Jacksonville DUI Defense Lawyer for Misdemeanor Charges

Defending Your DUI/DWI Charge in Northeast Florida

A DUI conviction will definitely affect your life. DUI convictions can result in loss of employment, raised insurance rates and hardships on families. You need the help of an experienced misdemeanor attorney in Jacksonville to protect your legal rights and fight for your freedom, your driving privileges, and your future.

Contact us today or call us at (904) 263-5005 to schedule a consultation with our misdemeanor attorneys in Jacksonville.

Are You Facing Your First DUI or a Repeat Offense?

If you or a family member have been arrested in Northeast Florida for driving drunk, Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. can help. Contact us immediately for a free consultation with our criminal defense lawyer.

We don't simply take a DUI case and advise you to plead guilty.

DUI defense lawyer Mitch Stone challenges the reason for the stop, detention and arrest, and the results of breath tests and roadside sobriety exercises in the pretrial stages. He has won DUI cases by suppressing evidence, getting DUI charges reduced to simple traffic offenses, or obtaining the outright dismissal of charges. He has won many acquittals, dismissals, and not guilty verdicts at trial. See our DUI success stories.

Understanding Misdemeanor DUI Offenses in Florida

We are confident we can help, no matter how bad things seem. DUI misdemeanor offenses involve:

• Driving under the influence (.08 blood alcohol content or impaired driving)
• Excessive level of alcohol (.15 BAL)
• Under 21 DUI (charged at .02 BAL)
• Commercial driver DUI (charged at .04 BAL)
• Repeat offender (second DUI within five years)
• DUI while license suspended
• DUI accidents (property damage)
• Boating under the influence (BUI)

The consequences of a DUI conviction may include jail time, fines, license suspensions, permanent license revocations, alcohol and drug chemical dependency treatment, ignition interlock devices, and loss of employment.

Important note: The Florida Legislature recently changed a third DUI offense to a felony with mandatory incarceration for conviction.

Proven Defense Strategies for All Drunk Driving Offenses

As a misdemeanor attorney in Jacksonville, Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., has earned a reputation as one of the most effective DUI/DWI defense firms in Florida. The strength and aggressiveness of his defense strategies cause prosecutors to seriously consider reducing or dismissing DUI charges prior to trial. As a result, a trial is not necessary in most misdemeanor DUI cases.

In particular, board-certified criminal defense attorney Mitch Stone has had success challenging the Intoxilyzer 8000 breath test machines. Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., has made it a point to analyze legal issues and technical issues associated with the Intoxilyzer 8000 breath test machine. As a result of information discovered, the state of Florida has had to acknowledge deficiencies in this breath-testing machine used by Florida law enforcement. Some counties have even had to stop using the Intoxilyzer 8000 alcohol breath test machines until the problems are corrected.

Types of Misdemeanor Crimes in Jacksonville

Many people do not realize the wide range of misdemeanor charges handled in Jacksonville and across Northeast Florida. Besides DUI cases, law enforcement and prosecutors regularly pursue offenses such as petty theft, simple assault, battery, marijuana possession (in small quantities), trespassing, criminal mischief, resisting arrest without violence, and disorderly conduct. Each crime can carry real consequences, including fines, probation, and sometimes jail. The effects on employment, housing, and driver’s licenses can last long after a court case concludes.

The Duval County Courthouse handles most misdemeanor cases for Jacksonville residents, with significant caseloads also in Clay and Nassau counties. If you face charges in these jurisdictions, you need a misdemeanor attorney in Jacksonville who understands local procedures and how regional judges accept and review evidence. With an experienced misdemeanor criminal attorney, you can pursue the best outcome for your situation, regardless of where your case appears in Northeast Florida. Clear guidance through every step of the legal process is crucial when facing misdemeanor charges in our area.

Protecting Your Driver's License After a DUI

We have helped clients retain full driving privileges or obtain hardship licenses through driver's license suspension hearings, which are separate from criminal proceedings. We have also succeeded in helping clients have their driver’s licenses reinstated after a DUI conviction. Attorney Mitch Stone applies proven strategies to restore eligibility at administrative review hearings. Our firm of misdemeanor attorneys in Jacksonville has won numerous appeals when the DMV has wrongfully upheld a suspension. As a result, our clients often benefit from driving on a valid license during their DUI case. By guiding them through both the criminal and administrative process, we help clients avoid many of the hardships associated with losing a license after arrest.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Criminal Defense Attorney?

Criminal defense attorney Mitch Stone has served on the faculty of seminars specifically designed to instruct defense attorneys on ways to successfully challenge police procedure, the accuracy of breath tests and field sobriety exercises that are commonly used in DUI arrests in Florida. As an assistant state prosecutor, he worked with the state's breath test expert and DUI enforcement officers who are specifically trained in making DUI arrests. He learned how evidence should be collected as well as the limitations of such evidence. He is one of only a few board-certified criminal trial lawyers in the entire state of Florida who handles DUI defense cases.

Reach out to our legal team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a misdemeanor crime in Jacksonville?

Misdemeanor crimes in Jacksonville include DUI, petty theft, simple battery, trespassing, and other offenses that Florida law considers less severe than felonies. Each charge can bring defined legal penalties if convicted.

Will a misdemeanor conviction stay on my record in Florida?

In Florida, a misdemeanor conviction may stay on your criminal record for life unless you qualify for and complete the record sealing or expungement process. Discuss your options with a qualified defense lawyer.

Where are Jacksonville misdemeanor cases heard?

The Duval County Courthouse oversees most misdemeanor cases for those charged in Jacksonville. Depending on where the arrest occurred, county courts in neighboring areas may hear your case.

Can I handle a misdemeanor charge on my own?

You have the right to represent yourself, but guiding yourself through Jacksonville’s criminal justice system can put your future at risk. The process is much easier with a misdemeanor attorney in Jacksonville who knows local court procedures and can advocate for you every step of the way.

How soon after arrest will I go to court for a misdemeanor?

After a misdemeanor arrest in Jacksonville, you will usually have an arraignment within a few weeks. Court scheduling can differ based on the local docket and the specific facts of your case.

What penalties can I face for a misdemeanor in Northeast Florida?

Penalties for misdemeanors can include fines, probation, community service, and jail. Offenses such as DUI or certain drug charges may also result in license suspension or mandatory educational classes.

Is jail time mandatory for all misdemeanors in Florida?

No, jail is not required for most misdemeanor convictions. The court may issue probation or require community service, depending on your charge and history. Jail remains more likely for repeat or serious offenses.

Can a misdemeanor affect my driving privileges?

Certain misdemeanors in Florida, including DUI or driving with a suspended license, can impact your ability to keep your license. The extent depends on your charge and any previous record.

Do I need to appear in court for a misdemeanor in Jacksonville?

Most misdemeanor charges require at least one court appearance in Jacksonville or the county where the arrest happened. Sometimes your attorney can attend minor court hearings on your behalf—ask your defense lawyer for details about your case.

What sets Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. apart in handling misdemeanor cases?

Our firm's board certification, decades of experience in Jacksonville courts, and commitment to diligently challenging every detail of the prosecution’s case set us apart. Clients receive careful, thorough representation focused on defending their rights from start to finish.

Call Mitchell A. Stone, P.A., immediately at (904) 263-5005 if you have been charged with a drunk driving or DUI. We are available 24/7 to protect your rights.