What is a mandatory minimum sentence?

A mandatory minimum sentence is the least severe punishment that may be imposed if you are convicted of a certain crime. Generally, a mandatory minimum sentence means that you won’t be sentenced to only fines or probation—you will serve jail time if convicted. While judges often have some discretion in the penalties they impose, they may have limited—or no—discretion to deviate from mandatory minimums established by law. In addition to minimum sentences that may be imposed, the law may also specify maximum penalties. While you can expect to serve at least the mandatory minimum sentence if convicted of a charge that carries mandatory incarceration, a judge may impose a longer sentence as long as it does not exceed the maximum sentence permitted by law. Not all offenses in Florida are subject to mandatory minimum sentences. Certain serious violent crimes, gun crimes, and drug crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, while other offenses can result in required imprisonment if they accrue more than 44 points as calculated using Florida’s criminal scoresheet under the state’s felony point system.

What is Florida’s “10-20-Life Law”?

Codified as Simply possessing a firearm while committing such a crime generally carries a minimum prison term in Florida of 10 years or, if the weapon is a semi-automatic firearm, 15 years. Actually discharging a gun during the commission of such an offense can lead to a minimum prison sentence of 20 years. If discharging the gun results in death or great bodily harm to someone, it carries a minimum sentence of 25 years and the potential for life imprisonment.

What should I do if I’m charged with a crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence?

All defendants in Florida can benefit from dedicated legal representation, but professional advocacy is particularly important when the crime you’re charged with carries mandatory minimum penalties. Because you’re virtually guaranteed to face at least this sentence if convicted, you need to pursue all avenues that could help you avoid a conviction for this crime, including dismissals of charges, the Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program, plea agreements, and not-guilty trial verdicts. If you’re charged with a violation that carries either a mandatory minimum sentence or a significant maximum sentence, protect yourself by exercising your right to remain silent. Politely inform the police that you need to speak to a defense lawyer before answering any questions or giving any statements. As soon as possible, contact our firm to provide the strong defense you need for this challenging legal issue.

How can a lawyer help me avoid the maximum sentence for criminal charges in Florida?

If the case against you is strong, you could face much more than the mandatory minimum penalty if convicted. There are also maximum penalties permitted under Florida law for various charges. Depending on the severity of the charge, you could be sentenced to years in prison. A strong defense can benefit you in this situation, even if getting charges dropped or avoiding a conviction entirely isn’t feasible, given your specific circumstances. Attorney Brandon Dinetz can put forward effective arguments that highlight mitigating circumstances, framing the actions you’re accused of as relatable and helping to secure lighter penalties compared to the maximum sentence that the law permits. Of course, our firm always pursues the most beneficial outcome possible. Depending on the facts of your situation, we may be able to help you avoid a conviction entirely by getting charges dismissed or reduced, securing entry into the Pretrial Intervention program, or achieving a not-guilty verdict through our strong representation in the courtroom.

Florida Sentencing Guidelines Lawyer | Criminal Penalties Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL

BD Law/

West Palm Beach Criminal Lawyer/

Florida Sentencing Guidelines Lawyer

Criminal Penalties Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, Helping Clients Facing Sentencing Ranges for All Levels of Violations in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and Throughout South Florida

When you’ve been charged with a crime, your biggest concern is what consequences you could face if convicted. Developing an informed defense strategy requires the skill and knowledge of a Florida sentencing guidelines lawyer who understands not only what you’re up against but also how to fight effectively for your rights and your freedom.

At BD Law, we recognize the nuances of the minimum and maximum sentences for felonies of all degrees. We bring to each case the insider knowledge of a former prosecutor who knows exactly how the state’s criminal scorecard and felony points system will apply to matters like yours.

Our firm provides free, confidential consultations to help the accused make informed decisions about their defense. To speak with a trusted criminal penalties attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, about your case, contact us today.

What to Know About Sentencing Ranges in Florida

When you have been charged with a crime in Florida, there is a whole range of possible penalties you may face if convicted. State law—under Section 775.082 of the Florida Statutes—establishes sentencing ranges that can be applied based on the grade of the violation.

Crimes in Florida are divided into felonies, which are more serious offenses, and misdemeanors, which are less serious violations. Both felonies and misdemeanors are further divided into different degrees. The lower the degree (first vs. second, for example), the more severe the offense.

With sentencing ranges in place, courts have some discretion to determine what penalty is most appropriate for the circumstances. If your Florida sentencing guidelines lawyer is able to effectively establish mitigating circumstances, more lenient sentences may be imposed as a result. However, if your case involves particularly heinous allegations, you could be facing the full impact of the maximum sentence if convicted of the offense.

Knowledge of Florida’s sentencing ranges provides valuable information when you’re facing criminal charges, but you need much more hands-off guidance to achieve the outcome that minimizes the penalties looming over you. The single action you can take now that offers the best opportunity for favorably resolving your case is retaining a dedicated criminal defense attorney to manage your legal matter for you.

Understanding Florida's Criminal Scoresheet and Felony Point System

A key part of Florida’s sentencing ranges is the criminal scoresheet that courts throughout the state use to determine sentencing guidelines. Section 921.0024 of Florida Statutes establishes the Criminal Punishment Code worksheet used to tally points under this system and calculate sentencing guidelines.

Under this scoresheet, point values are assigned to criminal offenses and relevant factors such as the defendant’s prior record or the extent of harm (if any) caused to an alleged victim.

Under Florida’s felony point system, points are accrued for the following factors:

The primary offense for which you’re facing criminal charges
Any additional offenses you have been charged with
Your record of prior criminal convictions, if any
The extent of injury an alleged victim sustained as a result of the crime
Any violation of probation or parole conditions committed through this offense

A higher total score results in more severe penalties, while a lower score facilitates less harsh sentences, which may include alternatives to incarceration.

A level 1 primary offense, such as petit theft, carries only four points, while a level 7 primary offense, like carjacking, already exceeds the threshold under which you could avoid a prison sentence with 56 points, even without the involvement of a weapon. For a level 10 offense, like first-degree murder, the primary offense alone carries 116 sentence points—and that’s not even including the extensive victim injury points applicable in such serious violations.

Minimum Prison Sentences Under Florida’s Criminal Scoresheet

Under Florida’s felony point system, the minimum sentences you could face depend on the total amount of points assigned to you.

Generally, if your total scorecard amounts to 44 points or less, the judge presiding over your case generally has the discretion to impose a sentence other than incarceration in state prison, such as probation or house arrest. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t face prison time if the judge deems such a penalty appropriate, as long as the statute you are accused of violating provides for a prison sentence to be imposed.

If your scorecard exceeds 44 points, then you will generally be facing a prison sentence if convicted. To determine the minimum number of months a defendant faces in state prison, Florida uses a formula in which the total points, minus 28, are decreased by 25% (in other words, the difference between the total and 28 is multiplied by 0.75). For example, if you commit a crime that constitutes a level seven offense like carjacking without a weapon (worth 56 points even without other factors), you’re looking at a minimum of 21 months in prison.

This is the lowest permissible prison term, per Section 921.0024 of Florida Statutes, unless the court is able to provide a valid reason for departing from this guideline. However, any state prison sentence imposed in Florida must exceed one year, per the statute.

Because so many factors can cause you to accumulate points on Florida’s criminal scoresheet, even a primary offense that is less severe—and that doesn’t cause serious victim injury—can still lead to high totals and harsh sentences if you’re facing charges of additional offenses and have a prior record.

Maximum Penalties for Felony Convictions in Florida

For a felony conviction, the law generally allows for years-long periods of incarceration. Third-degree felonies are the least serious of these charges, while first-degree are the most serious with the exception of life and capital felonies.

Third-Degree Felony Penalties in Florida

While third-degree charges like aggravated assault, grand theft, and some drug crime charges are the lowest grade of felony-level offenses, they’re still serious criminal legal matters. You could face a maximum of five years of imprisonment if convicted, as well as fines of up to $5,000.

Potential Penalties for Second-Degree Felonies in Florida

For a second-degree felony, the maximum sentence is up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Examples of second-degree felonies our defense attorneys often handle include burglary of a dwelling, illegal drug sales, and aggravated battery not involving a firearm.

First-Degree Felony Sentences in Florida

With few exceptions, first-degree felonies are the most serious charges you could face. As such, the sentences that go along with these charges are particularly harsh. Violations commonly charged as first-degree felonies may include burglary with assault or battery and drug trafficking.

For a first-degree felony conviction, you could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison or, in certain instances, life in prison (with the possibility of parole). You could also be fined up to $10,000.

Penalties for a Capital or Life Felony in Florida

For the most severe offenses, such kidnapping, rape, and murder, separate grades of felony charges exist. A life felony conviction can lead to life imprisonment, while a capital felony means you could potentially face the death penalty or, at the very least, a life sentence without parole.

Misdemeanor Penalties

Misdemeanors in Florida also pose the potential for jail time. While a second-degree misdemeanor could send you to the county jail for up to 60 days, a first-degree misdemeanor is potentially punishable by up to one year in the county jail.

Charges That Carry Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Florida

While many violations pose the potential for a prison sentence, some harshly punished offenses carry minimum mandatory sentences. These charges generally include:

Murder
Attempted murder
Armed burglary
Sexual battery
Drug trafficking, with different minimum penalties depending on the substance and amount
Possessing or brandishing a firearm while committing certain felony offenses
Firing a gun during the commission of certain felonies
Causing death or great bodily harm by discharging a firearm while committing a felony

Although Florida law takes all of these offenses seriously enough to impose mandatory minimum sentences, the punishments aren’t equally harsh. While the minimum penalty for trafficking 25-1,999 pounds of marijuana is three years, a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

Additionally, any offense for which your total under Florida’s felony points system exceeds 44 is presumed to include imprisonment as part of the sentence. This means you could face mandatory prison time even if the primary offense is relatively minor if other factors, such as a prior record, drive up your score above this threshold. Florida’s legal system takes this scorecard seriously. In the event of any deviation from these guidelines, the law specifies that the state attorney must explain in writing why the recommendations were not followed.

How a Strong Defense from BD Law’s Florida Sentencing Guidelines Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Harsh Penalties

With such a complex and often unforgiving system, you’re going to need dedicated, knowledgeable help to avoid the harshest penalties. It takes an experienced criminal penalties attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, to develop smart legal strategies and craft effective defenses against serious criminal charges.

At BD Law, we recognize that the maximum penalties you’re facing can change everything and that even mandatory minimum sentences impact every aspect of your life. We’re here to fight for the accused, pursuing favorable outcomes such as:

Dismissals of charges
Reduction of charges
Suppression of improperly obtained evidence
Plea agreements in the defendant’s best interests
Entry to diversion programs that allow clients to avoid a conviction
Not-guilty verdicts at trial
Lighter sentences

We achieve these outcomes through our diligent investigation and case preparation, as well as our dedicated advocacy. From analyzing the facts of the case against you to aggressively defending your rights in court, BD Law provides an effective defense to minimize the impact of criminal charges—even in the face of strict minimum sentences and harsh maximum penalties.

Why Choose BD Law as Your Criminal Defense Attorney?

To overcome the challenges in the legal process and provide the best hope of avoiding harsh penalties, choose Brandon Dinetz as your Florida sentencing guidelines lawyer. With his experience as a former prosecutor, the respect he commands among the local legal community, and his willingness to fight aggressively for his clients, Attorney Brandon Dinetz is the clear choice when mandatory minimum and severe maximum penalties are on the line.

The Advantages of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side

Having served as Assistant State Attorney at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, Brandon Dinetz has a comprehensive understanding of all the nuances of Florida’s sentencing ranges. We know what’s at stake when it comes to maximum penalties and how to put up the strongest possible defense against charges that carry mandatory minimum sentences in the event of a conviction. With insider knowledge of how prosecutors approach cases like yours, we’re able to develop strong defense strategies to achieve favorable outcomes.

A Reputation Among South Florida’s Legal Community

Who you choose to defend you against criminal charges matters. Retaining an attorney who is known and respected throughout West Palm Beach and beyond provides considerable advantages. Having cultivated strong relationships with—and a reputation among—law enforcement departments, opposing counsel, and judges throughout the area, Attorney Brandon Dinetz brings to each case the work ethic, courtroom presence, and legal excellence that have commanded respect across the criminal justice sector.

Aggressive Representation When You Need It Most

The steeper the consequences of a conviction, the more crucial having dedicated legal counsel becomes. When the charges you’re facing carry mandatory minimum prison sentences or a lengthy maximum penalty, you need an attorney who won’t back down from fighting for your interests. Whether through strategic negotiations or a compelling case presented in court, Attorney Brandon Dinetz pursues the most favorable resolution possible for the clients who entrust their criminal defense matter to BD Law.

Contact a Florida Sentencing Guidelines Lawyer at BD Law Today for a Free Case Review

Florida’s sentencing ranges aren’t just complex—they’re harsh. Between mandatory minimum sentences applied for certain offenses and the impact of the state’s criminal scorecard and felony points system, you may be facing punishments that seem excessive but are still permitted under Florida law. That’s why it’s essential that you approach the legal process with every possible advantage. Having the right attorney on your side is one of the most important factors that will influence the outcome of your case.

We’re here to pursue the most favorable resolution possible, aiding our clients in securing dismissals of charges, reduced charges, lighter penalties, and not-guilty verdicts. For help from a criminal penalties attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, who knows how to develop a strong defense, contact BD Law online or call (561) 778-5213 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Sentencing Ranges in Florida

A mandatory minimum sentence is the least severe punishment that may be imposed if you are convicted of a certain crime. Generally, a mandatory minimum sentence means that you won’t be sentenced to only fines or probation—you will serve jail time if convicted.
While judges often have some discretion in the penalties they impose, they may have limited—or no—discretion to deviate from mandatory minimums established by law.
In addition to minimum sentences that may be imposed, the law may also specify maximum penalties. While you can expect to serve at least the mandatory minimum sentence if convicted of a charge that carries mandatory incarceration, a judge may impose a longer sentence as long as it does not exceed the maximum sentence permitted by law.
Not all offenses in Florida are subject to mandatory minimum sentences. Certain serious violent crimes, gun crimes, and drug crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, while other offenses can result in required imprisonment if they accrue more than 44 points as calculated using Florida’s criminal scoresheet under the state’s felony point system.
Codified as Section 775.087 of Florida Statutes, the “10-20-Life Law” pertains to the sentencing of certain gun-related offenses—constituting the use or even the mere possession of firearms—in connection with the commission of a felony crime, such as drug trafficking, burglary, home invasion, kidnapping, and murder.
Simply possessing a firearm while committing such a crime generally carries a minimum prison term in Florida of 10 years or, if the weapon is a semi-automatic firearm, 15 years. Actually discharging a gun during the commission of such an offense can lead to a minimum prison sentence of 20 years. If discharging the gun results in death or great bodily harm to someone, it carries a minimum sentence of 25 years and the potential for life imprisonment.
All defendants in Florida can benefit from dedicated legal representation, but professional advocacy is particularly important when the crime you’re charged with carries mandatory minimum penalties. Because you’re virtually guaranteed to face at least this sentence if convicted, you need to pursue all avenues that could help you avoid a conviction for this crime, including dismissals of charges, the Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program, plea agreements, and not-guilty trial verdicts.
If you’re charged with a violation that carries either a mandatory minimum sentence or a significant maximum sentence, protect yourself by exercising your right to remain silent. Politely inform the police that you need to speak to a defense lawyer before answering any questions or giving any statements. As soon as possible, contact our firm to provide the strong defense you need for this challenging legal issue.
If the case against you is strong, you could face much more than the mandatory minimum penalty if convicted. There are also maximum penalties permitted under Florida law for various charges. Depending on the severity of the charge, you could be sentenced to years in prison.
A strong defense can benefit you in this situation, even if getting charges dropped or avoiding a conviction entirely isn’t feasible, given your specific circumstances. Attorney Brandon Dinetz can put forward effective arguments that highlight mitigating circumstances, framing the actions you’re accused of as relatable and helping to secure lighter penalties compared to the maximum sentence that the law permits.
Of course, our firm always pursues the most beneficial outcome possible. Depending on the facts of your situation, we may be able to help you avoid a conviction entirely by getting charges dismissed or reduced, securing entry into the Pretrial Intervention program, or achieving a not-guilty verdict through our strong representation in the courtroom.