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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.

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

    "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
    "To Thine own self be true, Thy will not mine:"
    Wow, Wow, Wow. Kate Mesic and her law firm is nothing short of amazing, her presence and professionalism spoke for herself in volumes. I was sited for DUI on 15 Aug 2019, and finalized 20 July 2020 (I know along time, COVID shutdown Mar 20). I was able to maintain my drivers license during the whole process (with exception of one week), waiting as she challenged the DMV (DMV hearing). During the hearing with her systematic and efficient approach with evidence she provided, the DMV found insufficient evidence (DMV was saying second offence, DUI dropped from reckless 2000, I know almost 20 yrs, but that is how the law is written), and I was able to keep my license . During this process with her diligence engaging with the prosecuting attorney (20 July 20), my charges were dropped to reckless driving as well as being able to take an online course to reduce the ticket. Did I mention I lived in a different County? Brevard Thank you so much to Kate and Shirley (her assistant) , for treating me like family and fighting for me and my family. As my drivers license was/is detrimental with my work and assisting in other family matters (I have an Autistic Grandson). Their professionalism during this unpresented time in our country was/ is beyond reproach. They never stopped caring, fighting or believing in me, words of thank you will never be enough. If you are in trouble, distraught or on the other side of the law, Kate Mesic's law firm is whom you would want in your corner. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Thank you again to you and Ms. Shirley, I could never repay you enough.
    - Allen H
    "Excellent service, no hassle, very nice."

    Excellent service, no hassle, very nice. Everything you would want. I was very pleased.

    Thanks so much!

    - James H
    "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.
    "Great lawyer"
    Great service and very professional.
    - Ashley
    "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
    "Wonderful service"
    Would recommend him to anyone that needs services in his expertise.
    - Maksim
    "HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER to anyone who is looking for effective solutions."
    I called Kate late afternoon with a concern over a contract dispute. Kate took time to listen to my concern, asked questions, described my options and developed a comprehensive strategy. The following morning Kate delivered a draft of a document and called to follow up with me. She was highly effective in her work and her efforts produced an immediate result. The matter was settled and resolved within 48 hours of my contact with Kate. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER to anyone who is looking for effective solutions.
    - Igor

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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