Hello. I was arrested for a felony for failure to return a for-hire vehicle and it was my first time. I want to know, willI get jail time? I live in West Palm Beach, Fl.
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Hello. I was arrested for a felony for failure to return a for-hire vehicle and it was my first time. I want to know, willI get jail time? I live in West Palm Beach, Fl.
Asked on May 5, 2009 under Criminal Law, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
First off, you really should hire a criminal attorney in West Palm Beach, FL to represent you on this matter. You are facing felony charges. Possibly, since this is your first offense, your attorney might be able to work with the DA's office in getting the charge dimissed or at least in getting it reduced. Your attorney could also try to get you something called "diversion".
Diversion is offered to first time offenders and typically requires the payment of restitution for any damages, and attendance at an appropriate program; for instance if alcohol was involved then at a substance abuse program. If a client successfully completes the program, pays any applicable fines, makes restitution, and does not get arrested during the participation in the diversion program, the State Attorney’s Office will drop the charges against the defendant and they may become eligible to have their record sealed and/or expunged.
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