Felony Defense Attorney in Tallahassee & North Florida

Facing a felony charge can be terrifying. Suddenly, your freedom, your job, your family, and your future all feel like they’re hanging by a thread. You may be reporting to a pretrial officer before you even figure out legal representation.  Whether you’re completely shocked by the arrest or you’ve been expecting the knock on the door, it’s okay to feel scared. At Bogenschutz PLLC, we want you to know: you are not alone and you are not beyond help.

My name is Kathleen Bogenschutz, I’m a defense attorney. I provide calm, steady guidance to clients facing felony charges across Tallahassee, Destin, Santa Rosa, and throughout North Florida. I’m known for strategic thinking, my ability to see the bigger picture, and my deep compassion for the people I represent. I don’t just defend your rights—I walk with you through one of the hardest chapters of your life and help you find a way forward.

What Is a Felony in Florida?

Felonies are the most serious crimes under Florida law and carry potential prison time of more than one year. In some cases, they can result in decades—or even life—in prison. There’s a lot on the line, which is why you need a defense attorney who will take your case seriously and fight for every possible advantage.

Felonies can result in years in prison, life sentences (and in Florida, parole was abolished years ago), and even death sentences if the crime alleged is serious enough.

Common felony charges include:

• Homicide and manslaughter
• Drug trafficking and serious drug offenses
• Sex crimes
• Firearm offenses
• Aggravated assault or aggravated battery
• Fleeing or eluding law enforcement
• Burglary or grand theft
  
  

These cases often involve complex evidence, conflicting accounts, and aggressive prosecutors. I’m here to make sure your side of the story is heard—and defended fiercely.

What Are the Penalties for Felony Charges in Florida?

The penalties for a felony conviction can change your life forever. Depending on the degree of the felony and your prior record, you could be facing:

• Years or decades in state prison
• Hefty fines (up to $15,000 or more)
• Lifetime designation as a felon
• Loss of civil rights (voting, firearm ownership, etc.)
• Sex offender registration (for certain charges)
• Immigration consequences, including deportation

Even beyond the legal penalties, a felony conviction can limit your job prospects, your housing options, and your reputation in the community. That’s why every decision you make right now matters—and why you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner.

How Bogenschutz PLLC Builds a Strong Felony Defense

I bring together legal skill, creative problem-solving, and genuine compassion in every felony case I take. I dig deep to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, listen carefully to your side of the story, and build a defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Here’s how I help:

Thorough investigation –  Review all of the reports, review all of the body camera footage, if any, view the evidence, possibly retain a private investigator in order to take witness statements, and prepare affidavits from other witnesses.

Pretrial negotiations – I fight to reduce charges when possible; sometimes a better plea offer can be obtained by accepting responsibility swiftly and not causing the prosecution to expent their resources.

Trial representation – If needed, I am fully prepared to defend you in court with clarity and confidence.  Because of my years as a prosecutor, I have tried triple digits of cases to verdict.  We will do what is right for you.

Sentencing advocacy – In the event of a conviction, I advocate for alternatives to prison or mitigated sentencing.

My approach is strategic, thoughtful, and always driven by one goal: protecting your future.

What Are the Different Felony Degrees in Florida?

Felony charges in Florida fall into different categories:

• Capital Felony – Punishable by death or life in prison (e.g., first-degree murder).
• Life Felony – Up to life in prison and a $15,000 fine.
• First-Degree Felony – Up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Second-Degree Felony – Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Third-Degree Felony – Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Understanding what you’re facing is the first step. I will walk you through every detail, clearly and honestly, so you always know where you stand.

Take the First Step

You don’t have to be perfect to deserve help. You don’t have to know the system to survive it. If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony, now is the time to take action—and to find someone who will stand beside you with skill, strength, and compassion.

Call (850) 273-8327 today for a confidential consultation, or fill out the form below to get started.

We’ll face this together.

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