Criminal Defense in Florida

Florida's criminal justice system handles over 200,000 felony cases and 500,000 misdemeanor cases per year. For misdemeanor charges like petit theft, simple assault, or trespassing, defense attorneys typically charge flat fees between $2,500 and $5,000. Felony cases vary dramatically — a third-degree felony like grand theft might cost $5,000-$10,000, while more serious charges such as armed robbery or drug trafficking often require $15,000-$60,000 in legal fees. Florida has mandatory minimum sentencing laws for many drug and firearm offenses, which increases the stakes and complexity of defense work. The state's Stand Your Ground law creates unique defense opportunities but also adds legal complexity. Public defenders are available for those who qualify financially, but caseload pressures mean private representation often results in more personalized attention. Federal criminal cases prosecuted in Florida's three federal districts (Southern, Middle, Northern) typically cost 2-3 times more than comparable state cases.