Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer: Dedicated To Protecting Rights

As the solo criminal defense lawyer at John Grace Law, P.A., Mr. Grace brings a unique perspective to criminal defense in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Grace has lived a life of service, from his time as a combat veteran in Afghanistan, a music educator, years as an Assistant Public Defender, and continued volunteerism in the community.

Since founding John Grace Law, Mr. Grace uses this knowledge and experience to protect the rights and freedoms of clients in Duval, Clay, St. John’s and Nassau counties. The goal is simple: to provide personalized, effective legal representation when you need it most.

Don’t face these legal challenges alone. Contact Mr. Grace today for a free consultation and let him use his experience to help you.

Criminal Law Services

John Grace Law provides comprehensive defense services for various criminal charges. Mr. Grace’s practice focuses on complex criminal matters where his experience and strategic approach can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable outcome. Some key areas of focus include:

• Theft and property crimes: all levels of theft charges, from shoplifting to grand theft.
• Burglary: conveyances (automobiles) or structures (homes, businesses).
• Robbery: Whether armed or unarmed, robbery charges require an aggressive defense strategy.
• Violent crimes: This includes assault, battery, domestic violence and more serious charges like manslaughter or homicide.
• Weapons offenses: Mr. Grace has extensive experience defending against charges involving firearms and other weapons, specifically dealing with mandatory minimum enhancements.
• Drug crimes: From simple possession to drug trafficking, Mr. Grace handles all types of drug-related offenses with a strong understanding of minimum mandatory enhancements as it relates to weight or substance.
• White collar crimes: Including fraud, embezzlement and other financial crimes.
• Sex crimes: These sensitive cases require a nuanced approach and thorough understanding of both the law and investigative procedures.

No matter what charges you face, Mr. Grace will defend you in and out of Court. Whether you are wrongly accused of a crime or have made some mistakes and are facing serious consequences, Mr. Grace’s role is to protect your rights and mitigate any possible penalties.

See examples of John Grace’s courtroom success stories in defending the accused.

Protecting Your Rights During Search, Seizure And Arrest

Encounters with law enforcement can be stressful and confusing. Understanding your rights is crucial, whether you’re facing a search or an arrest. If the police try to search you or your vehicle:

• Stay calm and polite, but firm.
• Clearly state, “I do not consent to this search.”
• Ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, calmly walk away.
• If they insist on searching, don’t physically resist. Instead, repeat that you don’t consent.
• Remember, you have the right to remain silent. Use it.

If law enforcement violates your rights through an illegal search or excessive force, document the incident as best you can and contact Mr. Grace immediately. An arrest is often the most serious outcome of a police encounter. If you’re arrested, here’s what typically follows:

• Officers will take you into custody and “book” you at the police station.
• You have the right to make a phone call. Use it to contact a criminal defense lawyer or family member.
• You’ll appear before a judge, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
• The judge will inform you of the arrest allegations and set bail if applicable.
• The judge will inform you of your next court date.

Remember, anything you say in Court or otherwise may be recorded and used against you by the Prosecution. Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. As your criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Grace will protect your rights at every step and carefully build your defense based on all available evidence and circumstances.

Does My Case Have To Go To Trial?

There are three ways a case can resolve if the State is unwilling to drop the charges, or if the Judge cannot dismiss the charges. You can (1) enter into a plea agreement with the State, (2) plea directly to the Judge, or (3) go to jury trial. Trial is when members of the community come into court and sit as jurors to decide your guilt or innocence.

Most criminal cases do not go to trial. In fact, plea bargaining for lesser offenses and penalties, or dismissal often resolves many cases before they reach the trial stage. This can significantly reduce the duration of your case.

However, every client accused of a serious crime has an absolute right to trial. Mr. Grace is well equipped to handle your trial if you choose. The complexity and nature of your charges, as well as the Court’s schedule will influence how long your case will take.

How Long Will My Case Take?

A criminal case varies in length. Generally, a misdemeanor case can resolve in about 90 days from arrest and a felony case can resolve in about 6 months from arrest. Sometimes sooner, or sometimes longer.

What Happens After I’ve Been Arrested And Bonded Out Of Jail?

If you were able to be released on your own recognizance or posted bond, you would have been given a return court date. It is very important you return to court on that date, hopefully with the representation of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

What Is Arraignment?

An arraignment is when the government has filed formal charges against a defendant and the defendant must appear an answer to those charges. It is a formal process in which the defendants enters a plea of not guilty typically and tells the court they will be participating in the discovery process in order to build a proper defense strategy.

What Is A Plea Negotiation?

Generally, a plea negotiation (also called a plea bargain) is a deal made with the prosecution where the defense agrees to enter a plea of guilty or no contest because it is in their best interest to the agreed upon charge and agreed up on sentence. Typically the prosecution agrees to a lesser offense or reduced penalties in exchange for the guilty plea. Most criminal cases overwhelmingly resolve with a plea negotiation.

What Is Mitigation?

Mitigation, or “green weight,” are reasons why the government should agree to a lesser charge or penalty. For example, the client has never been arrested before, was only arrested for a simple possession charge, and since arrest has completed community service hours and drug awareness classes. Mitigation is provided to the prosecution in an effort to lessen charges or lessen penalties.

What Is A ‘Motion To Suppress’?

Generally, a motion to suppress the evidence is a motion filed by the defense asking the court to exclude evidence if the case were to go to trial. This can be very beneficial for defense. For example, if the only evidence is a bag of drugs for a possession charge, and the defense is successful in arguing that the evidence should be excluded because it was obtained illegally in a violation of search and seizure rights, then the government has no effective means of prosecution and can result in dismissal of a case.

What Is Sentencing?

Sentencing is the job of the Judge. Once a plea has been entered, and or a jury has reached a verdict of guilty, the Judge will decide an appropriate sentence. Sometimes, the Judge’s discretion is limited based on the law. For example, some criminal charges carry minimum mandatory sentences, and the Judge will have no discretion to impose a lesser punishment. Often a Judge has wide discretion and can impose a variety of sentencings, ranging from time served, probation, or jail.

Mr. Grace Will Not Waste Your Time; Sugarcoating Is Not His Strong Suit

Once you choose John Grace Law as your criminal defense representation, expect straightforward and honest communication. Mr. Grace always delivers the truths about your case, no matter how difficult it may be. If the evidence against you is strong, he will tell you. If alternatives to trial are recommended, he will explain why. His job is to protect you and your interests, not to make empty promises.

If this no-nonsense approach is what you need, schedule a free consultation with John Grace and call 904-644-3790 or email today. Mr. Grace responds directly to clients. No middlemen needed.