If you have been arrested or charged in Duval County, what you do in the first days matters most. Felony cases run through Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, while misdemeanors and most DUIs start in Duval County Court downtown. Florida penalties are steep, and a first DUI conviction brings license suspension, fines, and possible jail. Below: vetted Jacksonville criminal defense firms handling felonies, DUI, drug charges, and federal cases.
Updated April 8, 2026
If you are charged with anything more serious than a minor traffic ticket, talk to a lawyer before you talk to police. Get a Jacksonville defense attorney involved right away if:
The first 48 hours often shape the whole case. An early lawyer can protect your rights, preserve evidence like bodycam footage before it is overwritten, and sometimes keep a charge off your record through a diversion program.
Most Jacksonville criminal defense lawyers charge a flat fee based on the charge, though some bill hourly at $150 to $500:
Flat fees are common so you know the cost up front. Ask what the fee covers, because pretrial motions, hearings, and trial are sometimes billed in stages. If you cannot afford private counsel, the Public Defender for the Fourth Circuit represents people who qualify. See our criminal defense guide and how much a criminal defense lawyer costs.
Do not assume a quick guilty plea is the best outcome. A lawyer may get charges reduced or dropped, and a rushed plea can carry consequences for your license, job, or immigration status that outlast the case.
Founded in 1865 and known as one of Florida's oldest firms, Bedell handles serious criminal defense, white-collar, and civil trial work. A strong default for high-stakes felony and federal cases where deep trial experience matters.
A Jacksonville criminal defense firm with decades of combined experience and a former law-enforcement background. Frequently chosen for DUI, drug, and CDL-related defense across Duval County.
Led by former prosecutor D. Scott Monroe, recognized among the National Trial Lawyers Association's Top 100 Criminal Trial Attorneys. A focused option when you want a lawyer who has worked both sides of the courtroom.
A criminal defense lawyer with more than 30 years of experience and a reputation for detailed courtroom preparation. A solid choice for clients who want one experienced attorney handling the case start to finish.
A Jacksonville criminal defense practice handling serious felony and misdemeanor accusations across the First Coast. A practical mid-tier option for a range of state charges.
See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Jacksonville guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources including Super Lawyers, Avvo, and Justia; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.
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