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.
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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
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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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"Need assistance, call Mr. Gilewicz. Look no further."If you need help do not hesitate to call Mr. Gilewicz.- Kathy
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"If your looking for legal representation, you cannot do any better."I had a lot of concerns when I got into an accident in a construction zone and was charged with leaving the scene of an accident when no other cars we're involved. Mrs. Mesic was able to fight hard and made sure I got a favorable outcome, as well as always keeping me informed through the whole process. Even during the initial consultation it was clear that she was always going to have your best interest at heart. If your looking for legal representation, you cannot do any better.- Jason
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"Kate was extremely prompt with her assistance. She was able to get the best possible resolve working with the prosecution."We contacted Ms. Mesic upon a recommendation from a friend in Tampa. Our issue was with regard to a felony case in Jacksonville. Kate was extremely prompt with her assistance. She was able to get the best possible resolve working with the prosecution. The case was ultimately dropped. She would consistently keep in touch with us regarding her work on the case and giving us updates on her progress. No only is she a wonderful lawyer she is also a wonderful person. Very personable and easy to work with.- Kathy
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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 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
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"She delivered exactly what she set out to get and her compassion was very much appreciated!"We have nothing but praise for Kate and her legal team. She went above and beyond during a very stressful time in our life. She delivered exactly what she set out to get and her compassion was very much appreciated! We would highly recommend Kate and her team to anyone needing her services.- David
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"Traffic Ticket"She and her office staff were super helpful and everything was handled in a timely manner.- Tosha
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