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Sentencing Enhancements

Sentencing enhancements are an important part of the criminal justice system, and they are particularly prevalent in the state of Florida. Sentencing enhancements are additional penalties that can be added to a criminal sentence if certain aggravating factors are present. These enhancements are designed to increase the severity of a sentence and reflect the severity of the crime committed. 


Florida is known for having some of the harshest sentencing laws in the United States. Over the course of many years, politicians from both parties have embraced a "tough on crime" approach that has shifted the responsibility for sentencing away from judges and juries and towards the legislature.

In Florida, a scoring system is used to assign points to various criminal offenses, ultimately determining whether a defendant will face mandatory prison time. This system strips judges of their discretion and instead puts power in the hands of State Attorneys, who may not always prioritize fairness or justice. If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, it is highly recommended that you seek out the assistance of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in order to fully understand your legal options. The lawyers at Halon Law have years of experience defending clients charged with serious criminal offenses facing significant sentencing enhancements. 


Types of Sentencing Enhancements 


The first type of sentencing enhancement that is used in Florida is the Habitual Offender Law. This law allows for more severe penalties for defendants who have a history of criminal activity. Under the Habitual Offender Law, a defendant can be designated a habitual offender if they have been convicted of three or more felonies. This designation allows for enhanced sentences of up to life in prison, even for relatively minor crimes.


Another type of sentencing enhancement used in Florida is the 10-20-Life Law. This law provides for mandatory minimum sentences for defendants who use a firearm in the commission of a crime.

Under this law, a defendant who uses a firearm during the commission of certain felonies is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. If the firearm is discharged, the mandatory minimum sentence is 20 years. If someone is injured or killed as a result of the use of the firearm, the mandatory minimum sentence is life in prison.


Florida also has a Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Law, which requires judges to impose a minimum sentence for certain crimes. This law applies to drug trafficking, sex offenses, and certain violent crimes. For example, if a defendant is convicted of trafficking in cocaine, they must be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of three years in prison.


In addition to these laws, Florida also has a number of sentencing enhancements that are specific to certain crimes. For example, if a defendant is convicted of domestic violence, they may be subject to enhanced penalties if certain factors are present. These factors include the use of a weapon, the severity of the injuries suffered by the victim, and the defendant's prior criminal history.


Florida also has sentencing enhancements for drug offenses. If a defendant is convicted of drug trafficking, the penalties can be increased if certain aggravating factors are present. These factors include the amount of drugs involved, the location of the offense, and the defendant's prior criminal history.


Finally, Florida has a number of sentencing enhancements that are specific to juvenile offenders. These enhancements can result in longer sentences for juvenile offenders who commit certain crimes. For example, if a juvenile is convicted of a violent crime, they may be subject to a longer sentence if they have a history of violent behavior.


Learn More About Sentencing Enhancements by Contacting a Kissimmee Criminal Defense Lawyer Today 


Sentencing enhancements are an important part of the criminal justice system in Florida. These enhancements are designed to increase the severity of a sentence and reflect the severity of the crime committed; however, they can also impose harsh and unnecessary punishments in certain circumstances. The criminal defense attorneys at Hanlon Law conduct thorough investigations and form robust defenses in favor of their clients using their knowledge of sentencing enhancements. 

If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer with expertise in sentencing enhancements in the Kissimmee Florida area, contact the attorneys at Hanlon Law today.

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