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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"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
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"Awesome Attorney"Mrs. Mesic is an upfront professional and Responsive Attorney.- Christopher
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"I could not be more satisfied with the outcome."I consulted & hired Kate to handle a traffic violation and she was able to get the issue resolved in a timely manner. I highly recommend Kate. The first consultation was free and she explained what needed to happen. She set the right expectations and proceeded to represent me in court and got the case dropped. I Could not be more satisfied with the outcome and I'm happy I relied on reviews just like this to hire her! I highly recommend Kate and her staff as they will make sure to communicate in a timely manner and follow up on your case.- Former Client
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"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
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"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
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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
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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'm so thankful I chose them for my defense!"The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. was fantastic to work with. They were very attentive to details, and communication with the office staff was fast and easy. Their knowledge and experience were key to a successful outcome. I'm so thankful I chose them for my defense!- 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