West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney
From misdemeanors to serious felonies, a criminal charge in Florida can derail your career, housing, and family life. Attorney Andrew Jeacoma builds an aggressive, strategic defense from day one to protect your record and your future.
24/7
Emergency line
Free
Consultation
Jury
Trial experience
Free Criminal Defense Consultation
Confidential · No obligation · Fast response
100% confidential. Protected by attorney-client privilege.
Florida Bar Certified
Former Public Defender
Jury Trial Verdicts
Available 24/7
✓ Charges Dismissed & Reduced
Criminal Defense in Florida
Charged with a Crime in Palm Beach County? Don't Face It Alone.
A criminal arrest can feel overwhelming — but the choices you make in the first 48 hours can shape the rest of your case. Florida’s criminal statutes are technical, the penalties stack quickly, and prosecutors begin building their case against you the moment you’re booked. What you say to investigators, what you post online, and how quickly you retain counsel can determine whether your case ends in dismissal, a reduced plea, or a felony conviction.
Attorney Andrew Jeacoma has defended cases at every level of Florida’s criminal system — from misdemeanors and DUIs to serious felonies including drug trafficking, aggravated battery, and burglary of an occupied dwelling. He knows what Palm Beach County prosecutors look for, and he knows how to dismantle their case piece by piece.
Florida DUI Penalties — What You're Facing
| Offense | Jail Time | Fine | License | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Misdemeanor — 2nd Degree |
Up to 60 days |
Up to $500 |
Up to 6 months |
Misdemeanor |
|
Misdemeanor — 1st Degree |
Up to 1 year |
Up to $1,000 |
Up to 1 year |
Misdemeanor |
|
Felony — 3rd Degree |
Up to 5 years |
Up to $5,000 |
Up to 5 years |
Felony (3rd) |
|
Felony — 2nd Degree |
Up to 15 years |
Up to $10,000 |
Up to 15 years |
Felony (2nd) |
|
Felony — 1st Degree |
Up to 30 years |
Up to $10,000 |
Up to 30 years |
Felony (2nd) |
*Florida sentencing scoresheets, prior record, and statutory enhancements all affect the actual sentence. These are statutory maximums — outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
The First 48 Hours Matter Most
Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and prosecutors lock in charging decisions early. The sooner Andrew is in your corner, the more options you have.
How We Fight Back
Criminal Defense Strategies We Use
Every case has weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Andrew investigates every angle — the legality of the arrest, the strength of the evidence, the credibility of witnesses — to build the strongest possible defense.
Motion to Suppress
If evidence was obtained through an illegal stop, search, or seizure, we move to suppress it — often gutting the prosecution's case.
Challenging Witness Credibility
Cross-examination exposes inconsistencies, bias, and gaps in witness testimony that can create reasonable doubt.
Forensic & Lab Challenges
We subpoena lab reports, calibration records, and chain-of-custody documents to expose flaws in forensic evidence.
Affirmative Defenses
Self-defense, mistake of fact, lack of intent, and other affirmative defenses can defeat charges entirely when properly raised.
Negotiated Reductions
When trial is not the right strategy, Andrew negotiates with prosecutors to reduce charges to lesser offenses or pretrial diversion.
Sentencing Mitigation
If a conviction is unavoidable, Andrew presents mitigation evidence — character letters, treatment records, and statutory factors — to minimize the sentence.
What Happens Next
What to Do After a Criminal Arrest in Florida
Stay calm and say as little as possible
You have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself. Everything you say can and will be used against you — even casual conversation.
Contact an attorney before talking to investigators
You have the absolute right to remain silent and to have counsel present. Detectives are trained to extract incriminating statements. Don’t talk to them without Andrew on the line — even if you believe you have nothing to hide.
Write down everything you remember
Document where you were, what you drank, when, the circumstances of the stop, everything the officer said, and whether you were read your Miranda rights. Details matter.
Do not post anything on social media
Prosecutors actively monitor social media. Even innocent-seeming posts can be used against you. Stay offline about your case until it’s resolved.
Real Result: Acquitted — Burglary of an Occupied Dwelling
Client faced a serious felony with potential prison time. Through thorough preparation and aggressive cross-examination, the jury returned a not guilty verdict on all counts.
Common Questions
Criminal Defense FAQs
Should I talk to the police if they want to ask me questions?
No — politely decline and ask for an attorney. You have the right to remain silent under both the Florida and U.S. Constitutions, and anything you say can be used against you. Even innocent statements can be twisted to support a charging decision. Tell officers you’d like to speak with your attorney before answering any questions, and call Jeacoma Law immediately.
Can a criminal charge be dismissed before trial?
Yes — many cases never reach a jury. Charges can be dismissed for insufficient evidence, illegal searches, witness unavailability, or successful pretrial motions. Andrew evaluates every case for dismissal opportunities first, before considering plea negotiations or trial strategy.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Florida?
Misdemeanors carry up to one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000. Felonies range from third degree (up to 5 years prison) to capital felonies. Felonies also carry collateral consequences — loss of voting rights, firearm rights, professional licenses, and immigration status.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases resolve before trial through dismissals, pretrial motions, or negotiated pleas. But Andrew prepares every case as if it will go to trial. Prosecutors offer better deals when they know defense counsel is ready and willing to take the case to a jury.
How much will a criminal defense attorney cost me?
Fees depend on the complexity of the case — a misdemeanor first appearance is very different from a felony jury trial. Andrew offers a free consultation to review your case and provide a clear, written fee agreement before you commit. The cost of NOT having experienced counsel — fines, jail, lost employment, a permanent record — almost always outweighs the legal fees.
Recent Defense Results
Other Practice Areas
Protect Your Future
Your Criminal Case Can't Wait.
Every day without an attorney puts you at a disadvantage. Get a free, confidential case review today.