Criminal Charges for Cruelty to Animals
Miami Animal Abuse Defense Attorney
In Florida, cruelty to animals may be classified as a first degree misdemeanor offense, punishable by jail time or a fine, or both. In some cases, excessive or continued animal cruelty may be classified as a felony.
Cruelty to animals may include a number of actions against animals, domestic or not, including doing any of the following to an animal:
- Torturing
- Mutilating
- Injuring
- Neglecting
- Killing
- Poisoning
- Fighting
- Baiting (training or provoking to fight)
Cruelty to Animals Penalties in Florida
In most cases, animal cruelty is a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
However, if a defendant is accused of intentionally causing the cruel death of an animal or of excessive and repeated pain and suffering to an animal, he or she may face third degree felony charges and a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years in state prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. Animal fighting or training animals to fight is also a third degree felony, including betting on animal fights.
Choose the Defense of an Experienced Miami Violent Crime Lawyer
If you are charged with animal cruelty in Miami, you may be in danger of facing imprisonment in county jail or in state prison, along with a fine of up to $5,000 or $10,000. It is important that you do whatever you can to positively impact your case and so you can fight to avoid a conviction for this serious offense.
Fortunately, you can turn to Miami criminal attorney Michael Mirer if you or someone you know is currently facing animal cruelty charges in or around Miami, Florida. Attorney Mirer offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case as well as your legal rights and options, and he is a highly experienced trial lawyer and former Miami-Dade prosecutor.
Contact the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A. today if you have been arrested for your free case evaluation regarding your cruelty to animals or animal fighting charges.
