Pinellas County criminal defense attorney, Marc Pelletier, explains: what is a misdemeanor in Florida? Although a misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony it's still important to keep in mind that a misdemeanor is a criminal charge. Misdemeanors can carry jail time. For example, a first-degree misdemeanor can carry up to a year in the Pinellas County Jail and $1,000 fine. A second-degree misdemeanor can carry as much as 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Some common examples of misdemeanors that are first-degree misdemeanors include possession of marijuana and simple battery. An example of a second-degree misdemeanor would be disorderly conduct or reckless driving. Judges have broad discretion in sentencing on a misdemeanor case. A judge has the power to put someone in jail all the way from the minimum up to the maximum amount of jail time that's available. A judge can put someone on probation for a period of 12 months or a period of six months depending on whether it's a first or second-degree misdemeanor. Of course, the great range of choices that are available to the judge are all the more reason to have an attorney by your side when resolving the case in front of the County court judge.
