Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyers

Choose Rowland Law Firm

jacksonville florida criminal defense law firm

Being charged with or investigated for a crime in Florida is a very serious, and many times life-altering, matter. Depending on your charges, the penalties could include decades of prison time and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and costs. Involvement in the criminal justice system can be confusing, frustrating, intimidating and scary. You need criminal defense lawyers fighting as hard for you as the State is fighting to put you in prison.

At Rowland Law Firm, LLC, we believe proper representation requires us to educate you on the law, so you can make the best decisions possible regarding the outcome of your case. Our criminal defense lawyers in Jacksonville will work closely with you to present a clear, understandable, and effective defense to the criminal charges you face.

Our criminal law practice includes defending:

Traffic Offenses DUI, DUI Serious Bodily Injury, DWLS, Vehicular Manslaughter, Driving While Impaired, Suspended Licenses, Traffic Tickets
White Collar Crimes Fraud, Embezzlement, Health Care Fraud, Tax Evasion
Drug Offenses Drug Trafficking, Drug Sales, Constructive Possession, Drug Possession, Drug Cultivation and Distribution
Sex Offenses Rape, Date Rape, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse
Major Felonies Violent Crimes, Assault and Battery, Homicide
Robbery / Burglary Armed Robbery, Arson, Firearms Offenses
Misdemeanors Simple Assault, Theft, Shoplifting, Trespass, Vandalism, Violations of Probation
Other Areas Juvenile Cases, Violation of Probation

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys

Whether you're charged with a felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile crime, we have the experience and skill necessary to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We prepare each case as if it will go to trial, because we've found the most effective defense to almost any criminal charge is to force the State to prove the charges you're facing. Many times, the prosecutor doesn't have all the information needed to convict, or is unable or unwilling to present the evidence required for conviction.

Your freedom is the most important thing you have. If the government is trying to take that away from you, you need an experienced, aggressive, and talented criminal defense firm to protect you.

If you have a question about criminal charges, please request a Case Evaluation and we will review your case without charge.

If You Are Contacted By Law Enforcement Officers

  • You do not have to talk with police, and you do not have to answer their questions
  • You do not have to consent to any search — of your body, your car, your boat, or your house/apartment. Most searches require a warrant. If the law enforcement officer doesn't have a warrant, they will have to show their search was "reasonable" later. Consenting to any search almost always waives this important Constitutional protection.
  • In a polite but firm manner, ask if you are free to leave. If the response is yes, leave. If the response is no, invoke your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and REMAIN SILENT.
  • If you are pulled over while driving, do the following:
    • Have your license, registration, and insurance information available to give to the officer
    • Turn on your overhead light
    • Place both hands on the steering wheel
    • When the officer asks for your information, let him or her know you are going to reach down to get it, then slowly retrieve the requested information, hand it to the officer, and place your hands back on the steering wheel
  • Above all, rememberLaw enforcement officers are not trying to help you, they're not your friends, and they can legally lie to you to get information. Trying to be helpful, or hoping that you won't be arrested if you just cooperate, is the best way to ensure you wind up in a jail cell.

What To Do If You Are Arrested

Do:
  • Invoke your right to remain silent — "I am exercising my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent"
  • Refuse to answer any questions without your attorney present — "I am asking to have my attorney present"
  • Have contact information for an aggressive, experienced criminal defense lawyer readily available
  • Have your family members or friends arrange to post a bond with a reputable bond company, and contact your attorney immediately.
Dont:
  • Argue with or resist the law enforcement officer
  • Try to "talk your way out"
  • Volunteer information — remember ANYTHING you say can and will be used against you later when you're prosecuted
  • Tell the officer "I know my rights." Show them you know your rights by invoking your right to remain silent and asking for a lawyer
  • Consent to any search
  • Do not discuss anything about your case over the phone from jail — many inmate phone systems are recorded and/or monitored
  • Do not discuss anything about your case with anyone in jail — this includes other inmates, guards, or anyone else.