility.


Felony charges include, but are not limited to murder, manslaughter, robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated child abuse, sexual battery, kidnapping, burglary, grand theft, battery on law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, willful or aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, possession and/or sale of drugs, communication fraud, forgery, and passing worthless bank checks. Felonies are classified into 5 categories, based on severity of the crime:
- Capital Felonies, punishable by death or life in prison.
- Life Felonies, punishable by life in prison.
- First Degree Felonies, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
- Second Degree Felonies, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Third Degree Felonies, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Show All Answers

1. What is a felony charge?
2. What happens after an arrest on a felony offense?
3. How will I know when and where I go to court?
4. How do I have a public defender appointed to my case?
5. How do I get a new attorney assigned to my case if I have a conflict with my present attorney?
6. What if I move?
7. How do I change my court date after notification?
8. What happens if I fail to appear for my court date?
9. How do I find information about my case or other felony cases?
10. If I want copies of paperwork from a court file, is there a charge?
11. May I file a document by fax?
12. How do I get my bond money back now that my case has been disposed?
13. What happens to the evidence submitted in my case? How do I get it back?
14. How do I withdraw my plea?
15. How can I have my case sealed or expunged?
16. How do I have my civil rights restored?
17. How do I know when a trial is scheduled for public viewing?
18. What is a grand jury? When does it meet? Are the sessions public?
19. What local agencies are involved in the Citrus County Criminal Justice System?
20. What if I want to appeal the final decision of the judge in my case?
21. Where can I pay my court fine/fees and costs?
22. How do I find out IF there is a capias or bench warrant out for my arrest?