A misdemeanor is not a minor problem just because it is not a felony. An Orlando misdemeanor lawyer can protect you from consequences that follow a conviction for years: a permanent record that shows up on job and housing applications, lost professional licenses, and immigration effects.
We defend people charged with misdemeanors in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties from our Orlando office, and we work to keep a temporary mistake from becoming a permanent record.
Call our Orlando office at 407-578-9696 for a free, confidential consultation.
Do You Actually 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 or drop charges simply because the offense seems minor. A defense attorney can pursue outcomes that a person representing themselves usually cannot.
Those outcomes include dismissal, reduction to a lesser charge, and admission to a diversion program that avoids a conviction entirely. We evaluate which of these is realistic based on the charge, the evidence, and your record before recommending a strategy.
To consult with an experienced criminal misdemeanor & felony lawyer serving Orlando
(855) 780-9986
What Are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor in Florida?
Florida divides misdemeanors into two degrees, and the maximum penalties are set by statute. The classification determines the exposure, but the actual outcome depends heavily on the defense.
| Degree | Maximum Jail | Maximum Fine | Common Examples |
| First-degree misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | Battery, DUI (first offense), petit theft over $100, possession of paraphernalia |
| Second-degree misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | Simple assault, disorderly conduct, trespassing, petit theft under $100 |
Beyond jail and fines, a misdemeanor conviction can bring probation, community service, mandatory classes, and a permanent criminal record. We work to minimize or avoid these consequences entirely.
What Types of Misdemeanor Charges Do We Defend in Orlando?
We handle the full range of misdemeanor offenses charged in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. Common charges include:
- Simple assault and battery
- Petit theft and shoplifting
- Disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication
- First-offense DUI
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Trespassing
- Criminal mischief
- Driving with a suspended license
Some of these charges have their own dedicated defense pages, including DUI and drug-related offenses. If your charge is not listed here, contact us. We defend misdemeanors of all types.
Orlando Criminal Misdemeanor & Felony Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
Can a Misdemeanor Be Reduced or Dismissed in Orange County?
Often, yes. Depending on the charge and your record, a misdemeanor may be eligible for dismissal, reduction to a lesser offense, or a pretrial diversion program that results in no conviction.
Pretrial diversion is a common path for first-time offenders in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which covers Orange and Osceola Counties. Completing the program, which may involve classes, community service, or restitution, can lead to the charge being dropped. The State Attorney’s Office decides who is admitted, and having an attorney advocate for your eligibility matters.
We assess diversion eligibility, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare for trial when the evidence supports fighting the charge outright.
Will a Misdemeanor Stay on My Record in Florida?
A misdemeanor conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless you are eligible to have it sealed or expunged. That record appears on most background checks run by employers, landlords, and licensing boards.
Florida allows sealing or expungement in certain cases, particularly when charges were dropped, dismissed, or resolved through diversion without a conviction. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) administers the expungement process, and its requirements are published at fdle.state.fl.us. Eligibility is limited and specific, which is why avoiding a conviction in the first place is the strongest protection for your record.
Call 407-578-9696 or contact us online to discuss your charge.
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Who Handles Misdemeanor Defense at Our Orlando Office
Emma Boggs is a criminal defense attorney at Bogin Munns & Munns who represents clients in Orlando, Kissimmee, Clermont, and throughout Central Florida. Her practice focuses on criminal defense, including misdemeanors, felony charges, and traffic-related offenses.
She began her career as an Assistant Public Defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, where she represented clients in Orange and Osceola Counties and handled hundreds of criminal cases, building a strong foundation in courtroom advocacy, plea negotiation, and trial strategy. She earned her Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law in 2023 and served on active military duty before law school.
Our Orlando office is at 1000 Legion Place, Suite 1000. Consultations are free and confidential.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Case results depend on individual facts and circumstances.
Ready to Talk to an Orlando Misdemeanor Attorney?
A misdemeanor charge is easier to resolve favorably early, before a rushed guilty plea creates a record you cannot undo. The sooner you have an attorney reviewing the charge, the more options remain on the table.
We defend misdemeanor charges in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties and throughout Central Florida from our office at 1000 Legion Place, Suite 1000.
Bogin Munns & Munns also handles DUI defense, drug charges, felony defense, personal injury, immigration, and more from 11 offices across the region.
Call 407-578-9696 or contact our Orlando office online for a free misdemeanor consultation.
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