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Criminal Defense

Gainesville Criminal Defense Services

Helping Residents of North-Central Florida Fight Criminal Charges

At the Law Offices of Edwards & Jones, we represent people charged with criminal offenses throughout North-Central Florida. These charges often carry the threat of significant fines and jail time, which can wreak havoc on the accused and their loved ones.

Practicing in both state and federal courts, our Gainesville criminal defense attorneys work diligently to assemble persuasive defenses for our clients, helping them explore every opportunity to reduce or eliminate the impact of their charges. We are constantly on guard to protect your rights – a member of our firm is available 24/7.

Contact us online or call (352) 329-3632 to request a free initial consultation.

Whether you are a first-time offender or have a past criminal record, the hand of the government can be extremely heavy. You will need to partner with an attorney who is prepared to offer a persuasive defense on your behalf. At Law Offices of Edwards & Jones, we know how to prepare and deliver aggressive defense strategies that can combat the allegations made by state prosecutors.

Whether you were charged with a traffic offense, a violent crime, a drug crime, a sex offense, or a federal crime, you can count on our Gainesville criminal defense lawyers to defend you tirelessly.

What Are The Next Steps After Being Arrested?

Getting arrested – especially if it is your first alleged offense – is a scary, confusing, and frustrating experience. You may not be aware of certain legal pitfalls that can lead to

To become familiar with the criminal justice system, the following is an overview of the legal process following an arrest:

  • Police custody – As soon as you are arrested and read your Miranda rights, the arresting officer will transport you to the police station. If you have been cited for a misdemeanor offense, you will most likely be released on your own recognizance and ordered to appear in court at a later date.

  • Booking – Once you’re at the station, police personnel will enter you into their system by taking your photograph and fingerprints. You will have an opportunity to use the phone after booking.

  • Posting bail – You may have an opportunity to post bail right after being booked; however, if you were arrested for a suspected felony offense, then your bail is either too high to pay or there is no bail. If this is the case, you will be held in custody until your first court appearance, which is known as arraignment.

  • Arraignment – At your first court hearing, the judge or magistrate will inform you of the charges you face, inform you of your right to an attorney, determine the conditions of your bail, ask how you plead to the charges against you. If you plead “guilty,” the court will move toward sentencing. If you plead “not guilty,” you will have an opportunity prepare your defense at a later trial date.

Immediately after arrest, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and freedom throughout the legal process. The Law Offices of Edwards & Jones can help you get released from custody and represent you during your arraignment.

Know Your Rights & When to Assert Them

One of the most important rights available to a criminal defendant is the right to an attorney. As established by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Constitution guarantees a person suspected or accused of a crime the opportunity to enlist professional legal representation. This gives you the right to have a lawyer represent you in trial and to have a lawyer by your side during the initial investigation and questioning, as well as any plea-bargaining negotiations.

You also have the right to remain silent during an interrogation or arrest. Remember: You do not need to say anything to a police officer without a lawyer present, although you may be required to show the police your ID under some circumstances.

Courts typically refer to these combined rights as Miranda rights. A police officer is required to inform a person in custody of his or her Miranda rights – including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel – before interrogating them. The police also need to make clear that anything you say may later be used against you in court.

Call the Law Offices of Edwards & Jones

Are you facing serious criminal charges in Gainesville? Our team understands what is at stake and recognizes your need for dependable legal counsel. We are prepared to fight for your rights, interests, and freedoms. Our goal is to minimize or completely eliminate the negative consequences that are associated with a criminal conviction.

Give us a call at (352) 329-3632 to get started on your case today.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Law Offices of Edwards & Jones, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "He put his heart into that case."
    I first hired Thomas Edwards to defend me and my daughter in the early 1990s. He put his heart into that case. Of all the attorneys in the state of Florida, he would be the one I would call if the need for an attorney ever arose again.
    - Jan
    "Mr. Edwards believed in us and took a chance, we will forever be in his debt."
    We are from Lake City, Florida. As parents, we sought the help of Mr. Edwards on my daughter's behalf. As a young lady, she had acquired multiple felonies with the prospect of 10-15 years in prison facing her. Mr. Edwards heard our case, took it on with confidence, and got her sentence reduced to 10 years probation, and restitution. That was 8 years ago, and my daughter is married, has a son, and is doing great. She hasn't even had a traffic violation. Because Mr. Edwards believed in us and took a chance, we will forever be in his debt. He is a great lawyer, with a very big heart.
    - Colin
    "It is my opinion that he is clearly one of the best lawyers in the city of Gainesville."
    I had the pleasure of having Mr. Edwards represent me in 2006. While I was charged with a crime, Mr. Edwards insisted sternly that he was very confident he could successfully defend the charges against me. This man exudes confidence. It is my opinion that he is clearly one of the best lawyers in the city of Gainesville. You can't go wrong with Mr. Edwards!!!
    - Everette Sr.
    "I definitely would recommend this attorney to anyone needing one. He puts his heart in his work."
    I hired Christopher for situation I got myself in. He worked hard to get my case dropped. I definitely would recommend this attorney to anyone needing one. He puts his heart in his work.
    - Roy M.
    "Once we hired him he started work immediately and was able to get my son's case thrown out. We are very satisfied with his services."
    I hired Mr. Jones to represent my son. We had never had to hire a lawyer and I was anxious. Mr. Jones took the time to explain what was happening and it helped lessen my concerns. Once we hired him he started work immediately and was able to get my son's case thrown out. We are very satisfied with his services.
    - Robert H.
    "Mr. Jones went beyond needed services as a lawyer to help me with my very in depth case."
    Mr. Jones went beyond needed services as a lawyer to help me with my very in depth case. Very helpful throughout the whole 6-7 month process. Not only did he get all my questions answered to the best of his abilities but also really showed compassion for my family & I during the case as well as after. 5 star lawyer, highly recommended. Thank you for all your hard work!
    - Jackie A.
  • The Florida Bar Board Certified
  • ABA Defending Liberty Pursuing Justice
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • US District court Florida
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • ADC
  • US District court Middle District Florida
  • NACDL

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