Felony cases in Florida follow a more complex process than misdemeanor cases due to the serious nature of the charges and potential penalties involved. Understanding each step can help you navigate this challenging time.
What Constitutes a Felony?
A felony is any crime punishable by more than one year in prison. These charges carry serious consequences including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and permanent criminal records that can affect employment, housing, and civil rights.
Step 1: Plea Day (Arraignment)
Your first court date in a felony case involves several important elements:
- Information Document - You'll receive the formal charging document detailing exactly what you're accused of
- Legal Representation Questions - The judge will ask about your attorney status and whether you need a court-appointed lawyer
- Future Court Dates - Additional hearings will be scheduled
Waiving Your Appearance
If you have an attorney before plea day, we can file a "waiver of appearance" and "written plea of not guilty," excusing you from attending this hearing. However, you must appear unless your attorney or the judge specifically excuses you.
Step 2: Pre-Trial Conference
Okaloosa County has three felony judges, each with different attendance requirements:
- Judge Brown and Judge Flowers - Allow attorney-only appearances with signed waivers
- Judge Stone - Requires your attendance along with your attorney
Step 3: Docket Day
This final court appearance before resolution requires your attendance regardless of which judge is assigned. At docket day, one of three outcomes will be announced:
- Plea Agreement - Negotiated resolution
- Case Dismissal - Charges dropped
- Trial Setting - Case proceeds to trial
Behind-the-Scenes Activity
Between court appearances, significant work occurs on your case:
- Discovery Exchange - Attorney and prosecutor share evidence and information
- Depositions - Formal questioning of witnesses under oath
- Motion Practice - Legal challenges filed in court
- Case Investigation - Gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses
Strategic Case Development
This behind-the-scenes work serves several crucial purposes:
- Identifying disputed issues
- Finding weaknesses in the prosecution's case
- Exploring resolution opportunities
- Preparing for trial if necessary
- Developing score sheet strategies
Importance of Early Intervention
Felony cases require immediate attention and strategic planning. Early involvement allows us to:
- Preserve evidence
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Begin negotiations with prosecutors
- Explore pretrial diversion opportunities
- Calculate potential sentences using score sheets
Our Felony Defense Experience
At Flaherty Defense Firm, we have extensive experience defending felony cases of all types and complexities. We understand that felony charges can be life-altering and require aggressive, knowledgeable defense strategies.
If you're facing felony charges, contact us immediately. Early intervention can significantly impact the outcome of your case and protect your future.
