Felony Attorney in Jacksonville

Why Choose a Board-Certified Felony Defense Lawyer in Jacksonville

If you are facing felony charges in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida, every decision you make now can affect your future. As the founder of Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., I bring more than 35 years of criminal trial practice—right here in Duval County and throughout the region. When you need a felony criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville, you deserve dedicated advocacy, local experience, and a defense strategy that addresses every detail. As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer and former president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, I thoroughly examine your case and challenge every piece of evidence presented against you, always focused on safeguarding your rights.

Choosing the right felony attorney in Jacksonville means having someone by your side who not only understands the statutes and procedures but who also appreciates the realities of facing felony prosecution. My approach at Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. involves anticipating the state’s strategy, navigating bond hearings, and providing continual updates so you're informed and empowered at every step. Whether you’re being investigated, have been arrested, or are preparing for a first court appearance, my early intervention can help protect your interests and set your defense on strong footing.

Facing felony charges in Jacksonville? Call Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. today at (904) 263-5005 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer in Florida.

What Sets My Felony Defense Approach Apart in Jacksonville

Entrusting your case to a felony criminal lawyer in Jacksonville means relying on a practice built on dedication, careful case review, and assertive defense strategies that pressure the prosecution every step of the way. My firm is committed to helping clients feel informed and supported, from the initial consultation through the final resolution. With significant experience handling major felonies and high-profile allegations, I know how Jacksonville’s courts and agencies operate, and I know what it takes to work toward the most favorable results possible in our community.

• Board certification matters: As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer in Florida, I have demonstrated proven skills in and out of court.
• Legal community leadership: My time as past president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers means I stay informed and connected.
• Three decades in Northeast Florida: Familiarity with Jacksonville’s court system and the practices of local agencies provides clients with insight that can influence critical legal decisions.
• A proactive, assertive approach: I challenge the prosecution’s case to ensure your rights remain protected at every phase.

Each felony case demands custom preparation that takes into account the nuances of your charges and individual circumstances. At every step, I review the prosecution’s evidence, consult local investigators as needed, and maintain open communication to keep you informed throughout the process. By leveraging my experience and relationships in Jacksonville’s legal community, I craft strategies tailored to local court expectations and the specific tactics employed by the State Attorney’s Office. I am dedicated to providing practical, results-driven legal guidance built on the latest in Florida criminal law.

Felony Criminal Defense Services for Jacksonville & Northeast Florida

Florida law covers a broad range of felonies, from offenses like armed robbery and burglary to drug trafficking, fraud, and more. All felony cases in Jacksonville go through the Fourth Judicial Circuit, where the consequences—including lengthy prison terms, steep fines, and permanent records—can be life-altering. When you retain a felony defense attorney in Jacksonville, you need advocacy that can adapt to the demands of local courts while delivering creative, thorough defense solutions.

Here’s what you can expect as part of my felony criminal defense services in Jacksonville:

• Comprehensive charge analysis: I thoroughly review every police report, indictment, and piece of physical or digital evidence for strengths and weaknesses.
• Complete representation at all stages: From bond hearings through trial and even post-conviction motions, I am there to represent your best interests.
• Local perspective and strategy: My awareness of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and local judges informs my approach in every case.

Felonies in Florida are classified as third, second, first degree, life, or capital felonies—with varying penalties. In some cases, negotiations can lead to reduced charges, while severe felonies may require preparing for trial. I also help clients explore opportunities for pre-trial intervention or diversion when available, and am skilled in negotiating with prosecutors for alternate resolutions that may mitigate your charges or penalties. Understanding the reality of how Jacksonville’s courts weigh different types of felonies helps me create an honest and effective plan to move forward, tailored to your specific circumstances and the facts of your case.

The Felony Criminal Defense Process in Jacksonville: What to Expect

Felony charges can feel overwhelming, but preparation and experienced guidance can make a big difference. Working with a felony defense lawyer in Jacksonville ensures that every step of your case is handled with care and clarity, giving you the confidence to face the upcoming legal process.

• Arrest & first appearance: After an arrest, you will be brought before a judge—typically within 24 hours in Duval County—where charges and your eligibility for bond or release are considered.
• Formal filing & arraignment: The prosecution must review evidence before officially filing charges. At arraignment, you’ll hear the charges and can enter a plea.
• Pre-trial discovery: I examine all reports, witness accounts, and forensic findings for inconsistencies or legal defects.
• Pretrial motions: Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges are filed when legal violations or constitutional concerns arise, helping ensure fair process under Florida law.
• Plea negotiations & trial: Depending on your goals and the facts, I fight for a reduction or dismissal of charges, and, when necessary, prepare for trial with careful jury selection and evidence presentation.
• Sentencing & appeals: When applicable, I seek leniency in sentencing and consider appeal options to challenge any unjust outcomes or errors.

Throughout the process, Jacksonville’s courtroom procedures and expectations affect how hearings, negotiations, and motions unfold. I prepare you for local practices, such as pre-trial conferences and frequent interactions with prosecutors, and address crucial issues like unlawful searches, bond conditions, or potential plea opportunities. Leveraging in-depth knowledge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, I’m able to spot and act on opportunities that might not be apparent to those without significant local experience—always helping you make informed choices about your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens After a Felony Arrest in Jacksonville?

Following a felony arrest, you will have a first appearance within 24 hours where charges and bond status are reviewed by a judge. Legal representation early in this process helps ensure your rights are protected from the start.

Can Felony Charges in Florida Be Reduced or Dropped?

Depending on the facts, charges can be reduced or dismissed through negotiation, filing effective motions, or exposing evidentiary weaknesses. Each case requires strategic review to determine the best approach.

How Is a Felony Different from a Misdemeanor in Jacksonville Courts?

Felonies in Florida carry higher penalties, including the potential for prison sentences and substantial fines, and are handled in different divisions compared to misdemeanors. A felony conviction can result in lifelong impacts on civil rights and future opportunities.

Do I Have to Appear in Person at All Court Dates?

Felony defendants in Jacksonville are generally required to attend all court dates, but a defense lawyer can sometimes arrange for waivers of certain appearances, depending on the nature of the hearing and local rules.

What Are the Penalties for Felony Convictions in Northeast Florida?

Florida law establishes several levels of felonies, each with their own sentencing guidelines—from probation to years in state prison—and penalties may increase based on prior convictions or certain aggravating factors.

Contact a Felony Criminal Defense Lawyer in Jacksonville—Start Your Defense

If you are facing felony charges in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida, the actions you take today will shape your future. Connect with me at Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. for a confidential case review. You’ll benefit from decades of dedicated representation—a felony defense attorney in Jacksonville who values your time, concerns, and goals. Call (904) 263-5005 to gain clarity about your next steps, learn about your options, and begin building a defense tailored to your unique situation. Your rights, future, and peace of mind all matter to me, and I am prepared to advocate for you from day one.

Taking swift action can help reduce uncertainty and give you the information needed to move forward. When you call my office, I listen closely to your concerns and work quickly to gather time-sensitive evidence, prepare legal filings, or challenge any procedural issues that may arise. No matter how complex your charges may seem, I offer practical advice you can trust and ensure that every stage of your case is handled with the care and persistence you deserve. Your consultation is private and designed to help you make informed choices about your defense and your future.

Call (904) 263-5005 today for experienced defense representation.