Many serious crimes carry mandatory minimum sentence. If you are charged with one of these crimes and convicted, the judge has to give you a sentence within the legally mandated sentencing guidelines. The only way a judge can give you a lesser charge is with a downward departure. If you are facing criminal charges that carry a mandatory minimum sentence, you need a criminal defense lawyer who has the experience and focus to help you avoid prison.
I am R. Lane Lastinger, St. Petersburg mandatory minimum sentencing attorney and founder of the The Law Office of R. Lane Lastinger, P.A. I have been defending my clients from criminal charges for more than 17 years, and I am well-versed in mandatory minimum sentencing law. I focus only on criminal law matters and only in Pinellas County, Florida.
Minimum Mandatory Sentences
The legislature gives a range of suggested sentences for most crimes, but for the more violent or serious types of crimes, there are minimum sentences that are mandatory. Some of these crime categories include:
- Weapons charges: For weapons charges, the mandatory minimum sentencing is called “10-20-life.” Using a gun during a crime carries a mandatory sentence of 10 years; firing the gun during a crime brings 20 years; and shooting someone brings a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
- Prison releasee reoffender charges: Usually, prison releasee reoffender charges involve violent crimes committed within three years of being released from prison.
- Drug trafficking charges: Florida law has serious minimum mandatory sentences for drug trafficking convictions ranging from three years to life.
- Aggravated fleeing and eluding: This charge comes when a suspect flees from law enforcement and can carry a minimum of 3 years in prison.
- Certain violent crimes against the elderly: Aggravated battery on an elderly person or other violent crimes carry strict minimum sentences.
If you are facing mandatory minimum sentencing charges, I can work with the court, the prosecutor and any victims to get you a downward departure to help you avoid a prison sentence.
Contact a Clearwater Florida Sentencing Guidelines Lawyer ∙ 877-782-7151
Your choice of attorney makes a big difference in your criminal defense case, especially if you are potentially facing a mandatory minimum sentence. Contact me for a free initial consultation.
