Sexual Assault Attorney in Jacksonville

Accused Of Sexual Assault & Unsure What To Do Next

Learning that you are under investigation or have been charged with sexual assault can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be worried about prison, a permanent record, and being labeled for life. You may also feel that no one is listening to your side of what happened, but our sexual assault attorneys in Jacksonville are ready to assist you.

I am Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer Mitch Stone, and I defend people facing sexual assault and other serious felony allegations across Northeast Florida and the State of Florida. For more than 35 years, I have practiced criminal law in courtrooms here and throughout the state. As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer, I focus my work on challenging the government’s evidence and protecting my clients’ constitutional rights at every stage of the case.

If you or someone you care about is being accused, you do not have to try to navigate this alone. The choices you make in the first hours and days can affect everything that follows. My goal is to provide steady guidance, a clear assessment of the situation, and a defense you can rely on.

If you contact my firm, you will speak with a sexual assault attorney in Jacksonville who understands what is at stake and who is prepared to challenge the prosecution’s case from the start. You can also call us at (904) 263-5005.

Why You Need A Seasoned Defense Lawyer When Accused Of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault charges in Florida carry some of the most severe potential penalties in the criminal system. A conviction can mean years in prison, a lifetime requirement to register as a sexual offender or predator, strict supervision conditions, and long-term limits on where you can live and work. Even an accusation can damage relationships, employment, and your standing in the community.

These cases are often built on sharply conflicting accounts of what happened, complex forensic information, and intense emotional reactions from everyone involved. Law enforcement and prosecutors may move quickly, and it can feel as if you are presumed guilty from the start. Without an experienced sexual assault attorney in Jacksonville, it is easy to make decisions or statements that later become very difficult to undo.

Over the last 35 years, I have represented people in major felony cases throughout Florida, including serious and high-profile matters. I am board-certified in criminal trial law by The Florida Bar, a credential that reflects substantial trial work and additional testing in this field. When someone comes to me facing a sexual assault allegation, I draw on this background from the very beginning to evaluate the strength of the government’s case and to look for legal and factual issues that may not be obvious at first glance.

When you work with my firm, my focus is on protecting you from a rush to judgment. I work to ensure that the State is held to its burden of proof, that your rights are respected, and that every important decision is made with a full understanding of the risks and options.

My Approach To Defending Sexual Assault Charges as Your Sexual Assault Attorneys in Jacksonville

Defending a sexual assault case in Jacksonville begins with a careful and methodical review of the facts. I look at how the investigation started, what was said and by whom, and how evidence was collected and handled. That includes statements from the accuser and other witnesses, physical or forensic evidence, digital records, and any audio or video material that may exist.

I pay particular attention to constitutional issues. That can include whether any search or seizure complied with the Fourth Amendment, how questioning was conducted under the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, and whether you were given a fair opportunity to exercise your rights. If law enforcement overstepped, I would pursue legal motions that ask the court to keep unlawfully obtained evidence out of the case.

Because I have spent decades in criminal courtrooms here in Northeast Florida, I understand how serious felony sex cases typically move through the Duval County Courthouse and surrounding circuits. I have tried many felony cases in front of juries. I have also served as the 33rd President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a statewide organization devoted to defending the rights of the accused. That experience gives me insight into how judges and prosecutors often view complex allegations and what arguments may be most effective in a given courtroom.

My role as your sexual assault attorney in Jacksonville is to put the prosecution’s case to the test. I do not accept reports or accusations at face value. I look for inconsistencies, gaps, and assumptions. I consult with my client to understand the events from their perspective. Together, we develop a strategy that accounts for the legal issues, the available evidence, and the risks of trial versus other potential resolutions.

What To Do Right Now If You Are Accused Of Sexual Assault

When an accusation surfaces, it is natural to want to explain yourself or to try to fix the situation by talking to others. Those instincts can be very dangerous in a criminal case. Several immediate steps can help protect you and your defense.

Consider the following actions as soon as you learn of an investigation or charge:

• Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel of a sexual assault lawyer in Jacksonville. Detectives and investigators are trained to obtain statements that can later be used in court. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercising those rights is not an admission of guilt. It is a way to protect yourself from misunderstandings and unintended consequences.
• Avoid contacting the accuser or potential witnesses. Any communication can be misinterpreted or later presented as pressure or intimidation. Courts may also impose no-contact orders. Violating those can lead to additional charges or bond problems.
• Do not discuss the situation on social media. Posts, comments, and messages can be saved, shared, and taken out of context. It is usually safest to avoid any online discussion about the case until you have spoken with a sexual assault attorney in Jacksonville.
• Preserve potential evidence. Do not delete texts, emails, photos, or other communications that may relate to the events in question. These materials can sometimes shed important light on timelines, consent, or prior interactions. Bring them to your attorney so they can be reviewed in context.
• Follow any release conditions and appear in court. If you have already been arrested and released, you may be subject to specific conditions set by a judge. Failing to comply can result in your bond being revoked. I help clients understand what their conditions mean and what to expect at each appearance.

I regularly advise people in Jacksonville and across Florida who learn they are being investigated before charges are filed. In many situations, early representation allows me to communicate with the State Attorney’s Office or law enforcement on your behalf, to monitor what is happening, and to begin shaping a defense before the case is set firmly in motion. A confidential consultation gives us a chance to discuss your circumstances in detail and decide what should happen next.

How Sexual Assault Cases Move Through The Florida Criminal System

Understanding how a sexual assault case typically proceeds can help you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared. While every case is different, most prosecutions in Florida follow a general sequence from investigation through potential trial.

Many cases begin with a report to law enforcement, sometimes followed by interviews of the accuser, any known witnesses, and the person being accused. If officers believe there is probable cause, they may make an arrest or refer the case to the State Attorney’s Office for charging review. In Duval County, prosecutors in that office decide whether to file formal charges, what charges to file, or whether additional investigation is needed.

After an arrest, you typically appear before a judge for a first appearance or bond hearing, often at the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. The court generally addresses bond, release conditions, and initial scheduling. Having counsel at this stage can affect whether you are able to remain in the community while the case is pending and what conditions the judge imposes.

If charges are filed, the court sets an arraignment date, where the charges are formally read, and you enter a plea of not guilty. The case then moves into a pretrial phase. During that time, I obtain discovery from the prosecution, investigate independently where appropriate, and file any legal motions that may be supported by the facts and law. Motion hearings can address issues such as the admissibility of certain statements, the scope of evidence the jury will hear, or claimed violations of constitutional rights.

Many sexual assault cases are resolved before trial through dismissals, charge reductions, or negotiated resolutions. Some proceed to a jury trial, where the State must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. My trial background and experience in courts throughout Northeast Florida guide how I prepare for that possibility, even when we are also exploring other lawful options that may be in your best interest.

Evidence, Allegations, & Potential Defenses In Sexual Assault Cases

Sexual assault cases often involve intense disputes about what occurred in private settings. That reality places added importance on the quality and reliability of the evidence presented and on the way that evidence is examined in court.

Typical evidence may include statements from the accuser, text messages or emails between the people involved, witness accounts about what they saw before or after the event, medical records, forensic reports, and social media activity. In some cases, there may be video surveillance, location data, or other digital information that must be obtained and reviewed carefully. Each piece of evidence has limits, and each can sometimes support more than one interpretation.

The central issues in many sexual assault cases include consent, credibility, and context. There may be questions about whether the accuser’s account has changed over time, whether any substance use affected memory or perception, or whether outside pressures may be influencing how events are described. There may also be disputes about identification, particularly when the accusation involves a limited opportunity to observe the alleged perpetrator.

Possible defenses can vary widely. In some matters, the focus is on mistaken identity or false accusation. In others, the dispute centers on whether physical contact was consensual or whether alleged conduct occurred at all. As your sexual assault attorney in Jacksonville, my role is not to fit your situation into a generic category. Instead, I study the prosecution’s theory, compare it to the available evidence, and look for legal and factual weaknesses that allow us to challenge the State’s case.

As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer, I have spent many years cross-examining witnesses and confronting complex forensic and digital evidence in Florida courts. That experience helps me test the reliability of what the State presents and identify opportunities to limit or explain damaging material. Together, we consider how each strategic choice may affect the outcome and your future.

Consequences Of A Sexual Assault Conviction & How I Work To Protect Your Future

Because the stakes are so high, anyone facing a sexual assault charge needs to understand both the direct criminal penalties and the broader life consequences that can follow a conviction. Florida law provides for significant prison sentences in many sex offense cases. Some charges carry mandatory minimum terms, and many require lengthy periods of probation or community control with strict conditions.

In addition to incarceration and supervision, certain convictions can trigger registration as a sexual offender or sexual predator. Registration can limit where you are allowed to live, make it difficult to obtain certain jobs, and subject you to ongoing monitoring. For noncitizens, particular convictions can also have serious immigration consequences that affect the ability to remain in the United States.

The impact extends beyond the formal penalties. A conviction can influence child custody and family court matters, professional licenses, educational opportunities, and your ability to move forward in many areas of life. Even a mere accusation can have lasting effects, which is why a careful and aggressive defense is so important.

Having handled major felonies and high-stakes cases in Jacksonville and across Florida, I understand how much a sexual assault case can change the path of a person’s life. My work is focused on seeking outcomes that protect clients from the most severe consequences whenever the law and the facts allow. That can include pursuing legal defenses, filing motions, and preparing for trial, as well as evaluating whether any negotiated resolutions may better secure your long term interests. Throughout the process as your sexual assault attorney in Jacksonville, I explain the potential risks and benefits of each path so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

To speak privately with Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. about a sexual assault charge, call (904) 263-5005.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Talk To The Police Before I Hire A Lawyer?

In most situations, it is safer to speak with a lawyer before you talk to law enforcement. Officers and detectives often say they just want to hear your side, but their primary role is to investigate and build criminal cases. Statements made during an interview can be very difficult to explain away later, especially if they are recorded or written down.

You have a constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. Exercising those rights is not held against you in court. As someone who has practiced criminal law in Jacksonville and throughout Florida for more than 35 years, I have seen many cases affected by what was said in early conversations. When I represent someone in this situation, I help decide whether any communication with law enforcement is appropriate, and if so, under what conditions and with what preparation.

How Can You Challenge The Evidence In A Sexual Assault Case?

Challenging the evidence begins with a thorough review of everything the State plans to present. That can include statements, forensic reports, medical records, digital data, and any physical items. As your sexual assault attorney in Jacksonville, I look at how each piece of evidence was obtained, whether proper procedures were followed, and whether it actually supports the conclusions the prosecution is drawing.

In some cases, I may file motions that ask the court to exclude certain statements because they were taken in violation of constitutional rights or to limit evidence that is more prejudicial than helpful to the jury. During cross-examination, I question witnesses about inconsistencies, memory issues, and outside influences. My board certification in criminal trial law reflects many years of trial practice in which I have had to test the reliability of complex evidence. While every case is unique, my focus remains on exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof and presenting the jury or judge with a fuller picture of what happened.

What Should I Do First If I Am Accused Of Sexual Assault?

The first and most important step is to protect your rights by not making statements and by contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. Even if you feel you have done nothing wrong, anything you say to law enforcement, the accuser, or other people could later be repeated or presented in a way that harms your case. I recommend that you avoid discussing the situation on social media or by text and that you do not try to handle contacts with the police on your own.

In many situations, early involvement allows me to communicate with investigators or the State Attorney’s Office on your behalf and to begin looking for issues in the investigation. Taking these steps early can position you more effectively as the case moves forward.

Will My Case Go To Trial?

Not every sexual assault case goes to trial, but it is important to prepare as if a trial is a real possibility. Many cases are resolved before that point through dismissals, decisions by the State Attorney’s Office not to file, reductions of charges, or negotiated resolutions. Whether a trial is likely in your situation depends on the strength of the evidence, the legal issues involved, your goals, and the positions of the prosecution and defense.

My approach is to investigate and prepare thoroughly from the start. That preparation makes it possible to evaluate any proposals from the State realistically and to advise you about the risks and potential benefits of going to trial. Having tried serious felony cases in Jacksonville and across Florida, I understand the demands of trial and the importance of making that decision based on a clear understanding of your options.

How Serious Are The Penalties For Sexual Assault In Florida?

The potential penalties for sexual assault related charges in Florida are very serious. Depending on the specific offense and the facts alleged, sentencing can range from years in prison to lengthy probation with strict conditions. Some charges carry mandatory minimum prison terms set by statute. Many sex offense convictions also require registration as a sexual offender or sexual predator, which brings additional restrictions and long-term obligations.

Beyond the formal sentence, a conviction can affect employment, housing, family relationships, and immigration status for noncitizens. When I advise clients about their cases, I explain both the direct legal penalties and the broader consequences so that they fully understand what is at stake. That understanding helps guide decisions about defense strategies and potential resolutions.

Will You Be The Attorney Actually Handling My Sexual Assault Case?

When you hire Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. for a serious criminal matter, you are hiring me as your lawyer. I am personally involved in the strategy and direction of felony cases handled by my firm, including sexual assault allegations. My staff assists with scheduling, communication, and support tasks, but the legal decisions and courtroom work in these matters are my responsibility.

Clients come to me because they want a lawyer with deep criminal trial experience and a history of involvement in Florida’s defense community. I take that trust seriously. From our first meeting through the conclusion of the case, I work directly with you to explain developments, answer questions, and prepare for each step in the process.

When you contact my firm, I review what has happened so far, explain what you can expect from the process in Florida courts, and discuss what information and materials you should gather.