Burglary Charges in Florida

[Pumpkinpie]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida
I have a question regarding my sister that committed some burglary offenses. At the time of her arrest, she had been caught shoplifting three times but had never shown up for her arraignments. So then she was caught with her boyfriend trying to break into a car. When they were arrested the police found stolen credit cards in their possession. She is charged with 7 offenses: Burglary of a structure, Lac. theft, Fraud-illegal use of credit cards, Fraud-imperson. of ID, Larc-petit. 1st offense and 2 more burglary of a structure charges. She had a really high bail set since she had not shown up for her shoplifting arraignments. My parents posted bail and now she is at home waiting for her court date Oct. 23. She is not taking this seriously and I suspect that she is doing some types of drugs. I think they took a drug test but they will not release that info. to my parents (she is 21). So my question is, what type of convictions can we expect and also would a judge be willing to put her in a drug treatment facility if drugs were found in her system and will they release that info. to family members? ANy info. would be appreciated. Thanks.

[M'sta Mikey]

These are SERIOUS charges, and plenty of them to boot. She could be facing some heavy jail time and probation, not to mention fines and fees.

She should be directing these questions to her attorney and if she doesn't have one, she needs one...yesterday!!!

[ashman165]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida
She is not taking this seriously and I suspect that she is doing some types of drugs. I think they took a drug test but they will not release that info. to my parents (she is 21). Thanks.

I would also consider talking to your parents and having them revoke her bail because if she doesn't show up to court, they're out that money.

If she isn't taking this seriously (why should she? it's not her money), then she shouldn't enjoy the freedoms your parents are giving to her by putting their financial interests (maybe even home?) at risk.

High bail indicates risk of flight. She is a flight risk because she has at least 3 times skipped out on her court dates.

High bail also should tell you the gravity of the charges she's facing. She could be in for a lengthy time in prison or jail. She needs an attorney who will start working on her past cases to show some kind of good effort by her to clear those up while she's waiting for trial on this last round of charges.

[Pumpkinpie]

THanks for the information so far. I looked up the penal codes for the state of Florida and all the charges call for a conviction of up to 5 yrs in jail with the exception of one that only calls for 6 months. How likely is she of getting "the book thrown at her" so to speak and being convicted of 5 yrs for each charge? What is common in situations like this? I know that each situation and judge is different, but approximately how much time behind bars could she be facing? Would they give her house arrest? I know nothing of this type of stuff, so any info. would be appreciated. I am just trying to get an understanding of what we can expect as far as a conviction. Thanks again.