Last updated November 2025
Charged with a misdemeanor in Florida? You might wonder if hiring a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Florida is really necessary. It is.
Whether you’ve been charged with battery, petty theft, resisting without violence, or possession of marijuana, you need to know this:
👉 Hiring a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Florida isn’t optional — it’s essential.
📌 Learn more about criminal sentencing in Florida and Florida Statute Section 775.082.
🚨 What Happens If You Don’t Hire a Lawyer?
Without an experienced defense attorney, you’re flying blind. Here’s what you’re risking:
A permanent criminal record that can’t be sealed or expunged
Jail time, probation, or court-ordered programs
Driver’s license suspension or points
Fines, fees, and lost income from court dates
Future consequences in immigration, licensing, and background checks
🛑 Many misdemeanors may seem minor — but they can trigger Habitual Traffic Offender status, professional license reviews, and federal consequences. A skilled lawyer for misdemeanor Florida cases can often negotiate a diversion or dismissal.
✅ Why Hiring a Lawyer Early Makes All the Difference
We don’t just stand next to you in court. We get involved early to:
🔍 1. Review and challenge the evidence
Was the stop legal? Did police violate your rights? Is the witness credible? We get answers before you ever set foot in a courtroom.
🤝 2. Negotiate dismissal or diversion
We push for options like PTI, Misdemeanor Diversion Program, or an agreement for a withhold of adjudication — which may allow you to seal your record later.
⚖️ 3. Avoid mistakes that can’t be undone
A bad plea can ruin your future. We protect you from signing away rights, jobs, and immigration status just to “get it over with.”
📂 Common Misdemeanor Charges We Handle
🗣️ Disorderly conduct or resisting without violence
🧽 Protect Your Record. Protect Your Future.
Before pleading guilty, speak to a lawyer for misdemeanor Florida defense — the consequences may surprise you. A misdemeanor conviction in Florida stays with you — even if the penalty feels small. And most convictions cannot be expunged or sealed.
But with the right defense strategy, many of our clients walk away with:
✅ Dismissed charges
✅ Diversion or PTI
✅ Withhold of adjudication + sealing
✅ No conviction on their record
📌 Read: When Is a Withhold of Adjudication an Option in Florida? →
📍 Fort Lauderdale Misdemeanor Defense Attorney
At Michael White, P.A., we’ve helped hundreds of clients throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida fight misdemeanor charges — and win.
You get personal, aggressive defense — and real answers when you need them.
📞 Call now for a free consultation
🎯 Don’t plead guilty just to move on. Let’s protect your record — and your future.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is a misdemeanor a big deal in Florida?
Yes. Even “minor” misdemeanors can carry jail time, fines, license penalties, and permanent records — and most are not expungeable after conviction.
❓ Can a lawyer get my misdemeanor dismissed?
Often. We look for illegal stops, bad witness statements, and opportunities to enter diversion or secure a dismissal based on lack of evidence.
❓ Do I still need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Absolutely. A lawyer can negotiate for a better outcome — including a withhold of adjudication, lesser charges, or alternate sentencing.
❓ What if this is my first offense?
That helps. First-time offenders may qualify for programs or offers that avoid a conviction. But those options are easier to secure with an attorney’s help.
❓ Will this show up on a background check?
Yes — unless the case is dismissed or later sealed. Even a withhold shows up unless you seal it, and convictions are permanent in most cases.