Wellington Felony Defense Lawyer

Felony Defense Attorney in Wellington, FL

Felonies of any level can carry lasting consequences in your life, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent felonious criminal record. When facing federal charges, it’s understandable to be confused and frightened. A Wellington, FL, felony defense lawyer can help you through this difficult time. They can represent you in all court hearings and fight to keep you out of prison.

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About Us

The Law Offices of Julian M. Kessel has spent over half a decade fighting for the people of Wellington, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and cities throughout Southern Florida in their felony defense cases. Attorney Kessel is passionate about providing clients with an aggressive defense against prosecutors. His zealous approach earned him a membership in Lawyers of Distinction. 

Overview of Felony Defense Cases in Florida

Felonies are serious criminal offenses in Florida. In fiscal year 2024-2025, statewide Circuit Courts processed 152,536 cases. Palm Beach County Circuit Court handled 6,267 charges. Crimes against property represented the most cases with 3,022, followed by 1,573 drug offenses and 1,382 crimes against persons. 

Felonies cover a wide range of charges in Florida. A few common charges include:

• Property crimes. Common property crimes that are automatic felonies include theft of motor vehicles, firearms, and breaking and entering. Theft becomes a felony matter when the value of the property stolen exceeds $750.
• Violent charges. Felony violent charges include felony battery, robbery, manslaughter, and murder.
• Drug offenses. Most drug offenses in Florida, including possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking, are felony matters.
• Felony DUI. Charges of a third or subsequent DUI within 10 years of previous convictions or incidents that involve death or serious bodily harm are prosecuted as felonies.
• Sex crimes. Felony sex crimes include sexual battery, sex trafficking, child pornography, and sexual activity with a minor. 

Felony cases are handled through the 15th Circuit Court of Palm Beach County. The central branch is the Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse, located at 205 Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Felony Defense Strategies

The right defense against a felony charge changes on a case-by-case basis. The following are a few strategies and approaches that The Law Office of Julian M. Kessel may utilize: 

• No criminal intent. Some cases center on a lack of criminal intent, such as a lack of knowledge or accidental actions.
• Mistaken identity. You may be accused of a felony you did not commit in a case of mistaken identity.
• Alibi. A strong defense against felony charges is concrete alibis, such as multiple eyewitnesses or video evidence, of being in another location during a felony act.
• Lack of evidence. Prosecution must have clear evidence that you are guilty. Some defense strategies rely on challenging weak or faulty evidence or highlighting the lack of documentation.
• Procedural errors. Law enforcement must follow strict rules and regulations when conducting a criminal investigation. Errors such as traffic stops with no probable cause, illegal search and seizure, and a failure to read Miranda rights can get felony charges dismissed.
• Coercion. You may have committed a felony through manipulation by another or under duress.
• Self-defense. A felonious act may have occurred to protect yourself or another person from danger. 

Hire a Felony Defense Lawyer

Hire a felony defense lawyer to help you through this hard period. Your Wellington, FL felony defense attorney can be at your side for each stage of your case. They can protect you against manipulative questioning tactics from law enforcement and avoid making easy errors early on in the proceedings.

In the pre-trial phase, Attorney Kessel can explore different legal approaches to build the strongest defense against charges against you. He can review the case against you and challenge any state errors or unfair additional charges. Your skilled legal counsel can represent you in all court hearings for your case.

If you feel guilty of an accusation or a conviction seems likely, your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to find a plea bargain. Plea deals can reduce charges, shorten prison sentences, lower fines, and mitigate the event’s impact on your future. 

FAQs

Q: Do You Need an Attorney for a Felony Charge in Florida?

A: In Florida, you are not legally required to have an attorney when charged with a felony. However, hiring skilled legal counsel can be a worthwhile investment and be vital in securing a favorable outcome. An experienced lawyer can fight for you in the investigation, establish your defense, and represent you both in and out of the courtroom. They can negotiate with the prosecution to find a potential plea bargain that reduces the case’s impact on your life. 

Q: How Much Does a Felony Defense Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: How much your Florida felony defense lawyer costs is based on the severity of charges you face, the complexity of the case, whether litigation is required, and the work hours it requires. A third-degree felony burglary of an unoccupied structure with an early settlement typically costs less than defense in a homicide case that proceeds to trial. Another contributing factor is the billing structure, with different firms using flat fees, retainer expenses, and hourly rates.

Q: Do First-Time Felony Offenders Go to Prison in Florida?

A: First-time felony offenders in Florida may go to prison depending on the type of charge, aggravating factors, and criminal history. A grand theft charge involving property valued just over the felony limit with no prior criminal history is less likely to result in imprisonment than a robbery with a deadly weapon case involving a defendant with multiple prior violent misdemeanors. 

Q: What Is the Three Felony Rule in Florida?

A: The three felony rule in Florida refers to increased sentencing parameters for repeat offenders.Florida Statute 775.084 states that someone with two prior felony convictions is deemed a habitual felony offender if a new charge occurred within five years of the second, and expands prison sentences beyond the typical guidelines. For instance, a second-degree felony’s 15-year imprisonment maximum is increased to 30 years.  

Speak With a Wellington, FL Felony Defense Attorney Today

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. In this meeting, we can learn your story, explain the charges against you, and provide potential defense strategies for your case. You may also visit our Wellington office, located on South Shore Boulevard north of South Shore Park, Northeast of Wellington Equestrian Centre, Central Park, and south of Greenview Shores Boulevard.