Jacksonville Criminal Lawyer

Your choice of a criminal defense attorney to represent you may be one of the most important decisions you can make. If you find yourself in need of legal representation for a felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile offense, take time to research the attorneys you are considering before you retain one. Ask these questions so that you can compare each attorney’s qualifications:

• How long have you practiced criminal law?
• Is criminal defense your firm’s main focus or a sideline?
• Have you handled cases similar to mine? If so, what were some of the outcomes?
• How often do your criminal law cases go to trial?
• Who will work on my case?
• How often will we communicate?
• Can I reach you whenever I need to?
• Do you charge an hourly rate or a flat rate?
• Will there be other expenses I will have to pay for?

Even if you plan to plead guilty, a criminal lawyer can help protect your rights and interests by negotiating the charge(s) filed and the terms of your sentence, which may sometimes result in reduced penalties or consequences. To learn more about how the criminal law lawyer at Lufrano Legal, P.A., can assist you, contact our Jacksonville office at 904-513-3905 to schedule a free consultation.

• The right to remain silent.
• The right to know the crimes with which you have been charged
• The right to have an attorney with you at every critical stage of the prosecution.
• The right to cross-examine the witnesses against you.
• The right to present witnesses on your own behalf.
• The right to access all of the evidence that the state intends to use against you.
• The right to a jury trial.

• Advising you of the charges against you.
• Advising you of the minimum and maximum penalties of the charges. 
• Asking how you wish to plea. 
• Setting dates for future proceedings. 

At your arraignment hearing, you will be asked to enter a plea, which must be one of these formal responses:

• Not guilty, which means you are denying that you committed the crime with which you are being charged.
• Guilty, which is your admission that you committed the crime with which you are charged and that you are willing to accept the penalties imposed by the court.
• No contest (or nolo contendere), which means you are not denying or admitting that you committed the crime, but are asking that the court resolve the matter. A plea of no contest is often associated with plea agreements.

For less severe charges, such as a minor traffic offense, you may be able to successfully navigate the legal process yourself. You will have a lot at stake, however, when you have been charged with a serious crime, including your freedom, your ability to earn a living, and much more.

If there is a possibility that you may serve time for your crime, we strongly recommend that you have legal representation. Keep in mind that even in the case of a less serious offense, a criminal law attorney will be able to advise you about consequences that may arise in the future, such as higher insurance rates or affects on a professional license.

If you are uncertain whether you can benefit from hiring a Jacksonville criminal law attorney, Lufrano Legal, P.A., offers free, no-obligation consultations.

There is no single answer to the question of cost as no two cases or criminal defense attorneys are the same. Variables include how complex a case may be and therefore how much work may be involved and what fee attorneys set for themselves. When you are considering hiring a criminal law lawyer, make sure you fully understand their fees and how much they require be paid up front, which may be most or even all of the total fee.

In the State of Florida, a misdemeanor is any crime that is punishable by no more than one year in a county correctional facility. Examples of misdemeanors are possession of small amounts of marijuana, minor criminal mischief, and some DUIs. Felonies in the state are any crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison, such as robbery, aggravated assault, and murder. 

While the consequences of a misdemeanor are not as severe as those of a felony, it is still important to have expert criminal defense. A criminal law lawyer can ensure your rights are fully protected and guide you through every stage of the criminal process. You can learn more about our experience representing clients who have been charged with a crime by calling 904-513-3905. The firm of Lufrano Legal, P.A. is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.

Unfortunately, yes, an arrest remains on a person’s record unless and until it is sealed or expunged.  At Lufrano Legal, P.A., we can assist you in filing to have your record sealed or expunged if you qualify.  This may prevent having your arrest being used against you in some circumstances.