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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

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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Our Practice Areas

Client Testimonials

    "As an attorney, I believe Kate is a credit to the profession."
    When our out-of-state child was wrongfully charged with some misdemeanor infractions we found Kate through a referral and I became very impressed with Kate's experience, diligence and knowledge of the local courts. She was extremely responsive and thorough to our questions and concerns. She seems to know everyone in the Duval County Court House.
    - Former Client
    "Na"
    Kate was a dream. Reliable, kind, smart, and got the job done. Could not have picked a better lawyer. I am soooo grateful!
    - Wanda
    "I would recommend her without reservation."
    I know know Kate personally and professionally. Unfortunately I was involved in a 3rd DUI (over 36 yrs time period). Obviously I was in a very precarious situation. She gave excellent advice/council to me which I followed. I believe I received the BEST possible outcome from this difficult position. No jail time, lowest fines applicable, and early release from probation. She was available by phone, e-mail or in person as much as I needed her. All contacts were returned, something rare in any business! I would recommend her without reservation. Professional excellence, and exceptional personal treatment.
    - Ken
    "Mr. Gilewicz defended my honor!"
    Mr. Gilewicz defended my honor!
    - Allan
    "Kate is simply the best"
    I’m so grateful to her.
    - Amanda
    "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
    "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
    "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.

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

We’re Ready to Help

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