Practice Areas
Compassionate Support and Effective Strategies for Your Defense
If you’re facing DUI or criminal charges, our St. Augustine attorneys are here to listen and understand your concerns. We build real relationships with our clients and create plans tailored to their goals.
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
Juvenile Justice
We’ll guide you through the legal process and work toward the best outcome for your situation.
Protect Your Rights
Criminal Defense Attorney St. Augustine
When your future is on the line, you need the best criminal defense attorney who truly prioritizes your well-being. At Shoemaker Law, our main goal is to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. We offer strong defense for individuals in St. Augustine, St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam, and Clay County facing various charges, including DUI, drug possession, and sex crimes.
Our team understands the complexities of criminal cases. Our defense lawyers are equipped to handle the challenges of the courtroom in St. Johns County and across North Florida. We handle a wide range of felony and misdemeanor charges.
DUI Defense
Whether it is your first drunk driving charge or you are a repeat offender, we can help you minimize the consequences and stay out of jail.
DUI & Traffic Law
If you have received a DUI or other traffic tickets, you want an attorney who will protect your rights in court and at administrative hearings. We can help you fight to keep your license.
Drug Charges
From possession to sales and trafficking, we will fight to get the drug charges you face dismissed or reduced.
Sex Offenses
With mandatory sex offender registration for sex crime convictions in Florida, you want to do everything you can to fight the charges you face.
Theft & Burglary
Our firm handles a wide range of theft crimes, including burglary, larceny, and armed robbery.
Violent Crimes
From simple assault and battery to murder, we protect the rights of people charged with violent crimes in North Florida.
Domestic Violence
All you want is a chance to tell your side of the story. We will give you that chance as we protect your rights.
White Collar Crimes
There are serious consequences for white-collar crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and forgery.
Federal Crimes
From drug crimes to white-collar crimes and sex offenses, we will defend you aggressively in federal court in Florida.
Your Rights and Next Steps in a Criminal Case
Key Rights and Actions
If you are facing criminal charges, you have several important rights that are protected under the law. Here are some of the key rights you have in a criminal defense case:
- The Right to an Attorney: You have the right to be represented by an attorney throughout the legal process, from the moment you are arrested or charged with a crime. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court must provide one for you.
- The Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. This means that you do not have to answer questions from the police or other law enforcement officials, and you do not have to testify in court if you choose not to.
- The Right to a Fair Trial: You have the right to a fair trial, which means that the government must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You also have the right to a jury trial in most criminal cases.
- The Right to Confront Witnesses: You have the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses who testify against you in court. This means that you or your attorney can question the witness and challenge their testimony.
- The Right to Evidence: You have the right to obtain and review all evidence that the prosecution plans to use against you in court. This includes witness statements, police reports, and any physical evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints.
- The Right to Appeal: If you are convicted of a crime, you have the right to appeal your conviction and sentence to a higher court.
It’s important to note that these rights may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case. It’s also important to work with an experienced St. Augustine criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your rights and protect your interests throughout the legal process.
If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, it is very important to undertake the following measures to protect your rights:
- Stay Calm and Cooperate with Law Enforcement: While it may be difficult, it’s important to stay calm and comply with law enforcement officers during your arrest. Resisting arrest or arguing with officers can lead to additional charges and make your situation worse.
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. It’s important to exercise this right and avoid making any statements to law enforcement officers until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Contact an Attorney: As soon as possible, contact a criminal defense attorney who can advise you on your legal options and represent you throughout the legal process. If you cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to a court-appointed attorney.
- Gather Information about Your Case: Work with your attorney to gather as much information as possible about your case, including police reports, witness statements, and any physical evidence. This information can help your attorney build a strong defense on your behalf.
- Attend All Court Appearances: It’s important to attend all court appearances as scheduled, including arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and trial.
Florida has its own set of criminal laws that differ from other states and the federal system. Some of the key differences in Florida criminal law include:
- Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law: Florida has a Stand Your Ground law, which allows individuals to use deadly force to defend themselves without the duty to retreat. This law is controversial and has been the subject of much debate and legal challenges.
- Mandatory minimum sentences: Florida has a number of mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, including drug offenses and weapons offenses. This means that judges are required to impose a minimum sentence regardless of the individual circumstances of the case.
- Three strikes law: Florida has a “three strikes” law that imposes mandatory life sentences for individuals convicted of certain serious felonies if they have two prior felony convictions.
- DUI penalties: Florida has some of the toughest penalties in the country for driving under the influence (DUI), including mandatory license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.
- Drug trafficking laws: Florida has strict laws governing drug trafficking, with heavy penalties for individuals convicted of trafficking large quantities of drugs.
These are just a few examples of the ways in which Florida’s criminal laws differ from other jurisdictions. If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, it’s important to work with a criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the state’s laws and can provide you with effective representation.
Where is St. Augustine Courthouse?
St. Augustine Town Court is open Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM, except for holidays.
The court can be found at:
4010 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, Florida 32085
The criminal department handles a variety of felony and misdemeanor cases. They also take care of criminal traffic and county and municipal ordinances. The Clerk handles all of the calendaring of all criminal cases, attends each court session, records the disposition of the court, and reports the necessary information to the appropriate authorities.
The circuit court judges for St. Augustine Town Court include John M. Alexander, J. Michael Traynor, Howard M. Maltz, and Clyde E. Wolfe. The county court judges include Alexander Christine and Charles J. Tinlin.
General Information: (904) 819-3600
Misdemeanors: (904) 819-3619
Felonies: (904) 819-3618
Where is the St. John’s County Jail?
The St. John County Sheriff’s Office website allows you to find the location of someone in jail which you can find the feature on the Sheriff’s website. This allows you to search by name and booking date. The bond amount is available for each inmate, as well as their status, the charges currently held against them, and the degree of each charge.
You can also visit the jail at:
4015 Lewis Speedway
St. Augustine, FL, 32084
If you are seeking an experienced St Augustine Criminal defense lawyer, contact Shoemaker Law for more information at (904) 872-7463. We are conveniently located at 200 Malaga Street in downtown St Augustine.
FAQs
St Augustine Criminal Defense Attorney Questions
What is a criminal defense attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a legal professional who represents individuals or organizations that have been accused of committing a crime. Their primary role is to defend their client’s interests and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
What do criminal defense attorneys do?
Criminal defense attorneys have a variety of responsibilities, including investigating the case, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, negotiating plea deals, and representing their clients in court. They also provide legal advice and guidance to their clients, and may work with other professionals, such as private investigators and expert witnesses.
Why are criminal defense attorneys important?
Criminal defense attorneys play a critical role in our justice system, as they ensure that individuals accused of a crime receive a fair trial and are not wrongfully convicted. They also help to protect the rights of the accused, including the right to remain silent, the right to a fair trial, and the right to legal representation.
How do you become a criminal defense attorney?
To become a criminal defense attorney, you typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete law school, and pass the bar exam in your state. Many criminal defense attorneys also have experience working as prosecutors or in other areas of the legal profession before specializing in criminal defense.
What are some of the challenges of being a criminal defense attorney?
One of the biggest challenges of being a criminal defense attorney is representing clients who have been accused of serious crimes, such as murder or sexual assault. These cases can be emotionally and mentally challenging, and may require attorneys to work long hours and deal with intense stress. Additionally, criminal defense attorneys may face criticism and backlash from the public or media for defending individuals who are seen as guilty or unsympathetic.
How can you find a good criminal defense attorney?
If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney, there are several ways to find one. You can ask for referrals from friends, family members, or other professionals in the legal field. You can also search online for criminal defense attorneys in your area and read reviews from past clients. When selecting an attorney, it’s important to choose someone who has experience in the type of case you are facing, and who you feel comfortable working with.