Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
Aggressive defense for all criminal charges from misdemeanors to felonies. Serving Jacksonville, Duval County, and all of Florida.
A Defense Built for
Your Future
Charges Taken Seriously
A criminal charge in Jacksonville puts your freedom, record, job, and reputation at risk. We treat every case — misdemeanor or felony — with the preparation it demands.
Constitutional Defense
Illegal stops, searches without probable cause, and Miranda violations can get evidence thrown out. We examine how the State built its case, not just what it claims.
Trial-Ready Representation
Prosecutors offer better resolutions when a defense firm is genuinely prepared to try the case. We build every file as if it is going to a jury.
One Charge Can
Change Everything
A conviction in Jacksonville can mean jail, fines, probation, and a permanent record that follows you through job, housing, and licensing applications. The earlier a defense attorney is involved, the more options you have.
Your Defense Process
We handle the legal fight so you can focus on your life, your family, and your future.
Confidential Case Review
Your first consultation with HOV Law is free and confidential. We review your arrest, the exact criminal defense charges, the evidence against you, and any constitutional issues in how it was gathered — then map out your options.
Investigation & Discovery
We obtain the police report, body-cam and dash-cam footage, witness statements, and lab or test results, and scrutinize every step for illegal stops, searches, or procedural errors that can weaken the State's case in Jacksonville.
Motions & Negotiation
Where the facts support it, we file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case, and negotiate with the Duval County State Attorney's Office for reduced charges, diversion, or dismissal before trial.
Trial Defense
If the State will not offer a fair resolution, we are ready to try your case. HOV Law prepares every criminal defense matter for trial before a Duval County jury, and that readiness is often what drives a better outcome.
Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer — Protecting Your Rights
Being arrested or charged with a crime in Jacksonville is frightening, and what you do in the first days matters. Prosecutors and law enforcement build their case immediately — you deserve someone building yours just as fast. HOV Law defends people facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Duval County and Florida.
From the first phone call, our focus is protecting your rights: your right to remain silent, your right to counsel, and your right to make the State prove every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We handle DUI, drug, theft, assault and battery, weapons, and felony charges.
Your consultation is always free and confidential.
Misdemeanors vs. Felonies in Florida
- Florida sorts crimes by severity, and the classification drives everything that follows—the potential penalties, which court hears the case, and the long-term consequences.
- Misdemeanors—Second-degree misdemeanors carry up to 60 days in jail; first-degree misdemeanors carry up to 1 year. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record.
- Felonies—Third-degree felonies carry up to 5 years in prison; second-degree up to 15 years; first-degree up to 30 years; with life and capital felonies above that. Florida also uses a sentencing point system that can require prison time.
- Collateral consequences—Beyond jail and fines, a conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, housing, immigration status, firearm rights, and driving privileges.
How a Jacksonville Defense Attorney Fights the Charges
A strong defense is not about a single silver bullet — it is about pressure at every stage. We look for the traffic stop that lacked reasonable suspicion, the search that lacked a warrant or valid exception, the interrogation that ignored Miranda, and the lab or breath test that was not properly administered.
Depending on the facts, that work can lead to evidence being suppressed, charges being reduced, admission into a diversion program, or an outright dismissal. When it does not, we are prepared to take your case to trial in Duval County court.
We also handle the practical fallout — bond, no-contact orders, and license issues — so a charge does not upend your life while the case is pending.
What to Do If You Are Arrested in Jacksonville
- Say as little as possible—Politely give your name and then invoke your right to remain silent. You cannot talk your way out of an arrest, but you can talk your way into a conviction.
- Ask for a lawyer—Once you request counsel, questioning must stop. Do not answer questions or agree to searches without an attorney.
- Do not post about the case—Anything you say online can be used against you.
- Call HOV Law—The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can protect your rights and start building your defense. Call (407) 801-0101.
Related Practice Areas in Jacksonville
Criminal Defense charges often overlap with other criminal allegations. Our Jacksonville defense attorneys also handle these related areas:
Other Criminal Defense Services in Jacksonville
Serge Hovhanessian, Esq.
Founding Attorney at HOV Law | Florida Bar | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers
Attorney Hovhanessian defends the accused across Florida — protecting your rights, your record, and your freedom.Read full bio →
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What Jacksonville Clients Say About HOV Law
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Jacksonville Criminal Defense FAQs
How much does a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer cost?
HOV Law offers a free, confidential consultation and clear, transparent fees for criminal defense. Fees depend on the charge and complexity of the case. Call (407) 801-0101 to discuss your situation at no cost.
Should I just talk to the police and explain my side?
No. Politely decline to answer questions and ask for a lawyer. Officers are not required to help you, and statements meant to explain often become the strongest evidence against you. Let your attorney speak for you.
Can my charges be reduced or dismissed?
Often, yes. Depending on the evidence, constitutional issues, and your history, charges can be reduced, resolved through a diversion program, or dismissed — sometimes before trial. We evaluate every avenue for your Jacksonville case.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?
Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in county jail; felonies carry a year or more in state prison and heavier long-term consequences. The classification of your charge shapes your entire defense strategy.
Will a conviction stay on my record?
A conviction generally creates a permanent criminal record. In some cases you may qualify to have a charge sealed or expunged. We can advise whether that may be available in your situation.
Do you handle both misdemeanor and felony cases in Duval County?
Yes. HOV Law defends the full range of charges in Jacksonville and Duval County, from traffic-related misdemeanors to serious felonies. Contact us for a free case review.
Charged in
Jacksonville?
Do not talk to police or prosecutors before you talk to a lawyer. Contact HOV Law for a free, confidential consultation with a Jacksonville criminal defense attorney.