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The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A.
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Criminal Defense

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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Client Testimonials

    "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 cannot express my or my daughter's thankfulness for such a skilled lawyer!"
    Kate assisted my daughter get out of jail in less than three days due to a very old Domestic warrant! She worked key judicial issues regarding the Domestic Warrant with the courts and maneuvered through the justice system with great diligence and aptitude! At the same time she also helped get my daughter out of a traffic ticket with no points against her driving record. I cannot express my or my daughter's thankfulness for such a skilled lawyer! I would definitely recommend her services and will definitely use her legal talents again!
    - John
    "My worries were eased by the compassion of Kate and the staff"
    I received outstanding service! My worries were eased by the compassion of the staff, as this was a very stressful time for me being told that my DL has been revoked. My case was handled with expedited care and the price didn't hurt my pockets.
    - Reshana
    "As all the reviews say Kate and her team are fantastic."
    As all the reviews say Kate and her team are fantastic. I've never dealt with a DUI type of situation before and had an incident with my son. Kate reviewed the legalities of the situation and guided us through the process, luckily no major actions were needed but having a responsive, expert lawyer guiding us through the process gave tremendous peace of mind. I can't recommend Kate enough.
    - T.P.
    "I am so pleased that Kate was my attorney who got me the best possible outcome I was hoping for!"
    I retained Kate's services in January 2013 after receiving a criminal citation for driving without a valid license (I hold a foreign license was was told otherwise by the Duval County Tax Collector's office I may continue to drive with my foreign license for up to 6 months). Given that I am a foreign citizen, on a visa, and also a fellow lawyer by profession (contracts lawyer), I needed a competent and responsive lawyer ASAP in the criminal and traffic citation field. After searching message boards and telephoning a few lawyers, I found Kate. Her past experience coupled with her confidence, responsiveness but most importantly time, patience and sympathy made her the ideal match for me to retain her services. I seldom see other lawyers provide such services, but Kate is clearly the exception. Kate gave me the time to explain my case in our first call, asking all the right questions. That responsiveness never once faltered throughout my representation. Her attention to me did not make me feel like a docket number, but rather a fellow human being with emotions, concerns, and needs just like everyone else. In terms of managing the case, Kate wasted no time in getting my paperwork and statement of fact together. She immediately docketed my case for the earliest possible hearing. Kate explained all my possible options, from the best case scenario, the middle case scenario, and to the worst case scenario. No lawyer will guarantee an outcome, and the worst case scenario along with possible prosecutor rebuttals was somewhat unnerving. But Kate's patience and determination to get this resolved for me immediately helped incredibly and with her skills combined, a few days before my hearing, she reached a deal with the state prosecutor for dismissal, and the case was subsequently dismissed on the first hearing. I strongly recommend Kate for her services. I actually attended my first (and only) hearing to hear for myself the dismissal and was amazed that Kate was there so early at 8am and first in line and therefore being that my case was heard first. A lot of defendants that morning would have benefited Kate's punctual, competent and diligent representation, and I am so pleased that Kate was my attorney who got me the best possible outcome I was hoping for!
    - Former Client
    "Gave me back my life!!"
    They are top-notch, efficient, very knowledgeable, and yes, they are even very friendly.
    - Dave
    "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
    "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

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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