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.
Call our Jacksonville lawyers right away if you are facing any of the following criminal charges:
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.
-
Get Started TodayThe sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start your defense. -
Case ResultsRead through our victories and see the cases that we've handled.
Client Testimonials
-
"I feel very fortunate to have found Kate Mesic when I was in such a desperate need of legal guidance."I want to thank Kate Mesic for representing me in court over the last two months. I feel very fortunate to have found Kate Mesic when I was in such a desperate need of legal guidance. Her professionalism and expertise gave me the assurance and security I needed to know that things were going to be alright in light of such a difficult case. From very beginning to the end, I never felt alone while my case was open and always felt that I had an aggressive and knowledgeable lawyer watching my back. Any question I had was always promptly answered. Her hard work ensured a more than favorable result with all charges being dropped. I highly recommend Kate Mesic to anyone who should need legal services. She is the BEST!- Allen
-
"I highly recommend Kate Mesic and her staff for all you legal needs."I needed to complete a large Licensing Agreement for the Department of the Navy. Half way through the agreement I was so confused I need help. I retained the Law Office of Kate Mesic to review the Agreement and translate the legal mumbo jumbo into plain English. Kate and her professional staff did an excellent job explaining the terms of the Agreement and my Company now is an Official Department of the Navy Licensee. I highly recommend Kate Mesic and her staff for all you legal needs.- Jim
-
"Thank you Kate for all your hard work on this project and the many other contracts I have brought to you or needed you to create!"Gratitude #7 boosts the great legal work of Kate Mesic with the Law Office of Kate Mesic. Kate was a wonderful resource to me as she reviewed and advised me on the real estate purchase agreement, mortgage loan contract, contractor's agreement, and produced a comprehensive rental agreement allowing me to rent out my previous office space. Kate is extremely bright, prompt to respond and always provides the right advice to me. She carefully explains everything in a way that I can understand. If you are a small business owner in Jacksonville, FL I highly recommend you to meet Kate. Thank you Kate for all your hard work on this project and the many other contracts I have brought to you or needed you to create!- Kathee
-
"Kate is one of a kind! Her ethics, drive, expertise and support was impressive and reassuring to both my son and myself."While my adult son was in town over the Christmas holiday, he was pulled over for driving without his headlights on after dark. (The Valet parking at his hotel had turned them off of auto.) He had consumed a few drinks over the course of the evening and the police officer asked him to do the breathalyzer test. When my son refused, he was taken to jail. I received a call from my daughter-in-law, early the next morning. I called Kate, as I had met her a few times and was impressed by her work ethic, knowledge of the law, professionalism and "humanness" . She was at home at the time of my call, but pulled up the arrest report etc. She told me what time the hearing before the judge was to be that afternoon and said she would meet me at the building where the hearing was to be. (Did I mention this was a Saturday morning?) By the time I arrived, Kate had already spoken to my son, collecting information necessary as she went along. When the judge entered his Chambers, Kate approached him immediately, asking that he hear my son's case first, for reasons that she had already informed us of. Already, I'm impressed, but it only got better. Because Kate is so motivated to help her clients, is extremely intelligent, and has extensive knowledge and understanding of the law and the system's processes, she proactively met with the Prosecutor and was able to get the charges reduced to a lesser charge. This resulted in a SIGNIFICANTLY better outcome for my son. Kate went above and beyond what she was paid to do, in many ways. One of which was letting my son know, in no uncertain terms, the seriousness of this matter and exactly what he needed to do to follow the exact rules of the law. She let him know exactly what the consequences would be, should he not. She kept in touch with my son the whole step of the way; consulting, counseling and yes, checking, to make sure he stayed on track with dates and responsibilities. Yes, Kate is one of a kind! Her ethics, drive, expertise and support was impressive and reassuring to both my son and myself. She is No. 1 in Northeast Florida, as far as we are concerned. I am confident if we have the opportunity to work with this wonderful attorney again, it will under different circumstances, but the end results will be the same.- Cynthia
-
"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
-
"Determined"Good defense lawyer and will fight for you all the way to the end!- Amanda
-
"We would like to thank you so much for getting us through our stressful situation."We would highly recommend Kate Mesic if you need a lawyer. She is a true professional and very knowledgeable . We appreciate your help so much. Her assistant, Ellen, was fabulous in the courtroom that day. We would like to thank you so much for getting us through our stressful situation. Deborah and Tom- Deborah and Tom Mahoney
-
"Beyond anything I could have hoped for!"Jess was very understanding and definitely the easiest lawyer to discuss a case with. I would recommend her just on her humbleness, genuine personality! Her work went above and beyond anything I could have hoped for!- Former Client
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