am committed to seeing your case through until the end. You remain innocent until proven guilty and you are entitled to rights that I will vigorously defend, no matter your circumstances. If you are looking for a trustworthy and relentless Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney, contact Michael Rainka immediately.
Written by Michael J. Rainka, Jacksonville criminal defense attorney and former Assistant Public Defender. Last reviewed October 2026.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Jacksonville, the next few days matter. Michael Rainka spent four years as an Assistant Public Defender and has tried more than 30 cases to jury verdict. He defends people charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Duval, Clay, St. Johns and Nassau counties.
Most cases in Duval County follow the same path. Knowing it helps you avoid mistakes early.
Florida sets maximum penalties by the level of the charge (section 775.082, Florida Statutes):
These are maximums. The actual outcome depends on the facts, your record and the defense.
Many first-time offenders qualify for Pretrial Intervention (PTI) or another diversion program. When the program is finished, the State drops the charge. Other cases end with a dismissal or a withhold of adjudication, which may make you eligible to seal or expunge the record later.
Stay calm, do not discuss the case with police, cellmates or anyone on a jail phone, and ask for a lawyer. Write down what happened as soon as you can. Then call a criminal defense attorney before your first court date.
Within 24 hours of an arrest, a judge reviews whether there was probable cause and sets bond and release conditions, such as no-contact orders. A lawyer can argue for a lower bond or release on your own recognizance.
Yes. The State Attorney's Office can decline to file charges, reduce them or dismiss them later. Early contact from a defense lawyer, with evidence or mitigation, can influence that decision.
Misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in county jail. Felonies carry more than 1 year in state prison, up to 5, 15 or 30 years depending on the degree, and a felony conviction can affect voting, firearm and professional license rights.
No. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you. Politely say you want a lawyer and stop answering questions.
PTI is a diversion program run through the State Attorney's Office, usually for people with little or no prior record. If you complete the conditions, such as classes, community service or restitution, the charge is dropped.
A withhold means the judge does not formally convict you, even after a plea or finding of guilt. It can make you eligible to seal your record and avoids some consequences of a conviction. It is not available for every charge.
Often, yes, if your case was dismissed, dropped or ended with a withhold and you meet the eligibility rules in sections 943.0585 and 943.059. Some offenses can never be sealed.
Simple misdemeanors can resolve in a few weeks. Felonies often take several months. Florida's speedy trial rule sets limits of 90 days for misdemeanors and 175 days for felonies, but those are often waived to prepare a defense.
Yes. Call (904) 329-7245 for a free case evaluation. Michael Rainka will review your charges, explain your options and tell you what to expect next.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
Michael is a dedicated Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney and Florida TCPA Attorney who approaches every case with the utmost skill and effort. Michael is exceptionally skilled in the areas of criminal and traffic matters.
