The Team You Want On Your Side
Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Personalized, Former-Prosecutor Defense for Serious Criminal Charges
If you are facing criminal charges in Nassau County, the attorney you choose can directly shape your future. First Coast Criminal Defense provides high-level representation to clients accused of crimes across Nassau County and beyond.
Led by Alex King, a former prosecutor and former DUI Unit Chief, we know how cases are charged, built, and prosecuted, and how to challenge the government’s side of the story. That experience allows us to anticipate strategies, identify weaknesses early, and build defenses designed to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.
As a boutique practice, we intentionally limit our caseload so every client receives direct access to their attorney, strategic focus, and a defense built specifically for their case.
Why Clients Choose First Coast Criminal Defense
Criminal cases move quickly in Nassau County. Decisions made early, often before charges are finalized, can have lasting consequences. Our firm is built to step in immediately and take control of the situation.
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“I have had the pleasure of working with First Coast Criminal Defense, and it was a wonderful experience, I would highly recommend this Firm. They are totally responsive and will walk you through each phase step by step!”- Vincent
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“First Coast Criminal Defense have been absolutely marvelous”- Jeremy
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“I will be referring any and every one I know to this law firm.”- Dime
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“I put my confidence in this company and I have zero regrets.”- Robin
Exclusively Dedicated to Criminal Defense
Reputation Built on Results. Relationships Built on Trust
If you're facing serious charges and need someone who’s earned their stripes on both sides of the courtroom, hire Alex King. A Jacksonville native, National Merit Scholar, and top-of-his-class graduate from the University of Florida, Alex combines elite academic credentials with real-world courtroom grit. As a former DUI Unit Chief and award-winning prosecutor recognized by MADD, he brings unmatched experience handling complex cases. Now a fierce defender of clients’ rights, Alex has successfully represented high-profile professionals in everything from DUIs to international fraud. He doesn’t just know the system, he’s mastered it.
Our Areas of Practice
Exclusively Dedicated to Criminal Defense Cases
Nassau County Criminal Defense: What You Should Know
Criminal cases in Nassau County often involve aggressive charging decisions and fast-moving timelines. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors serving communities such as Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, and surrounding areas take criminal allegations seriously, and so should you.
Early representation matters. Evidence preservation, witness statements, constitutional challenges, and charging negotiations often occur long before a case reaches trial. Having a defense attorney with prosecutorial insight can significantly affect how your case unfolds.
At First Coast Criminal Defense, we focus on:
- Identifying constitutional violations and evidentiary weaknesses early
- Challenging unlawful stops, searches, and interrogations
- Engaging prosecutors strategically when negotiation is appropriate
- Preparing every case as if it will go to trial
Even cases that ultimately resolve short of trial benefit from a trial-ready posture.
Call For a FREE Consultation: (904) 474-3115
Our FAQs
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After an arrest in Nassau County, law enforcement may release you on a notice to appear, hold you for first appearance, or set bond depending on the charge and circumstances. Within a short window, a judge reviews probable cause, bond conditions, and any restrictions such as travel limitations or no-contact orders.
What many people don’t realize is that critical decisions are often made before a case is formally filed. Statements, evidence handling, charging recommendations, and early negotiations frequently happen in the first days following an arrest. Having defense counsel involved immediately can influence how the case is framed from the outset.
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No. Even if you believe you are “just helping clear things up,” anything you say can be used to build a case against you later. This is especially true in DUI, domestic violence, and drug investigations, where officers may already be gathering evidence before making an arrest.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercising those rights is not an admission of guilt. It is a legal protection. In many cases, early attorney involvement allows communication with investigators without exposing you to unnecessary risk. -
A former prosecutor understands how cases are evaluated internally, what evidence matters, where weaknesses tend to exist, and how prosecutors decide whether to file, amend, or dismiss charges. That insight allows a defense attorney to:
- Anticipate charging strategies
- Identify leverage points early
- Challenge evidence more effectively
- Negotiate from an informed position
This perspective is particularly valuable in DUI cases, felony charges, and cases involving discretionary charging decisions.
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Yes, depending on the facts. Outcomes may include dismissal, reduction of charges, diversion programs, negotiated pleas, or acquittal at trial. The key factors include the strength of the evidence, constitutional issues, prior history, and how early defense counsel becomes involved.
Importantly, not all favorable outcomes come from trial, but strong trial preparation often drives better resolutions.
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Strong evidence does not mean an automatic conviction. Evidence can be challenged based on how it was obtained, tested, preserved, or presented. Constitutional violations, procedural errors, and credibility issues are common, even in cases that initially appear straightforward.
A defense attorney’s role is not just to argue facts, but to ensure the government meets its burden at every stage of the process.
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Most criminal cases resolve without a trial, but every case should be prepared as if it will go to trial. Prosecutors take negotiations more seriously when they know the defense is ready, willing, and able to litigate.
Trial readiness protects your leverage, even if a case ultimately resolves earlier.
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Immediately. The earlier an attorney is involved, the more control you retain over the direction of the case. Waiting until charges are filed or court dates are set can limit available defenses and strategic options.
Early intervention is often the difference between damage control and proactive defense.
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You will speak directly with an attorney, not a call center or intake staff. The consultation is confidential and focused on understanding your situation, explaining your options, and outlining next steps. There is no pressure, just clear, honest guidance about where you stand and how we can help.