Facing a felony is difficult enough without guessing what every notice means. Miller & Jacobs helps you understand the accusation, the work needed to test it, and the choices that remain yours to make. We begin with your current position in the case, whether an investigation is underway or charges have been filed.
Tell us about a hearing, custody issue, or request for questioning. Those details help identify what needs attention first.
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Mark J. Miller and Rick S. Jacobs
Combined Jury Trials to Verdict Across Their Careers
Your Case Handled by Mr. Miller or Mr. Jacobs
An arrest, a court date, and a proposed resolution are different events. Sorting them makes it easier to act on reliable information. The Orlando criminal defense practice provides a broader guide to the matters our firm handles.
Counsel should confirm the filed charge, court, case number, and next event. An arrest affidavit describes an allegation; a later charging document may narrow, expand, or change what must be defended.
The legal elements organize the investigation. Counsel can examine which witness, recording, document, or exhibit is offered for each disputed fact and what relevant material is still missing.
Whether to accept a plea or proceed to trial requires a discussion of the evidence, legal risks, and alternatives. Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained before making a decision.
Relatives may help gather documents or arrange transportation. They should not approach witnesses, coordinate accounts, or publish a defense online. Discuss who may receive case updates and how counsel will protect confidential communications.
A felony accusation can make ordinary plans feel impossible to discuss. You still need a clear conversation about work, family, and the choices in front of you. Good advice should help you understand the situation without making promises the evidence cannot support.
For Orange County criminal matters, use the Clerk’s criminal court information and the notices in your case. A general website description cannot tell you whether a particular appearance is required or has been changed.
Give counsel the complete release order. Discuss travel, residence, work, or contact problems before acting contrary to a condition. A request to change a term is not permission to ignore it.
Ask what the next hearing addresses and what you must do to attend. Confirm instructions with counsel; do not assume a lawyer’s involvement automatically excuses your appearance.
Point out relevant records and witnesses, including facts that appear unfavorable. Preserve original files. Your lawyer needs a complete account to assess legal challenges and prepare a reliable response.
Section 775.082 sets general imprisonment limits, including five years for a third-degree felony and 15 for a second-degree felony. The offense, enhancements, minimums, and other sentencing rules can change the analysis. A general maximum is not a prediction.
The Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet can affect the permissible sentence. Counsel should check the inputs and discuss any proposed disposition, obligations, and consequences beyond the courtroom before you decide.
Call Miller & Jacobs with the latest notice or proposal. We can discuss how the firm would evaluate the case and what representation would include.
A resolution may affect duties or applications outside the criminal court. Tell counsel about these issues early so the right questions can be addressed, including whether advice from another qualified professional is needed. Do not assume a withhold, dismissal, or completed sentence has the same effect in every setting.
Mark J. Miller or Rick S. Jacobs handles an accepted criminal defense matter. Ask how you will review discovery together, receive updates, and prepare for important decisions. The attorney should be able to explain both the immediate task and the unresolved questions.
Mark J. Miller is a former assistant state attorney admitted to The Florida Bar in 1995. His experience includes more than 70 jury trials to verdict across his legal career. Read his biography and ask about his approach to your matter.
Read Mark’s Bio →
Rick S. Jacobs is a former assistant state attorney admitted to The Florida Bar in 1995. His experience includes more than 160 jury trials to verdict across his legal career. His biography provides background for the conversation about your defense.
Read Rick’s Bio →Discuss the engagement in writing. Confirm which stage of the felony matter the fee covers, what trial work is included, and how expenses are handled. Appeals and separate civil or administrative proceedings should be addressed expressly.
These questions often help turn a general concern into a useful conversation with counsel.
Yes. A relative may contact the office and provide the person’s name, case number, custody information, and upcoming dates. Counsel will explain who the client is and what information can be discussed with others.
No. The prosecutor’s filing decision may differ from the arrest allegation. Review the current charging document with counsel rather than rely only on a booking entry or an early report.
Yes. Prior dispositions and sentences can matter to the present analysis. Bring the actual documents if available, including any withhold or dismissal. Do not assume an old case is irrelevant because supervision ended.
Discuss that with your lawyer before sending anything. Communications about a pending matter must follow court procedures, and a personal letter can create issues beyond the point you intend to explain. Counsel can identify an appropriate way to present relevant information.
No. The degree is only part of the sentencing analysis. The scoresheet, statutory requirements, prior history, facts, and available lawful alternatives must be reviewed. Avoid relying on a general online penalty chart as a promise.
Call 407-465-8733 and provide the number, county, and next date you know. Miller & Jacobs meets Orlando clients at 5401 S. Kirkman Road, Suite 660, Orlando, FL 32819. You do not need to assemble a complete discovery file before contacting the firm.
