Criminal Defense

Our lawyers have represented clients in Florida for a wide array of traffic violations including:

How many points do I get for speeding, DUI and other violations?

If you receive a traffic ticket, you may get points assigned that put you at risk of losing your license or that increase your insurance rates. Each state has a system that assigns point values to different kinds of traffic offenses and is used by the state’s motor vehicle department (DMV) to keep track of the driving records of all licensed drivers in the state. For example, in Florida, a stop sign violation has three points, while reckless driving carries four points. Driving under the influence (DUI) doesn’t carry points, but you will have your license suspended for a minimum of six months with other penalties possible. Speeding carries three or four points depending on how far over the speed limit you were traveling. Driving without a valid license does not have points, but No Valid Driver’s License (NVDL) is a criminal offense.

Can I get points removed from my license?

There are multiple ways to remove points from a driver’s license record to avoid suspensions or insurance increases.

What do I need to know about deciding to fight a traffic ticket?

If a traffic ticket is likely to increase your insurance premiums and put points on your license, you may decide it’s worthwhile to fight the ticket. Whether you are accused of running a stop sign, speeding, reckless driving, texting while driving or DUI, we can explain the exact law you’ve been alleged to have violated and identify areas for potential challenges. Paying your ticket is usually not advisable unless it is a non-moving violation. A commercial driver with a CDL should never pay a ticket since it may cause the driver his or her job, even if it is a non-moving violation.

Drug crime convictions, no matter how small, can have a devastating impact on your life. We provide a knowledgeable challenge to the government's case and the "standard methods" employed by law enforcement and prosecutors.

• Drug trafficking and conspiracy

• Drug possession and sale

• Prescription drug fraud or possession

The phone rings at midnight and your brother or best friend is calling from the jail – what do you do? CALL US! We are available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week to walk you through the process of bonding your loved one out of jail. Rarely is justice delivered in First Appearance Court. Never hesitate to call Nichols & Pina to find out what to do when you get that phone call.

Contact Nichols & Pina for experienced Criminal Defense representation for you or your loved one in First Appearance Court.

When someone is arrested, they are understandably confused and scared. They do not know what will happen to them or when they will be brought before a Judge. In Florida, when someone is arrested they must (unless a lawful extension is granted) be brought before a Judge within 24 hours of the arrest in a proceeding called "First Appearance." At first appearance the Judge is to make a determination of probable cause to detain and to also address pretrial forms of release - often referred to as bail or bond. If the case is a misdemeanor case, the person arrested may be able to enter a plea to the charge or charges at first appearance court.

Many times, our law firm is contacted by a person just arrested, or a friend or loved one of a person arrested, with news of the recent arrest. In this situation the person arrested or their family (or friend(s)) understandably have urgent questions regarding "what to do next." It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who is very familiar with the Court procedures conducted at first appearance. Fortunately, we have represented hundreds of individuals at first appearance and our services can be of considerable help to both the person recently arrested and the family of the person arrested.

One of the first things we will do is talk with the person arrested and explain to them what will happen when we both appear before the Judge at first appearance court. We find that talking with the person arrested (client) before First Appearance Court not only calms down the client, but also gives the client's friends and/or family members peace of mind that help has started early in the case.

Then, depending on the given facts of the individual case, we will seek to have the client either released on his or her own recognizance ("ROR") or have the bond reduced to a level that the client can afford. Factors essential to an "ROR," or simple bond reduction include, but are not limited to: the severity of the charge, the person's criminal history, the client's ties to the community, the client's length of residence in the community, and whether the client has any prior "failure to appear(s)" in previous court proceedings.

We have the skill and experience of representing thousands of clients at First Appearance Court to ensure competent legal representation of you, or your loved one.

What poor choices did you make when you were a teenager? What poor choices have your children made? Felony? Misdemeanor? Let us help you put your family back together while helping assure that your child is not forever marked by their mistakes.

Your child's future is important and a Florida juvenile offender record can have unfortunate consequences. It can affect future employment, education, scholarships, and many other opportunities. Mistakes happen and it's critical to address them as soon as possible, with the guidance of an attorney who is compassionate, honest, and who supports your family's best interests. Because not all Jacksonville criminal defense attorneys are equal in this regard, it is in your best interests to ask as many questions of your prospective attorney as possible to see if they are suited to represent your child.

State and federal authorities have made the prosecution of these type cases a priority. Minimum mandatory sentencing and enhanced prison terms apply to convictions in this arena. Eugene B. Nichols has developed effective strategies to counter such prosecutions. As a result, clients have experienced favorable results including suppression of evidence, dismissal and not guilty verdicts at trial.