Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Priors 10+ yrs old can't be used in court???

Is it true that priors 10+ years old can't be used in court in any way whatsoever???

Also, I have prior (Grand Theft) that's more or less 10 yrs old, depending on the time frame... which date is used to determine this???...

05/20/97 = Offense Date

06/10/97 = Warrant Issued

06/11/97 = Warrant Served

06/11/97 = Affidavit Complaint Filed

06/12/97 = Date of Arrest

04/07/98 = Adjudicated Guilty

06/13/00 = Sentence Terminated

I will be going to court soon for a Misdemeanor charge - I slapped a man one time because he blew cigarette smoke in my face 3 times after I warned him. I'm wondering which date on my prior charge of Grand Theft will determine whether or not the court can use it against me. Thank You for your time!!! God Bless You!!!


Asked on 1/16/08, 1:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Hornsby Richard E. Hornsby, P.A.

Re: Priors 10+ yrs old can't be used in court???

The ten year limitation only applies to civil cases, and then only if you have gone crime free for ten years since.

However, a crime of dishonesty can always be used against you. More importantly, since you are being charged with a crime, the State Attorney is always allowed to look at your entire criminal history when determining what type of offer to make.

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Answered on 1/16/08, 10:45 am


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