Degrees of Felonies In Florida

What does it mean if I am charged with a third degree, second degree or first degree felony?

3rd Degree Felonies

Are punishable by up to 5 years in the Department of Corrections.

Examples of 3rd Degree Felonies: Driving While License Suspended with Two Prior Offenses, Driving while License Suspended Habitual Traffic Offender, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Mischief greater than $1000.00, Grand Theft greater than $300.00 but less than $5000.00, DUI 3rd conviction within 10 years of the 2nd conviction, sale or manufacturing of Marijuana, Battery on a Person over 65 years old, Battery on Law Enforcement Officer , Burglary of Unoccupied Structure, Robbery by Sudden Snatching. (This list is not exhaustive).

2nd Degree Felonies

Are punishable by up to 15 years in the Department of Corrections.

Examples of 2nd Degree Felonies: Fleeing to Elude, Purchase of Cocaine, Aggravated Fleeing to Elude, Felony DUI 4th Offense or Subsequent Conviction, Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon No Intent to Kill, Burglary of Occupied Structure, Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor, Lewd and Lascivious Conduct, Sale of a Controlled Substance, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury, DUI Manslaughter, certain forms of Homicide, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. (This list is not exhaustive).

1st Degree Felonies:

Are punishable by up to 30 years in the Department of Corrections and in some instances by Life in Prison.

Examples of 1st Degree Felonies: Trafficking in Controlled Substances, Burglary with Assault and Battery, Lewd or Lascivious Battery, Exploitation of the Elderly $100,000.00 or more, Kidnapping, Sexual Battery, Child Molestation, Murder, Aggravated Child Abuse, Accomplice to Murder, and Robbery with a Firearm. (This list is not exhaustive).