Misdemeanor Attorney in Dunedin, Florida 

Every single person deserves quality representation when it comes to criminal accusations. While misdemeanor charges are less severe than felony charges, a conviction can still have a tremendous impact on the rest of your life. Over the course of my career, I have seen people accused of crimes who didn’t have adequate legal representation.

If you are facing a misdemeanor charge—such as a DUI, petty theft, or marijuana possession—in Hillsborough County, Pasco County, or the rest of Florida, you need a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and fight for your future. Get in touch with me at Venessa Bornost, P.A. in Dunedin, Florida, and set up a consultation to go over your misdemeanor charges. 

Common Misdemeanors in Florida  

Depending on the circumstances, many crimes in Florida can be considered wobblers— meaning, they can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors. Here are a few crimes that I defend:  

Petty (Petit) Theft  

There are two degrees of petty theft in the state of Florida. To be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, the value of the property stolen must not exceed $100. For a first-degree charge, the item stolen must be between $100 and $750. 

First DUI 

A first DUI arrest is a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. With every DUI arrest, the charges get more and more severe. 

Possession of Marijuana  

In the state of Florida, if you are caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana, you could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. 

Other Misdemeanor Charges 

• Domestic Violence 

• Driving With a Suspended License 

• Resisting Arrest Without Violence 

• Loitering 

• Disorderly Conduct 

No matter what charges you are facing—no matter your unique situation—you deserve a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will listen to your story, strategize a strong defense, and aggressively fight for your rights. Reach out to me at Venessa Bornost, P.A. in Dunedin, Florida, and schedule a consultation as soon as you can. I serve all areas of the state, including Hillsborough County and Pasco County. 

Misdemeanor Penalties in Florida  

It’s important to understand the possible penalties for a misdemeanor in our state. In the state of Florida, a second-degree misdemeanor conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to 60 days and/or a fine not exceeding $500. A first-degree misdemeanor conviction can land you one year in jail and/or fines up to $1000. While those don’t sound as bad as felony punishments, they can still affect your life drastically. You may also receive probation, loss of license, community service, and more. 

Along with punishments from the court, there could be effects on your personal life such as the loss of your job, higher car insurance, trouble at home, a ruined reputation, and more. I am here to fight for the best outcome possible. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I will stand by your side throughout the legal process. 

Practical & Passionate Defense of Your Rights 

When dealing with criminal charges, it is important to hire someone who has a full grasp of the law and is not afraid to fight for you in a trial. Before entering law school, I worked in Pinellas County Sheriff's Office as a deputy sheriff. I was quickly promoted to a narcotics detective, and eventually, a spot on the Pinellas County SWAT Team. My passion for the criminal justice system led me to go to law school and eventually work as a prosecutor. While I was successful in that position, I noticed how many people accused of crimes lacked suitable representation. I then transitioned into working as a criminal defense attorney so that I could apply my time and insight as a police officer and prosecutor and protect those facing prison in Florida. 

Misdemeanor convictions can derail your future in a serious way. By not having an adequate and experienced criminal defense attorney at your side, you are risking jail time, fines, and other long-lasting consequences. With nearly 20 years of experience as an attorney and an additional decade of experience as a police officer, my entire career has been built around the criminal justice system. For reliable and passionate advocacy, contact me at my law firm Venessa Bornost, P.A. in Dunedin, Florida, and set up an initial consultation of your case.