A misdemeanor is not a small problem just because it is not a felony, especially for a service member or a cleared defense worker on the Space Coast. A Melbourne misdemeanor lawyer can protect you from a conviction that follows you onto background checks, security reviews, and command notifications. We defend people charged with misdemeanors throughout Brevard County from our Melbourne office.
Call our Melbourne office at 321-415-0681 for a confidential consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge?
Yes, in most cases. A misdemeanor conviction creates a criminal record that does not disappear on its own, and prosecutors do not reduce charges simply because an offense seems minor. A defense attorney can pursue outcomes a person representing themselves usually cannot.
For military members stationed at Patrick Space Force Base and for cleared contractors, the stakes are higher still. A civilian charge can trigger separate consequences under military rules or a clearance review, which makes early, careful handling essential.
We evaluate whether dismissal, reduction, or diversion is realistic before recommending a strategy.
To consult with an experienced criminal misdemeanor & felony lawyer serving Melbourne
(855) 780-9986
Can a Civilian Misdemeanor Affect Military Service or a Clearance?
Yes. A civilian misdemeanor can lead to consequences beyond the county courthouse for those in uniform or holding a clearance. Service members may face administrative or command action under military rules for the same conduct, and a clearance holder may face a security review.
That is a second, parallel set of risks that a civilian defendant does not have. It means a plea that looks routine in criminal court can carry hidden professional costs.
We handle the criminal case with those additional consequences in view and coordinate accordingly.
What Are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor in Brevard County?
Florida divides misdemeanors into two degrees. A first-degree misdemeanor carries up to one year in the Brevard County jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A second-degree misdemeanor carries up to 60 days and a fine of up to $500.
Common first-degree misdemeanors include simple battery, first-offense DUI, petit theft over $100, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Second-degree misdemeanors include simple assault, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. A conviction can also bring probation, mandatory classes, and a permanent record.
Melbourne Criminal Misdemeanor & Felony Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
Can a Misdemeanor Be Reduced or Dismissed Through Diversion?
Often, yes. Depending on the charge and your record, a misdemeanor may be dismissed, reduced to a lesser offense, or resolved through pretrial diversion that results in no conviction.
Here is how a diversion path typically works in the 18th Judicial Circuit:
| Step | What Happens |
| Eligibility review | The State Attorney’s Office evaluates the offense and your record |
| Admission | Eligible first offenders are offered the program |
| Requirements | Classes, community service, restitution, or counseling |
| Completion | The charge is typically dismissed on successful completion |
A dismissal through diversion is often the best possible outcome for a service member or professional, because it avoids the conviction entirely. We assess eligibility and advocate for admission.
Call 321-415-0681 or contact us online to discuss your charge.
Will a Misdemeanor Stay on My Record in Florida?
A misdemeanor conviction stays on your record permanently unless you qualify to have it sealed or expunged. That record appears on most background checks run by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and security reviewers.
Florida allows sealing or expungement in certain cases, particularly when charges were dropped, dismissed, or resolved through diversion without a conviction.
General court procedures for Brevard County are available through Florida Courts. A misdemeanor conviction can also appear on a federal background check, known as an Identity History Summary, which the FBI describes at their website. Because eligibility is limited, avoiding a conviction is the strongest protection for your record.
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Who Handles Misdemeanor Defense at Our Melbourne Office
Miranda Raustad
Miranda Raustad is a criminal defense attorney at Bogin Munns & Munns whose practice covers misdemeanor and felony charges, serious traffic offenses, and record sealing and expungement. Before joining our firm, she served as an Assistant Public Defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange County, where she represented hundreds of clients across a wide range of criminal matters.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida and her Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law.
Our Melbourne office is at 7195 Murrell Rd, Suite 101.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Case results depend on individual facts and circumstances.
Ready to Talk to a Melbourne Misdemeanor Attorney?
A misdemeanor charge is easier to resolve favorably early, before a rushed guilty plea creates a record you cannot undo. For service members and cleared professionals, the sooner an attorney reviews the charge, the more options remain open.
We defend misdemeanor charges in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Viera, Titusville, and throughout Brevard County from our office at 7195 Murrell Rd, Suite 101.
Bogin Munns & Munns also handles DUI defense, drug charges, felony defense, and other criminal matters from 11 offices across Central Florida.
Call 321-415-0681 or contact our Melbourne office online for a misdemeanor consultation.
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