ยกHola! ยกHablamos espaรฑol y estamos listos para ayudarte!

What Is 3rd Degree Felony in Florida?

You’re driving home and get pulled over for a traffic violation. Maybe you were speeding, or your driving seemed a little erratic because you were distracted. When the officer asks for your license and registration, they notice a prescription bottle in the car. The medication isn’t yours—it belongs to a family member who told you to take it for your migraine, not thinking it was a big deal. You didn’t realize that having someone else’s prescription in your possession could lead to serious legal trouble.

Now, you’re facing a charge for possession of a controlled substance, a 3rd degree felony in Florida. Suddenly, your traffic stop has escalated into something much more serious, and you’re left wondering, what is 3rd degree felony in Florida and what happens next?

A 3rd degree felony may be the least severe felony in Florida, but it’s still a major legal issue that could lead to prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. In this blog, Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney R. David Williams explains what a 3rd degree felony is, provides examples of common offenses, and the penalties you could face if convicted.

What Makes a Crime a 3rd Degree Felony?

A 3rd degree felony in Florida includes crimes that are more serious than misdemeanors but less severe than 1st or 2nd degree felonies. These offenses are punishable under Florida Statutes § 775.082 and are often associated with acts that cause harm or pose a risk to others, but do not result in extreme physical injury or loss of life.

Some examples of 3rd degree felonies in Florida include:

While these offenses may not seem as severe as higher-degree felonies, the consequences are still life-altering.

Penalties for a 3rd Degree Felony in Florida

If convicted of a 3rd degree felony, you could face both criminal and collateral consequences. According to Florida Statutes § 775.082, the maximum penalties for a 3rd degree felony include:

  • Up to 5 years in prison
  • Up to 5 years of probation
  • Fines of up to $5,000

Judges have discretion in sentencing, which means they can consider factors such as the severity of the offense, prior criminal history, and whether the crime involved violence or harm to others. Sentencing guidelines also play a role in determining the actual punishment.

Collateral Consequences of a Conviction

In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction for a 3rd degree felony can impact your personal and professional life. Even after serving your sentence, you might encounter:

  • Difficulty finding employment due to a criminal record
  • Restrictions on obtaining certain professional licenses
  • Loss of civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms (though restoration is possible under certain conditions)

These consequences highlight why it’s essential to take any felony charge seriously, even if it’s classified as a 3rd degree offense.

Can 3rd Degree Felonies Be Enhanced?

Some 3rd degree felony charges can escalate into more severe offenses under specific circumstances. For example:

  • If a firearm is used during the commission of a crime, penalties may increase under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law (Florida Statutes § 775.087).
  • Habitual felony offenders may face longer prison sentences under Florida’s Habitual Felony Offender Statute (Florida Statutes § 775.084).

These enhancements are designed to deter repeat offenses or crimes involving additional dangers to public safety.

Can You Reduce or Dismiss a 3rd Degree Felony Charge?

While a 3rd degree felony is serious, there are ways to challenge or reduce the charges against you. For instance:

  • Pretrial Diversion Programs: Some first-time offenders may qualify for programs that, upon successful completion, lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
  • Plea Bargains: Depending on the circumstances, you may negotiate with prosecutors to plead guilty to a lesser offense, such as a misdemeanor.
  • Defensive Strategies: If you were wrongfully accused or evidence was obtained unlawfully, your attorney may work to have the charges dismissed.

Discussing your options with a qualified felony lawyer is a vital step in understanding what’s possible in your case.

Are 3rd Degree Felonies Expungable in Florida?

In some cases, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your criminal record, allowing you to move forward without the burden of a visible felony conviction. However, not all offenses qualify for this relief. According to Florida Statutes § 943.0585, eligibility depends on factors such as:

  • Whether you were adjudicated guilty
  • The specific type of offense
  • Whether you’ve had prior charges sealed or expunged

The process can be complex, and consulting with an attorney can clarify whether you qualify.

Taking a 3rd Degree Felony Seriously

A 3rd degree felony in Florida is not a minor offense, and its implications can reach far beyond the criminal penalties you may face. By understanding the nature of these charges and how they fit within Florida’s legal system, you can make informed decisions about your future.

If you’re facing a 3rd degree felony charge, don’t wait to explore your legal options. The choices you make now could have a lasting impact on your rights, freedom, and opportunities moving forward.

Tell Your Side of the Story with a Felony Attorney Who Listens

A 3rd degree felony charge can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean your future is decided. At the Law Offices of R. David Williams, we focus on helping you understand your options and develop a tailored defense strategy that fits the unique circumstances of your case.

If you’ve been searching online for a “felony attorney” or “Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney,” you’ve found someone who not only listens but approaches every case with honesty and integrity. With a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology and nearly 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, David Williams knows how important it is for you to share your side of the story. Listening isn’t just part of his practice—it’s the foundation of how he builds strong, compelling cases.

Whether you’re facing trial, considering a plea agreement, or pursuing alternatives like diversion programs, David will advocate for your freedom and future at every step. From negotiating with prosecutors to challenging evidence, he’s committed to building a strong case for you.

Don’t settle for an attorney who doesn’t return calls or treat you like a priority. Contact the Law Offices of R. David Williams today at (954) 522-9997 or fill out the confidential online form to schedule your free consultation. Take the first step toward protecting your rights and future with someone who will listen and fight for you.

Copyright © 2025.  Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (post) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A.
15 Southwest 10th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
(954) 522-9997
https://dwilliamslaw.com/

Share This Blog

Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request a Consultation

Call (954) 522-9997 or fill out the short form below. We will usually respond within 1 business day but often do so the same day. Donโ€™t hesitate, your questions are welcome.

Main Contact Form

* Required Fields

Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.

Follow Us On

Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A.

15 SW 10th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click to Call (954) 522-9997

Contact Us

Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A.

Hours of Operation

Mon - Fri : 9 am - 5 pm
If you have been recently arrested or charged with any criminal offense in South Florida, you need an aggressive, experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you.

After-hours support is Now Available!

We are thrilled to introduce our after-hours answering service, which ensures prompt response to all of your queries regardless of the time. Our dedication to your satisfaction extends beyond regular business hours. Please feel free to contact us anytime; we will be more than happy to assist you.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram