Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal Defense Backed by More Than 17 Years of Experience
If you’ve been arrested, accused of a crime, or contacted during an investigation, we can help you identify immediate court obligations, protect your right to remain silent, and evaluate the evidence against you. Our Jacksonville criminal defense attorney considers the charge, your history, where the case is pending, and the effects that a criminal case may have beyond the courtroom.
Kate Mesic is a Jacksonville-based trial attorney focused on criminal defense. With more than 17 years of experience, we provide personalized guidance based on the facts of each case rather than assumptions about the accusation.
Contact our criminal defense lawyer in Jacksonville at (904) 615-8950 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Our criminal lawyers represent clients facing the following charges:
Criminal Charges Can Affect More Than Your Court Date
The possible consequences of a criminal case depend on the charge, the evidence, your prior record, applicable Florida law, and the final disposition. Defense planning should address both the immediate court proceedings and collateral consequences, meaning effects outside the sentence that may continue after the case ends.
The consequences of criminal charges and convictions may 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)
Some consequences arise only after a conviction, while others may begin when charges are filed or court orders are entered. We consider your employment, professional license, family circumstances, immigration concerns, finances, record, and reputation when evaluating possible defense strategies and resolutions.
Criminal Court Procedures in Jacksonville & Nearby Counties
We regularly appear in Duval County court, at Duval County Jail first appearance hearings, and in St. Johns and Clay County courts. We also serve clients in Nassau County, which is part of Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit with Duval and Clay Counties.
Local procedure can affect where a case is handled, which court event occurs next, how criminal discovery is requested, and which prosecutor or division is involved. Criminal discovery is the evidence and information exchanged during the case. Our familiarity with the Duval County Courthouse and surrounding county courthouses helps us explain the procedures that apply without promising a particular prosecutor, judge, program, or outcome.
Former-Prosecutor Insight & Detailed Evidence Review
Our lead attorney, Kate Mesic, is a former prosecutor who has tried many cases. That background informs our assessment of the prosecution’s case and the available paths forward.
We take the time to understand your situation, family, background, and goals before recommending a strategy. Our criminal defense lawyers in Jacksonville provide thorough, timely communication. If you call us and we miss your call, we’ll return your call the same day.
We review police reports, body camera footage, and any available witness statements before advising you on your options. We can also walk you through what to expect at arraignment, pretrial conferences, and hearings. An arraignment is the proceeding where the accused is informed of the formal charge and enters a plea.
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.
As your case moves forward, we investigate the facts, request discovery from the State Attorney’s Office, and evaluate whether legal issues could support a motion to suppress evidence or reduce the charges. A motion to suppress asks the court to exclude evidence that was obtained unlawfully. Whether such a motion is available depends on the facts and Florida criminal procedure.
We explain plea offers, possible diversion or rehabilitation programs, and the potential consequences of going to trial so that you can make informed choices at each stage. A case may involve first appearance, arraignment, pretrial conferences, motion practice, negotiations, probation-related issues, or trial, but no single sequence or resolution applies to every case.
Criminal Case Decisions Under Florida Law
We explain the range of possible outcomes, the sentencing exposure you may have under Florida law, and any collateral consequences that might affect your job, license, or immigration status. We also discuss plea offers, diversion programs, potential motions, and the consequences of proceeding to trial so you can evaluate your options.
Each proposed resolution should be considered in light of its immediate terms and its possible effects on your criminal record, employment, professional licensing, family circumstances, immigration status, finances, and future court obligations. Sentencing exposure and eligibility for diversion depend on the charge, criminal history, case facts, and applicable court requirements.
At The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A., we can explain the legal standards that may apply if you’re accused of a serious criminal offense, facing a misdemeanor or DUI, or need guidance about expungement or record sealing. Eligibility for record sealing and expungement depends on Florida law, the charge, the case history, and the final disposition.
Get a Clear Assessment of Your Next Steps
A confidential consultation with our criminal attorney gives you an opportunity to discuss the accusation, pending court dates, and the concerns that matter most to you. We can review the available information and explain what the next stage of the case may involve.
Contact us at (904) 615-8950 to schedule your free consultation with our defense attorney in Jacksonville.
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Case ResultsRead through our victories and see the cases that we've handled.
Client Testimonials
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"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
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"I highly recommend that if you need an attorney - call Kate!!!"Yekaterina (Kate) helped me with a legal issue and she is an excellent attorney. She quoted me a price - very fair and it stayed as quoted. She followed up with me to let me know where we were in the process, she followed up with me when I needed to complete a step to make sure I didn't drop the ball. I highly recommend that if you need an attorney - call Kate!!! Also - I referred Kate to a couple other people and she contacted them immediately - which is so important when you need an attorney you need one quickly - both people I referred her to were very happy also.- Vicky
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"She saved me $10,000."I was passed Attorney Mesic's name by a mutual business colleague. I was involved in a dispute with three brothers who owned the property I rented and who, unbeknownst to me had been feuding between themselves primarily over this property for years. In addition to her expertness at negotiating the legal landscape, she used her terrific interpersonal skills and her ability to work collaboratively with opposing counsel in a difficult situation to resolve this matter. What I most appreciated was that she recognized that I just didn't want to deal with these jokers or their agent anymore and so she completely took it over, while keeping me informed. I think she saved me $10,000.- Larry
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"Kate is an amazing Lawyer. The biggest quality of her is listening and understanding."Kate is an amazing Lawyer. The biggest quality of her is listening and understanding. Her understanding of ethnic background helped us to connect and made it easy for me to explain my concerns. She is very efficient and resourceful. She provided the best solution for me keeping my best interest in heart. She got lot more done for me than others. She follow very simple process and makes it easy for her clients.- Moitreyi
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"Kate filed a motion to modify so I can pay fines outside of probation. Judge approved motion!"I was in danger of violating my probation because I couldn't pay court fines in time. Kate filed a motion to modify so I can pay fines outside of probation. Judge approved motion!- Former Client
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"As my lawyer, she was very encouraging and kept great communication as she made herself available to contact for questions, updates, etc."From the start, she was honest and quite informational about my case, how she can help, and my options. Unlike other offices I had contacted, she did not come across as a sales person. She was very quick to gather information and thoroughly answer all my questions, as well as clearly explain the legal process I was to undergo, which was exactly what I needed in my emotionally disheveled state. As my lawyer, she was very encouraging and kept great communication as she made herself available to contact for questions, updates, etc. Initially, I was clearly informed how payment was for services rendered, not for the result of the case, though my case ended with the best possible outcome. I am very appreciative of all her hard work and effort in my case and I would gladly work with her again and recommend her services to anyone in need of them.- David
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"Outstanding service, compassionate staff."I received outstanding service! My worries were eased by the compassionate staff during a very stressful time. My case was handled swiftly and the price was affordable. Highly recommend The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A.- Reshana
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"With proficiency and skill she pursued our interests with great results We highly recommend Ms. Mesic."We recently had an issue with a contractor/business that did not perform their work to the expectation to which they had agreed. We contacted Kate Mesic, Esq. who was very understanding of our dilemma and was quite willing to work with us. She did recover from the contractor the funds required to correct the poor work. Ms. Mesic was very understanding of our concerns, gave us a frank and honest opinion of the various outcomes, and represented us in the most professional and honest way. With proficiency and skill she pursued our interests with great results We highly recommend Ms. Mesic.- Former Client
What Sets Our Firm Apart
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Excellent Communication & Updates
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Understanding of the Courts & Common Tactics
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Knowledgeable & Comprehensive Legal Advocacy
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A Legacy of Positive Outcomes for Our Clients
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A Wide Range of Professional Legal Experience
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Commitment to Ensuring You Are Treated Fairly