Facing criminal felony charges in Florida can have a lasting impact on your future. You are probably worried about what is going to happen next and what penalties you may be facing. A Destin felony lawyer can work to protect your rights, no matter what offense you were arrested for.
Founded in 2017, Jay Patel Attorney at Law works hard to protect his clients. As a former prosecutor and deputy sheriff, he is familiar with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the local courthouse procedures. He is also well-versed in the state’s felony laws. Whether you were arrested for sex crimes on Destin Harbor Boardwalk or fleeing law enforcement on I-98, Mr. Patel can challenge your felony charges and work to safeguard your future.
In Destin, FL, felonies are serious crimes that are categorized by degree, ranking from least severe to most severe and carrying escalating penalties. Florida is one of the remaining states that still carries the death penalty for its most serious crimes, and it executed nearly four times as many people as any other state in 2025. Felonies are classified by Florida law into degrees as follows:
People who have been convicted of two or more felonies in the past and are convicted of another may receive longer prison terms. Habitual offenders often face enhanced sentences and more severe penalties. Felonies in Florida include:
Florida uses the degrees above to rank these felonies by severity; third-degree felonies are often theft charges, whereas more serious crimes, like homicide, are considered a capital felony.
Jay Patel is a Former Prosecutor and a Former Law Enforcement Officer with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Most felony cases can be resolved without a trial through the work of a Destin felony lawyer. As a former prosecutor, our attorney, Jay Patel, can negotiate to reach the most favorable outcome for you. The strongest defenses against felony charges are:
Florida law allows for many alternatives to prison sentences. If this is your first time committing a crime in Florida, you may be eligible for pre-trial intervention. This allows offenders with third-degree felonies to avoid a trial and possible conviction by going through counseling, treatment, or education instead. The defendant must agree to this, and once the intervention period is over, the state will dismiss the charges.
When you meet with our Destin felony attorney, he can review the charges being brought against you, along with any past criminal history you may have. Then, he can determine the ideal method for minimizing your sentence and defending your felony case.
The cost of a felony defense attorney in Florida can vary, depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of the charges, and your lawyer’s experience and location. Most attorneys will either charge flat fees or hourly rates. More complex charges will result in higher attorney fees, as they are more expensive to defend than a third-degree felony, and they take more time to prep for trial. Ask about fees during your initial consultation with your attorney.
Yes, felony charges can be dropped or dismissed in Florida. This can happen before or after a conviction. During the pre-trial phase, your attorney can pursue a dismissal or reduction in charges by challenging evidence, pointing out procedural errors, and negotiating with prosecutors. After a conviction, your charges can still be dropped, but only if relief is granted by the state. If charges were dismissed or there was an acquittal, the felony can qualify to be expunged from your record.
In Florida, a first-time felony offender can go to jail, as all degrees of felonies have a possibility of incarceration. However, first-time offenders have opportunities for alternative sentencing, such as rehabilitation, depending on the crime’s severity and the defendant’s willingness to participate. These are often reserved for non-violent crimes, where no physical harm was inflicted upon a victim.
A skilled Destin felony lawyer can review your charges and determine if there is a possibility for alternative sentencing.
Florida’s Three-Felony Rule is also known as the Three-Time Violent Felony Offender law. It is a sentencing enhancement law designed to impose severe, mandatory penalties on repeat, violent criminals. Such mandatory minimum sentencing is imposed:
Violent felonies include murder, sexual battery, aggravated assault, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
When facing criminal charges in Florida, so much is at stake. You may be worried about lengthy prison sentences and how this felony will impact your future. It is important to hire a felony lawyer backed by results.
At Jay Patel Attorney at Law, our attorney has experience as a former deputy sheriff and prosecutor; now, he is dedicated to defending his clients against criminal charges. With many client testimonials and a 4.8-star rating on Google, Mr. Patel can advocate for your rights and defend you against Florida’s harsh penalties.
Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options.
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