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Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Lufrano Legal, P.A. is a criminal law firm in Jacksonville Florida owned and operated by Matthew Ian Lufrano. An attorney Board-Certified in Criminal Trial Law.

Matthew Lufrano
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Matthew Lufrano Criminal Attorney

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Lawyer Matthew Lufrano
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Meet Matthew Lufrano

Lufrano Legal, P.A., is a criminal law firm committed to defending clients facing criminal prosecution at the pre-trial, trial, and if needed the sentencing stages of the criminal process. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, Mr. Lufrano has the skill and experience to vigorously defend you. After all, Mr. Lufrano is an attorney certified by the Florida Bar as an experts in his respective practice area, namely Criminal Trial Law.

No matter whether my clients have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, each client receives a comprehensive defense and my complete dedication. I work closely with our clients to ensure they understand every aspect of their case and develop a personalized strategy that will meet their unique needs. When you’re a client of Lufrano Legal, P.A., you will always know the status of your case at any given moment, have a voice in every decision, and know what to expect throughout the pretrial, trial, and post-trial stages of criminal prosecution.

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Get Legal Advice

Get Legal Advice

Receive clear guidance tailored to your situation. We explain your options, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions at every step.

Document Review

Document Review

Ensure your paperwork is accurate and protects your rights. We review legal documents with precision to identify risks and opportunities for a stronger defense.

Legal Representation

Legal Representation

From negotiations to courtroom advocacy, we stand by your side. Our firm is committed to building the best defense and fighting for the outcome you deserve.

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Trust in Our Criminal Law Experience

Matthew Lufrano has been practicing as a criminal defense lawyer for over fifteen years and has tried 83 jury trials to verdict. The cases Mr. Lufrano has tried range from homicide to theft. Here at Lufrano Legal, P.A., we offer our clients the highest possible quality of legal representation in the face of criminal arrests and the filing of formal criminal charges. Regardless of whether this is the first time you have been arrested or you have a criminal record, Lufrano Legal, P.A. can provide the expert counsel you need and determine your best course of action.

Whether you’re facing a felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile prosecution, you can always turn to Lufrano Legal, P.A., for help. The firm proudly represent clients from across Northeast Florida, including Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, Putnam, Baker, Bradford, and Alachua counties.

matthew lurfano criminal defense attorney

Need an experienced criminal law firm in Jacksonville? Contact Lufrano Legal today to schedule your free initial consultation.

904.719.6305

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Top Criminal Attorney in Jacksonville

Need an experienced criminal law firm in Jacksonville?

904.513.3905

Contact Us

Too often, clients are unable to reach their attorneys when they need them most. At Lufrano Legal, P.A., we don’t limit our clients’ access to our help by not being available outside of office hours—we are always available to every client and we will respond quickly when you need us or have questions about your case.

Because arrests can occur at any time, our office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you or a loved one has recently been arrested, sentenced, or served with an injunction.

Learn more about Lufrano Legal, P.A., and why you should choose us, then call us at (904) 513 3905 for your criminal defense needs. We’re here around the clock, ready to help guide you through the criminal justice system and ensure your rights are protected.

protecting clients at every stage

Our Legal Services

Case Consultation

We meet with you to review the charges, explain your rights, and outline the legal process. This first step helps determine the strongest strategy moving forward.

Pre-Trial Investigation

Our team conducts an independent review of the allegations, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing police reports to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Arraignment Defense

We stand beside you at arraignment, ensuring you understand the charges and entering an appropriate plea. We also address initial bail matters and protect your rights from the start.

Bail and Bond Hearings

We advocate for your release pending trial, arguing for reasonable conditions or no bail when possible. We present strong evidence of community ties and minimal flight risk.

Discovery Management

We formally request and analyze all evidence the prosecution intends to use, including police reports, lab results, and witness statements, to prepare a thorough and strategic defense.

Motions Practice

We file targeted motions to challenge the prosecution’s case, from suppressing illegally obtained evidence to dismissing charges or compelling discovery before trial.

Prosecutor Negotiation

We negotiate directly with the State Attorney’s office when appropriate, seeking reduced charges or lighter penalties by leveraging the case’s strengths and mitigating weaknesses.

Trial Representation

If your case proceeds to trial, we provide vigorous defense-presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, making legal arguments, and pursuing an acquittal.

Sentencing Advocacy

If convicted or accepting a plea, we argue for the most lenient sentence possible by highlighting rehabilitation efforts, positive character traits, and mitigating circumstances.

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Our Reviews

  • Highly Recommend

    Shelby A.

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    Google

    “Called Matt this afternoon. He was able to respond to questions I had right away. Professional and being that he is very pleasant to speak with, took the edge off having to seek help. Thanks for everything you do! Highly recommend.”

  • Fantastic Trial Lawyer

    Sean M.

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    Google

    “Mr. Lufrano is a fantastic trial lawyer. Today is the one year anniversary of my trial and Matt is the reason we are celebrating Acquittal Day from now on. I hope you don’t need him, but if you do waste no time!“

  • Impeccable Service

    James

    Star
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    Avvo

    “Mr. Lufrano is my attorney from now on…..Impeccable service. I was given constant updates on my case via phone calls and emails. I was emailed copies of all motions filed on my behalf (e.g., waiver of appearance , and discovery).“

How We Help Jacksonville Criminal Defense Clients

From the first consultation, we focus on giving you a clear picture of the case and the work ahead. We review the arrest report, charging documents, bond paperwork, discovery, witness statements, videos, photographs, lab results, and any other information that may affect the defense.

We look for constitutional issues, factual inconsistencies, missing evidence, unreliable testimony, and legal arguments that may support a motion, negotiation, dismissal, reduction, diversion, trial defense, or sentencing strategy. Every case is different, but the goal is always the same: understand the facts, protect your rights, and build a defense around the specific situation you are facing.

Our representation can include case consultation, pretrial investigation, arraignment defense, bail and bond hearings, discovery review, motions practice, prosecutor negotiation, trial representation, and sentencing advocacy. We also help clients understand practical concerns that often come with criminal defense cases, including court dates, release conditions, employment concerns, travel limits, driver’s license issues, firearm restrictions, immigration-related concerns, and record consequences.

Whether you are facing DUI defense, drug crime defense, domestic violence defense, probation violation defense, or another criminal accusation, we help you understand what is happening and what decisions may come next.

We believe communication is part of strong defense work. Too often, people feel lost because they do not know what their lawyer is doing or what will happen next. We work closely with our clients, so you understand the status of the case, the purpose of each hearing, the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence, and the decisions you may need to make throughout the stages of criminal prosecution.

Available 24/7 After an Arrest or Urgent Legal Issue

Criminal cases do not always begin during business hours. Arrests, police contact, jail calls, bond questions, and urgent injunction issues can happen at night, on weekends, or before a family knows where to turn. Lufrano Legal, P.A. is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because early guidance can help protect your rights from the beginning.

If you or someone you love has been arrested in Jacksonville, call 904.513.3905. We can help you understand what may happen at first appearance, what bond conditions may be considered, whether there are no-contact restrictions, and what information may be important to gather immediately.

Deadlines begin to matter quickly after an arrest. Discovery may need to be requested, evidence may need to be preserved, and the defense strategy starts taking shape well before the case reaches trial. We also offer free, no-obligation criminal case reviews for people who have been arrested, charged, sentenced, or served with an injunction.

Schedule a free criminal case review so you can talk through the situation and understand your next step.

Local Jacksonville Criminal Defense Representation

Our office is centrally located at 1010 E Adams St, Suite 205, in downtown Jacksonville. We are near the Duval County Courthouse, the Jacksonville Public Library, and major downtown corridors, making our office accessible for clients throughout the city and surrounding communities.

We represent clients in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Baldwin, Orange Park, Riverside, the Southside, and across Northeast Florida. Because we regularly handle criminal matters in this region, we understand the importance of local court procedures, prosecutor practices, law enforcement agencies, and the practical details that can affect a case.
Lufrano Legal, P.A. proudly serves clients in Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, Putnam, Baker, Bradford, Alachua, and surrounding counties. If you need a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer who will explain the process, answer your questions, and prepare carefully, we are ready to help.

your local criminal defense firm

Centrally Located in Jacksonville

Lufrano Legal, P.A. is conveniently located at 1010 E Adams St, Suite 205, in downtown Jacksonville. Our criminal defense law office is near the Jacksonville Public Library and close to major landmarks, making us easy to find whether you live in the city or surrounding areas. With quick access to I-95 and other main highways, clients from the Southside, Orange Park, Riverside, and Jacksonville Beach can reach our Jacksonville defense attorneys with ease.

Jacksonville Criminal Defense FAQ

If you’ve been accused, arrested, or charged with a crime in Jacksonville, it’s important to learn as much as you can about how a criminal defense attorney can protect your rights and what to expect from the process. The following are some of the questions we hear most frequently from our clients, but if you have questions that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to call us at (904) 513 3905.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through the complicated legal system and help ensure your rights are fully protected. These are just a few of the actions a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer may take on your behalf: 

  • Investigate the facts of your case and analyze the prosecutor’s case
  • Gather evidence
  • Gather statements from witnesses
  • File a motion to suppress evidence and/or statements
  • File a motion to dismiss charges
  • Advise you regarding your rights
  • Advise you regarding potential sentencing outcomes
  • Secure expert witnesses if necessary
  • Negotiate with prosecutors for outcomes such as reduced bail, charges or sentences
  • Assert a defense at trial

At Lufrano Legal, P.A., we make sure that you understand every aspect of your case at each phase of the criminal process. One of our attorneys is always on call and available to speak with you any time of day or night, any day of the week.

You have several rights provided by the Constitution, state and federal statutes, and case law if you are arrested, including:

  • The right to remain silent.
  • The right to know the crimes with which you have been charged
  • The right to have an attorney with you at every critical stage of the prosecution.
  • The right to cross-examine the witnesses against you.
  • The right to present witnesses on your own behalf.
  • The right to access all of the evidence that the state intends to use against you.
  • The right to a jury trial.

Your choice of a criminal defense attorney to represent you may be one of the most important decisions you can make. If you find yourself in need of legal representation for a felony, misdemeanor, or juvenile offense, take time to research the attorneys you are considering before you retain one. Ask these questions so that you can compare each attorney’s qualifications:

  • How long have you practiced criminal law?
  • Is criminal defense your firm’s main focus or a sideline?
  • Have you handled cases similar to mine? If so, what were some of the outcomes?
  • How often do your criminal law cases go to trial?
  • Who will work on my case?
  • How often will we communicate?
  • Can I reach you whenever I need to?
  • Do you charge an hourly rate or a flat rate?
  • Will there be other expenses I will have to pay for?

The question as to when to invoke your right to remain silent is a straightforward one: the answer is virtually always. Many people think they can help themselves by cooperating with the police, but that’s rarely true. It’s generally best to politely decline to answer questions beyond basic identifying information. When invoking your right to remain silent, be clear and concise. For instance, you might say, “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”

  1. A criminal case begins when you are arrested or summoned to court.
  2. After the initial arrest, a “first appearance” hearing is conducted, during which the court may grant bail.
  3. An arraignment hearing is scheduled following the first appearance.
  4. At the arraignment, you’ll hear the charges against you and enter a plea.
  5. After the arraignment, there is a period of non-court action, including evidence gathering and negotiation. Your criminal lawyer and the prosecution will either agree on a plea deal or begin preparing for trial.
  6. Then, you will either attend a hearing on the plea agreement or will proceed to trial with your criminal lawyer.

An arraignment is the formal court hearing wherein the State files and announces what charges it will be pursuing against an accused.  The judge (or “court”) may do a number of things at an arraignment, including:

  • Advising you of the charges against you.
  • Advising you of the minimum and maximum penalties of the charges.
  • Asking how you wish to plea. 
  • Setting dates for future proceedings. 

At your arraignment hearing, you will be asked to enter a plea, which must be one of these formal responses:

  • Not guilty, which means you are denying that you committed the crime with which you are being charged.
  • Guilty, which is your admission that you committed the crime with which you are charged and that you are willing to accept the penalties imposed by the court.
  • No contest (or nolo contendere), which means you are not denying or admitting that you committed the crime, but are asking that the court resolve the matter. A plea of no contest is often associated with plea agreements. 

Often referred to as a plea bargain or plea deal, this is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor. As the defendant, you may agree to plead no contest or guilty if the prosecutor agrees to reduce a charge to a lesser offense, drop a charge, or recommend to the court a sentence that’s acceptable to the defense. Since the outcome of a trial is unpredictable, plea agreements are very common.

Once you have been arraigned, you and your criminal defense attorney are entitled by law to access all of the evidence that the state plans to use against you if you choose to participate in the discovery process. Through the discovery process, your attorney will receive evidence which will be used to further investigate your case, talk to witnesses, and more.

Of course, the possible defenses in your criminal case will depend on the charges against you, the facts of the case, and any procedural issues. Generally, though, a criminal defense falls into one of a few categories. One involves suppressing evidence (keeping it from being presented in court), which may weaken or destroy the prosecution’s case. Another is showing that the prosecution has failed to meet its burden of proof because they didn’t prove at least one element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Finally, there are affirmative defenses, such as self-defense. Your criminal lawyer will explain the possible defenses in your case.

Exactly as you would if you were guilty. The sad fact is that in the U.S. justice system, innocent people do get convicted. Most innocent people’s instinct is to try to explain themselves to the police, but that can often backfire. The best way to protect yourself from criminal charges, even if you’re innocent, is to remain silent and contact an experienced criminal lawyer right away.

The most common and straightforward pleas in a Florida criminal law case are guilty and not guilty. Most criminal defendants start with a not guilty plea, even if they plan to ultimately plead guilty–the not guilty plea allows their defense attorney the opportunity to negotiate for a favorable plea agreement. In some cases, there is a third option, a nolo contendere plea. That means “no contest,” and has the same effect as a guilty plea, but without an admission of guilt.

For less severe charges, such as a minor traffic offense, you may be able to successfully navigate the legal process yourself. You will have a lot at stake, however, when you have been charged with a serious crime, including your freedom, your ability to earn a living, and much more.

If there is a possibility that you may serve time for your crime, we strongly recommend that you have legal representation. Keep in mind that even in the case of a less serious offense, a criminal law attorney will be able to advise you about consequences that may arise in the future, such as higher insurance rates or affects on a professional license.

If you are uncertain whether you can benefit from hiring a Jacksonville criminal law attorney, Lufrano Legal, P.A., offers free, no-obligation consultations.

Yes! If you’re planning to plead guilty, you should first make sure that the state has a solid case against you. You probably won’t want to plead guilty if the case might be dismissed for lack of evidence. You’ll also want to hire an experienced local Jacksonville criminal attorney because they may be able to negotiate a favorable deal for you before you enter a plea, instead of rolling the dice on how the judge will sentence you.

A local criminal lawyer can help negotiate the right plea agreement by assessing your case for weaknesses that could reduce the sentence the prosecutor is willing to offer, or even reduce the charges you plead to. And, a knowledgeable advocate will make sure you have all of the information you need to make a good decision about a plea offer–the prosecution isn’t required to do so. The criminal law attorney will also know what type of evidence and argument is most likely to sway the prosecution.

There are several best practices for working with a criminal lawyer. First and foremost, tell the truth. Your criminal lawyer can’t properly protect you if police and prosecutors know things they don’t. If there is information that could hurt your case, you want your lawyer prepared, not finding out about it in court. You will also want to keep in contact with your criminal attorney and follow their advice–including the advice not to discuss your case with other people.

Florida law caps the sentence for each classification of crime. For example, if the crime is a Misdemeanor of the First Degree, you can’t be sentenced to more than one year in jail. However, the actual sentencing determination is much more complex. Sentencing is based on a calculation set forth in the Florida Punishment Code. The Code includes a scoresheet that takes into account a variety of factors, including the nature of the crime, injury to victims, prior criminal convictions, and more. A criminal attorney can explain which factors will apply in your case and whether they will work in your favor or against you.

In Florida, you can’t appeal a criminal conviction simply because you disagree with the result. Instead, you must have grounds based on something having gone wrong in the trial. For example, you might argue that evidence that might have changed the outcome was wrongly excluded from the trial, or that jury selection was biased, or that the judge improperly instructed the jury. Grounds for appeal can be quite technical, so the best source of information is an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

There is no single answer to the question of cost as no two cases or criminal defense attorneys are the same. Variables include how complex a case may be and therefore how much work may be involved and what fee attorneys set for themselves. When you are considering hiring a criminal law lawyer, make sure you fully understand their fees and how much they require be paid up front, which may be most or even all of the total fee.

In Florida, problem-solving courts are designed to offer an alternative to the standard conviction/punishment model. These include drug courts, designed to help people with substance abuse issues get back on track, and mental health courts to ensure that people who are struggling with mental health issues who commit crimes receive the right treatment and stick with the plan.

In the State of Florida, a misdemeanor is any crime that is punishable by no more than one year in a county correctional facility. Examples of misdemeanors are possession of small amounts of marijuana, minor criminal mischief, and some DUIs. Felonies in the state are any crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison, such as robbery, aggravated assault, and murder. 

While the consequences of a misdemeanor are not as severe as those of a felony, it is still important to have expert criminal defense. A criminal law lawyer can ensure your rights are fully protected and guide you through every stage of the criminal process. You can learn more about our experience representing clients who have been charged with a crime by calling (904) 513 3905. The firm of Lufrano Legal, P.A. is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.

Unfortunately, yes, an arrest remains on a person’s record unless and until it is sealed or expunged.  At Lufrano Legal, P.A., we can assist you in filing to have your record sealed or expunged if you qualify.  This may prevent having your arrest being used against you in some circumstances.

Yes, we provide specialized defense for complex DUI cases in Jacksonville, including those involving DUI with injuries or commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). While a first-time DUI is stressful for anyone, professional drivers face immediate threats to their livelihood. We focus on protecting both your freedom and your driving privileges by challenging the technical evidence and procedural errors common in these cases.

Our firm handles all levels of drug litigation. Whether you are facing a simple charge of drug possession, allegations involving prescription drugs, or high-stakes federal or state cases like drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, we perform an independent review of all evidence to build your defense.

Yes. Beyond general criminal defense, Lufrano Legal, P.A. handles specialized white-collar cases involving fraud, embezzlement, and forgery or counterfeiting. Led by a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Expert, we provide the aggressive, detail-oriented representation required to defend against complex allegations of financial dishonesty in Northeast Florida.

Yes. We have a dedicated practice for families navigating the juvenile justice system. This includes defending minors against juvenile drug charges, allegations of vandalism, trespassing, or issues involving juvenile domestic violence.

You should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. If you have been served with a domestic violence injunction, it is critical to act quickly because these civil orders can carry lasting criminal implications, including the loss of firearm rights and restricted access to your home. We represent clients at injunction hearings to ensure their rights are protected and their side of the story is heard.