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Criminal Defense

Criminal Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL

Preferred Florida Defense Attorneys

When you’ve been arrested, accused, or are under investigation for a criminal matter, you must trust a firm that will handle your case with nonjudgmental and compassionate representation. We proudly serve clients throughout Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Putnam, and Clay Counties, as well as in Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach, taking each case seriously.

Contact our trusted criminal defense lawyer in Jacksonville at (904) 615-8950 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Now Is Not the Time to Take a Risk or Go in Alone.

From the moment you are arrested, you are vulnerable to being stuck with serious consequences, whether or not you actually committed the crime in question.

The painful consequences of criminal charges and accusations vary based on the crime, but generally include:

  • Thousands of dollars in fines
  • Years in jail or prison
  • Job loss
  • Reduced employment opportunities
  • Loss of professional licenses
  • Threats to your parental rights or status as a custodial parent
  • Losing your immigration status
  • Increased insurance premiums (for DUI and traffic violations)

These are just a few of the consequences you could face if you are charged with and convicted of a crime. You can’t afford to go alone, and you can’t afford not to get in touch with a Jacksonville criminal defense attorney immediately.

Having a skilled legal advocate early in the process can make a difference in how your case is investigated, what evidence is presented, and what options are available to you in court. A local criminal attorney who regularly appears in Duval County court, at the Duval County Jail first appearance hearings, and in nearby St. Johns and Clay County courts will understand how prosecutors typically handle different charges and what alternatives may be available to resolve your case.

Why Choose Us?

Our lead attorney, Kate Mesic, is a former prosecutor who has tried many cases. She has been in the local legal community for decades and is familiar with various judges and prosecutors. We know how the system works and can provide you with a realistic assessment of the case and how to proceed.

Our criminal defense lawyers in Jacksonville aim to provide excellent customer service, which is why we provide thorough, timely communication. If you call us and we miss your call, we will return your call the same day.

Because we take a hands-on approach to every file, we carefully review police reports, body camera footage, and any available witness statements before advising you on your options. As a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer team that knows the local procedures in the Duval County Courthouse and surrounding county courthouses, we can walk you through what to expect at arraignment, pretrial conferences, and any hearings so that you are never surprised by the process.

What To Expect in Your Criminal Case

When you first contact our office, we begin by gathering basic information about your charges, your background, and where your case is pending, such as the Duval County Courthouse or the county courthouse in Clay or Nassau County. We then review any paperwork you received, including the arrest report and court date notice, so we can explain the immediate next steps and important deadlines. Our goal is to replace uncertainty with a clear plan so you understand how a criminal defense attorney Jacksonville residents trust will guide you from the first appearance through potential resolution.

As your case moves forward, we will investigate the facts, request discovery from the State Attorney’s Office, and evaluate whether there are legal issues that could support a motion to suppress evidence or reduce the charges. We keep you informed about plea offers, diversion or rehabilitation programs, and the possible consequences of going to trial so that you can make informed choices at every stage. Throughout this process, we remain focused on your long-term future in Jacksonville and the surrounding communities, not just the short-term outcome of a single court date.

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Client Testimonials

    "Kind, patient, understanding, amazing communication skills, and most importantly she listened to what I said and what I wanted."
    Ms. Mesic represented me just recently on a case I have been fighting for years. She was one of 10 attorneys I was speaking too. Out of all of the top 10 she was the best and exactly what I was looking for. Kind, patient, understanding, amazing communication skills, and most importantly she listened to what I said and what I wanted. She forms a plan and follows it through. Professionalism at it's best in a field full of cons, she is a bright light. Thank you.
    - Jacob
    "If anyone can accomplish the best case scenario for someone seeking legal services, it is her. I highly recommend Ms. Kate Mesic."
    Kate Mesic is a highly skilled, industrious expert attorney who works hard for her clients. After a referral, I called her and explained my situation, asking her opinion about how to proceed. She listened attentively and was professionally sympathetic while also clearly laying out the options for me. When my husband and I decided to hire her, we quickly learned that she was always at the top of her game, immediately responsive to our needs, and was clear and committed in her decision-making. Ms. Mesic is a pro at handling tough situations and difficult individuals. She dealt easily with our opposing party, smoothly sailing through the challenges he presented. What I found particularly compelling about working with Ms. Mesic was her honest, straightforward approach. She clearly has a fine-tuned knowledge about the workings of the law, and when I asked her advice she would be straightforward with me about potential outcomes. She certainly could have proceeded in ways that would have drawn out the proceedings and ultimately cost us more, but instead she was frank and open about where we should compromise. I appreciated this and believe it resulted in the best possible results in our situation. Ms. Kate Mesic’s expertise and legal ability were evident throughout our time working with her. She is a consummate professional with a hard driving work ethic, and immediately knows how to respond to any legal obstacle in her path. If anyone can accomplish the best case scenario for someone seeking legal services, it is her. I highly recommend Ms. Kate Mesic.
    - Jennifer
    "One of the best"
    She was there every step of the way with any questions I may have had and pushed for my case to be dropped and believed in me.
    - Former Client
    "I am so grateful that Kate has been in our lives at this very, very difficult and dangerous time."
    I cannot say enough good things about Kate Mesic's professional and personal knowledge of the subject and willingness to pursue all avenues to solve this terrible problem for my family. Not only is she extremely organized and logical in her thinking and her approach, but she is able to motivate and encourage her clients in the most depressing situations, able to help them see exit strategies from overwhelming circumstances, and can somehow enable self-help for the clients. I am so grateful that Kate has been in our lives at this very, very difficult and dangerous time.
    - Juliette
    "I am extremely happy with the outcome & will always recommend her to people."
    I found Kate through a friend who had used her in the past. As the alleged "victim" of a criminal case, she took my requests very seriously and helped ensure I got the outcome I wanted vs. what the state wanted to happen. She understood my concerns and protected me in the court from being asked any questions. She had everything dismissed and resolved in less than a week. I am extremely happy with the outcome and will always recommend her to people.
    - Former Client
    "Their legal knowledge helped to develop the best strategy to win."
    I trusted her and her staff with my case. I reside out of state and if my case was handled wrong it potentially could have had a negative effect on my employment. Their legal knowledge helped to develop the best strategy to win. They knew what information was needed to build a good case including options that I was unaware of. During the whole process they had professional and prompt correspondence about the progress of the case. When she called me to give me the outcome of the case, the results were better than what I was expecting! I couldn’t have been more pleased with the job they did! Thank you Mesic Law.
    - Mike
    "Extremely happy with the outcome."
    Found The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. through a friend. They took my requests seriously and helped secure the outcome I wanted. They understood my concerns and protected me in court. Everything was resolved in less than a week. Extremely happy and will always recommend them.
    - Former Client
    "She is proactive and does the best job possible."
    Kate helped me with both of my cases regarding my DWI and my felony possession, as well as the expungement of the former. She was extremely efficient with the court and the filings for my cases. She worked out the best deal with the prosecutor. She was also so helpful guiding me through the nuances of my cases, along with helping me understand everything that needed to be done to get these filed and closed. Kate is an amazing lawyer, as well as an amazing person. She is proactive and does the best job possible.
    - Ally

What Sets Our Firm Apart

  • Excellent Communication & Updates
  • Understanding of the Courts & Common Tactics
  • Knowledgeable & Comprehensive Legal Advocacy
  • A Legacy of Positive Outcomes for Our Clients
  • A Wide Range of Professional Legal Experience
  • Commitment to Ensuring You Are Treated Fairly

Contact Us Today

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