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.