Melbourne Felony Lawyer

Over 20 Years Defending Felony Cases in Brevard County Courts

In Florida, a felony is any crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. The penalties are severe, but incarceration and fines are only part of what’s at stake. A conviction can affect your career, your housing, your civil rights, and your future in ways that outlast any sentence. From the moment of arrest, the decisions made in the first hours matter. The State Attorney’s Office assigns its most experienced prosecutors to felony cases in Brevard County, and having a knowledgeable defense attorney in your corner from the start can shape how a case proceeds at every stage.

Attorney Laura Siemers has defended clients against felony and misdemeanor charges for more than 20 years in Brevard County. Our practice is focused entirely on criminal defense, not divided across other areas of law, which means our resources are directed toward protecting the accused. We offer free initial consultations with upfront fee discussions, and we’re available 24/7 so you can reach a felony lawyer in Melbourne immediately after an arrest. Our staff includes bilingual members to serve clients who are more comfortable in Spanish.

Charged with a felony? Contact Law Offices of Laura D. Siemers at (321) 218-5512 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation with our Melbourne felony defense attorney.

Felony Offenses We Defend in Florida

Florida law covers a wide range of conduct under the felony classification, including both violent and nonviolent offenses. Our firm defends clients facing charges that include:

• Illegal drug distribution and trafficking
• Burglary and grand theft
• Robbery and home invasion
• Aggravated assault and battery
• Kidnapping
• Murder and manslaughter
• Rape and sexual battery
• Child pornography possession and distribution
• Various types of fraud and embezzlement
• Arson
• Weapons charges
• Felony DUI and DUI manslaughter

If the charge you’re facing isn’t listed here, contact our office to discuss your situation.

Florida Felony Degrees & Sentencing Ranges

Florida classifies felonies into five tiers under Florida Statutes sections 775.082 and 775.083, each carrying distinct maximum penalties. Understanding where your charge falls is a critical first step in assessing what you’re up against.

• Capital Felony: Death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
• Life Felony: Life in prison; fine up to $15,000
• First-Degree Felony: Up to 30 years in prison; fine up to $10,000
• Second-Degree Felony: Up to 15 years in prison; fine up to $10,000
• Third-Degree Felony: Up to 5 years in prison; fine up to $5,000

Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code uses a scoresheet system to calculate sentencing based on factors including offense severity level, prior record, and victim injury. When a scoresheet total reaches 44 points or more, a judge must impose a prison sentence unless a downward departure is justified under Florida Statute 921.0026. Defendants with prior felony convictions may also face habitual felony offender sentencing enhancements, which can extend maximum sentences to life in prison for life and first-degree felonies.

Consequences Beyond the Courtroom

A felony conviction carries consequences that extend well beyond the sentence itself. Under Florida law, conviction results in the permanent loss of several civil rights, including the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for public office, and own or possess a firearm. Voting rights restoration for most offenses occurs automatically after completing the full sentence, including supervision and all financial obligations, but those convicted of murder or sexual offenses must petition the Florida Board of Executive Clemency.

A felony conviction stays on your criminal record permanently and appears on routine background checks. This can affect your ability to find employment in fields that require background screening, qualify for rental housing, and maintain or obtain professional licenses in areas such as law, medicine, and real estate. For non-citizens, a conviction may also affect immigration status. If adjudicated guilty of a felony in Florida, the conviction generally can’t be sealed or expunged. These are lifelong consequences, and they’re why a strong defense matters at every stage of a case.

How Felony Cases Move Through Brevard County Courts

Felony cases in Brevard County are heard in the Circuit Court at the Viera courthouse. The Melbourne and Titusville courthouses handle misdemeanor charges; if you’re facing a felony charge, your case may proceed through Viera. Attorney Laura Siemers has spent more than 20 years in these courts and brings real familiarity with the local judges and prosecutors who handle felony dockets.

The process typically moves through several stages:

• First Appearance: A judge reviews the charges and sets bail within 24 hours of arrest. This is an early stage where legal representation can make a meaningful difference.
• Arraignment: The defendant enters a formal plea. A not-guilty plea moves the case into the pretrial phase.
• Pretrial Phase: Discovery, witness interviews, and motion practice, including motions to suppress evidence, take place here alongside plea negotiations.
• Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds before a judge or jury. The State must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Possible outcomes in a felony case may include dismissal, acquittal, a charge reduction to a lesser offense or misdemeanor, or a negotiated sentence reduction. We handle pre-trial motions and plea negotiations as core defense tools throughout this process.

Why Melbourne Clients Choose Our Felony Defense Team

Clients facing felony charges in Melbourne and across Brevard County choose Law Offices of Laura D. Siemers because our practice is built around one thing: defending the accused. Attorney Laura Siemers has more than two decades of criminal defense experience in these courts, working cases that range from third-degree felonies to the most serious charges under Florida law. That depth of local experience means we understand how cases are typically charged, how prosecutors approach negotiations, and what courts respond to.

We represent both first-time defendants and those with prior records. Our bilingual staff ensures that Spanish-speaking clients receive the same clear, direct communication as any other client. We’re available around the clock because arrests don’t follow business hours, and early involvement can matter in felony cases. Every case begins with a free initial consultation and a transparent conversation about fees, with no hidden costs.

Speak with a Melbourne felony lawyer at Law Offices of Laura D. Siemers by contacting us online or calling (321) 218-5512. We’re available 24/7.