It is important to note that a Class 4 felony is not a category that is used in Florida. This is because the state organizes felonies by degree, first, second, and third, rather than by numbered classes. Because of this, the term usually appears when people compare Florida’s system to states that do use class based structures.
In those states a Class 4 felony or Class D felony often represents a mid level offense, such as certain theft, drug, or assault related crimes. When Floridians use the phrase informally, they’re generally referring to a lower level felony that resembles a third‑degree felony in terms of seriousness and potential criminal punishment.
In Florida, the closest equivalent to a Class 4 felony would be a third‑degree felony, which can carry penalties of up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and criminal fines up to $5,000. Crimes in this category may include certain theft offenses, some drug related charges, and specific forms of felony DUI, depending on the circumstances and prior convictions.
Florida also uses a sentencing points system. This means that the exact penalty depends on the details of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether any aggravating factors apply. This structure can make two third‑degree felonies look very different in terms of actual consequences.
Anyone facing a charge described as a Class 4 felony, Class D felony, or its Florida equivalent should consult a knowledgeable Florida lawyer as early as possible. An attorney can clarify how the charge fits into Florida’s degree based framework, explain the potential legal penalties, and identify any legal defenses or mitigating factors that may help you.
Because terminology varies from state to state, having a lawyer who understands both Florida law and how out of state classifications translate can make a significant difference in navigating the case effectively. They can also represent you throughout the entire criminal process.
Examples of Class 4 Felonies in Florida
Once again, Florida does not use the term Class 4 felony, but instead uses degrees. A third‑degree felony under Florida law is most similar to a Class 4 felony. These are lower level felonies compared to first or second‑degree offenses. However, they still carry significant penalties, including up to five years in prison, probation, and fines.
Third‑degree felonies cover a wide range of conduct, from property crimes to certain drug related offenses. As far as the exact criminal punishment, that depends on the circumstances and the person’s criminal history.
Because “Class 4 felony” is an out‑of‑state term, the best way to understand it in Florida is by looking at common third‑degree felony examples. These offenses are serious enough offenses to create long term consequences but are considered less severe than higher degree felonies.
Common examples of third-degree felonies include:
- Grand theft (depending on the value involved in the criminal case)
- Possession of certain controlled substances
- Burglary of an unoccupied structure
- Some forms of felony DUI (driving under the influence)
- Criminal mischief causing significant property damage
- Fraud or forgery offenses within specific value ranges
How Bad Is a Class 4 Felony in Florida and What Does It Mean in Court?
A third‑degree felony in Florida is a serious criminal offense, carrying penalties far harsher than misdemeanor offenses but less severe than higher‑degree felonies. It can result in up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and criminal fines of up to $5,000.
Unlike minor charges that may be resolved quickly, a third‑degree felony places you squarely in felony court, where the stakes are higher and the long term consequences, such as loss of civil rights, employment barriers, and immigration complications, can follow you for years.
It is important to note that Florida does not treat these charges as a wobbler. This means that they cannot be reduced to misdemeanors based on judicial discretion alone. Instead, they remain felonies unless the prosecutor agrees to amend the criminal charge or a legal defense results in dismissal.
In court, a third‑degree felony triggers a formal arraignment, discovery, pretrial hearings, and potentially a jury trial if the case is not resolved beforehand. The judge will consider the Florida Criminal Punishment Code, which assigns points based on the offense and your history, in order to determine whether or not prison is mandatory or discretionary.
Because the process is complex and the consequences significant, seeking a Florida lawyer consultation early is essential. An experienced attorney can evaluate potential legal defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and help you understand the best legal strategy for protecting your rights and minimizing the impact of any criminal charge.
What Is the Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors?
Felonies and misdemeanors in Florida differ mainly in severity, potential punishment, and long term consequences. Felonies are the more serious category and can involve offenses such as burglary, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, or felony DUI.
These cases are handled in felony court, and a conviction can affect civil rights, employment opportunities, and future sentencing. Misdemeanor offenses, by contrast, are less severe and include crimes like simple battery, petty theft, or first‑offense DUI. While still serious, misdemeanors carry lighter penalties and fewer long term restrictions than felony convictions.
Examples of possible penalties for felonies in Florida include:
- Prison sentences ranging from 5 years to life, depending on the degree
- Probation terms that may last several years
- Criminal fines of up to $10,000
- Loss of civil rights, such as voting rights, firearm possession, etc.
- Mandatory minimums for certain criminal offenses
Examples of possible penalties for misdemeanors in Florida include:
- Jail time of up to 1 year
- Probation for up to 1 year
- Civil fines of up to $1,000
- Possible driver’s license consequences for certain civil offenses
- Fewer long term civil restrictions compared to felonies
What Is a “Wobbler” Crime?
A “wobbler” crime is a criminal offense that can be charged either as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the specific facts of the case and the prosecutor’s discretion. Some states use wobblers frequently, allowing charges to “wobble” between levels based on the severity of the conduct or the defendant’s history.
It is important to note that Florida does not generally use the wobbler system. Instead, Florida classifies crimes strictly as felonies or misdemeanors, and a charge does not automatically shift between the two unless the prosecutor amends it or a plea agreement reduces it. Even so, certain offenses function similarly to wobblers because they can be filed at different levels depending on the circumstances.
In practice, these Florida criminal offenses may resemble wobblers because the same conduct can lead to either a misdemeanor or felony charge based on factors like prior convictions, property value, or injury level. Although Florida law doesn’t label them as wobblers, they operate in a comparable way by giving prosecutors flexibility in how the criminal case is filed.
Examples of Florida criminal offenses that behave like wobblers include:
- Theft crimes where the value determines misdemeanor or felony level
- Battery that becomes felony battery with prior convictions
- A DUI that escalates to felony DUI based on history or injuries
Do I Need a Lawyer if I’m Facing Class 4 Felony Charges in Florida?
As can be seen, the penalties related to felony charges in Florida can be severe and have lasting consequences on your life. As such, if you are facing felony charges of any degree, it is recommended to immediately consult with an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer.
LegalMatch can assist you in locating an attorney who understands how these cases are prosecuted and how out‑of‑state terms like “Class 4 felony” translate into Florida’s degree‑based system. Even if the charge is equivalent to a third‑degree felony, the risks include prison time, probation, fines, and long term effects on employment, housing, and civil rights.
An attorney will be able to evaluate the specific allegations of your case, explain how Florida’s sentencing structure applies, and help you begin building a legal strategy tailored to protecting your rights. Having legal representation becomes even more important when the charge involves factors such as prior convictions, aggravating circumstances, or offenses like felony DUI that can escalate quickly.
A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to help you negotiate with prosecutors, challenge weak evidence, and assist you in working towards reducing or dismissing criminal charges when possible. Because felony cases move through a more complex court process than misdemeanors, having a skilled advocate ensures you are not navigating the system alone and gives you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome. Finally, they can also represent you in court, as needed.
