Criminal Law

Being accused of a crime can impact every aspect of your life — your freedom, your reputation, your career, and your future. The decisions made in the early stages of a criminal investigation or arrest are often critical to the outcome of the case. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney involved as early as possible can make a significant difference.

At Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, P.A., Darin Gardner provides strategic and aggressive criminal defense representation throughout Northeast Florida in both state and felony matters. As a former prosecutor with the Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, including assignments in the homicide and sex crimes divisions and service as a Felony Division Chief, Darin understands how prosecutors build criminal cases — and how to identify weaknesses in the State’s evidence.

Every criminal case is approached with one objective: protecting the client and positioning the case for the best possible result.

Experienced Criminal Defense Representation in Florida

Criminal charges in Florida can carry serious and long-term consequences. Even an arrest without a conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing applications, educational opportunities, and personal relationships.

At our firm, we take a focused and practical approach to criminal defense. We thoroughly evaluate the allegations, examine the evidence, review law enforcement procedures, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of each case. Some matters can be resolved through strategic negotiations, while others require aggressive litigation and trial preparation. We prepare every case as though it may ultimately proceed to trial.

Criminal Cases We Handle

We represent clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Domestic Battery
• Assault and Battery
• Drug Offenses
• Cannabis/Marijuana Offenses
• Juvenile Offenses
• Probation Violations
• Theft Crimes
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Sex Offenses
• Homicide
• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Traffic Offenses
• Driver’s License Suspensions
• Sealing and Expungement of Criminal Records

Do Not Speak to Law Enforcement Without an Attorney

One of the biggest mistakes people make during a criminal investigation is believing they can “clear things up” on their own.

Law enforcement officers are trained to gather evidence and statements that support a criminal prosecution. Even statements made with good intentions can later be used against you. In many cases, individuals unknowingly provide information that strengthens the State’s case before they ever speak with a defense attorney.

Invoking your right to an attorney is not an admission of guilt. It is a constitutional right designed to protect you.

The earlier a criminal defense attorney becomes involved, the greater the opportunity to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and evaluate potential defenses before charges progress further.

Misdemeanor Charges in Florida

Many people underestimate the seriousness of misdemeanor charges. However, misdemeanor convictions in Florida can still result in jail time, probation, fines, driver’s license consequences, and permanent criminal records.

Common misdemeanor charges include:

• Domestic Violence
• Petit Theft
• Trespassing
• Disorderly Conduct
• Criminal Mischief
• Simple Battery
• Marijuana Possession
• Driving While License Suspended

Even misdemeanor offenses can have long-term consequences depending on a person’s profession, background, or future career goals. We treat every case seriously and work to minimize the impact criminal charges can have on a client’s future.

Felony Defense in Florida

Felony charges require immediate and experienced legal representation. A felony conviction can carry severe penalties, including prison exposure, substantial fines, loss of civil rights, and lasting damage to future opportunities.

Darin Gardner’s background prosecuting serious felony offenses provides valuable insight into how felony cases are evaluated and prosecuted by the State. That experience allows our firm to strategically assess evidence, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and prepare strong defenses for our clients.

We represent clients facing a wide range of felony charges, including violent crimes, drug trafficking offenses, firearm offenses, serious theft crimes, sex offenses, and homicide-related matters.

When your future is at stake, experience matters.

Focused. Strategic. Prepared.

At Coplan-Gardner & Gardner, P.A., we are a no-nonsense law firm focused on results. We do not believe in wasting our clients’ time or resources. Every criminal case receives the attention, preparation, and strategic analysis necessary to effectively defend our clients.

Whether you are under investigation, recently arrested, or already charged with a crime, early intervention can matter.

If you are facing criminal charges, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We offer free consultations for criminal defense matters.