A Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney Who Has Defended Thousands of Cases in Court

If you have been charged with DUI in Florida or are facing allegations of domestic battery, take a moment to order one of our free informative publications:

The State of Florida vs. You: The Accused's Guide to Defending a Florida DUI Charge

Domestic Violence In the State of Florida: Beware, Know Your Rights, Get a Lawyer 

Being accused of a crime is terrifying.  When you face criminal charges in Florida, you could be looking at jail time and substantial fines and court costs, but that's not all.  You are dealing with a potential life change.  A Florida criminal record will follow you for the rest of your life.  It could impact your family, your reputation, your job, and your ability to obtain certain professional licenses, among other things.  You cannot afford to step into the courtroom without representation by an experienced, highly skilled Jacksonville criminal trial attorney.

It is important to realize that not every attorney who advertises that he or she practices criminal defense has the expertise that you need.  Some lawyers will take any case, even if they lack a background in criminal defense.  Your life and your future are in jeopardy, and the criminal defense attorney you choose can make all the difference.

Ruth Ann Hepler is a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer who has spent the last 18 years defending clients in a variety of legal matters, from Florida DUI to murder.  She has a tremendous amount of trial experience and has defended thousands of cases over the years. Contact the law firm of Sullivan & Hepler today at (904) 384-8808 or (866) 624-4213 to find out what defenses are available for your case, from a defense attorney who has extensive experience.

Our law firm represents anyone who has been charged with a crime in Florida.  Some of the common cases we handle include:

• DUI
• Domestic battery
• Drug offenses
• Theft
• Violation of injunction
• Weapons/Gun charges

We are a working person's law firm, and we pride ourselves on the fact that we give each of our clients personal service. You don't have to face this life-changing event alone-we'll talk to you about the facts of your case and the possible defenses.  Then we'll fight to protect your rights and resolve your case with your best interests in mind. By working with our law firm, you will have a defense team with a proven track record.  And you will have people you can trust on your side.

Contact us today at (904) 384-8808 or (866) 624-4213 for answers to your legal questions.

The law firm of Sullivan & Hepler defends clients in Jacksonville, Duval County, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Clay County, Westside, Southside, Northside, Arlington, Mandarin, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Johns County.

Blog for Criminal Defense

• What Happens After a Florida DUI Arrest?
• Reckless Driving – Misdemeanor or Felony?
• The Flaws of Field Sobriety Tests
• Obtaining an FR-44 After a Florida DUI

Library for Criminal Defense:

• Penalties for Florida DUI – First Offense   
  Description: Penalties for Florida DUI change depending on how many prior offenses you have on your record. No matter if this is your first or higher offense, a Jacksonville DUI defense attorney at Sullivan & Hepler can help you to protect your rights if you are charged with drinking and driving in Florida. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.
• Internship with the public defender's office changed my life [PDF]   
  Description: As a law school student, Ruth Ann Hepler had her sites set on becoming a criminal prosecutor but an internship with the public defender's office changed her plans.
• Jacksonville Lawyer Ruth Ann Hepler discuss the penalties of a DUI charge in Florida on the radio show Advocate for Success.   
  Description: A DUI charge is a very serious charge that you should not handle alone. An experienced Jacksonville DUI attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through this complicated legal matter. Ruth Ann Hepler discuss the penalties and consequences of a DUI charge in the State of Florida on a local radio program. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.
• I’ve Been Arrested for DUI in Florida – What Happens Now?   
  Description: A Florida DUI arrest isn’t the end of the world, especially if your case was mishandled by the arresting officer. A Jacksonville DUI defense attorney at Sullivan & Hepler can help you protect your rights if you are charged with drinking and driving in Florida. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.
• Laws and Penalties for Reckless Driving in Florida   
  Description: It’s important to understand the laws and penalties involved when you are charged with reckless driving in Florida. A Jacksonville reckless driving attorney at Sullivan & Hepler can help you to protect your rights and understand your options to fight those charges. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193 to discuss your case.
• Reinstating Your License after a Florida DUI   
  Description: If you are facing Florida DUI charges an experienced Jacksonville DUI defense attorney from the Law Offices of Sullivan & Hepler can help you with your case. Request a FREE copy of our DUI defense guide, The State of Florida vs. You: The Accused’s Guide to Defending a Florida DUI Charge, or contact us for a FREE consultation – 800-295-4193
• Field Sobriety Tests and Their Flaws   
  Description: For decades police have been using varied field sobriety tests as a means to justify traffic stops for suspected DUI. A Jacksonville DUI defense attorney at Sullivan & Hepler can help you to protect your rights if you are charged with drinking and driving in Florida. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.
• How Will My Florida DUI Affect My Car Insurance?   
  Description: If you are convicted of a Florida DUI, your auto insurance company will find out. Your rates could go up, or the company may cancel your policy and label you as a “high-risk driver.” A Jacksonville DUI defense attorney at Sullivan & Hepler can help you to protect your rights if you are charged with drinking and driving in Florida. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.
• Do I Need a Florida DUI Attorney?   
  Description: The consequences for drunk driving in Florida are severe. A Jacksonville DUI defense attorney at Sullivan & Hepler can help you to protect your rights if you are charged with drinking and driving in Florida. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.
• What to Expect if You Have Been Convicted of DUI in Florida   
  Description: Read this article to learn about the consequences of a Florida DUI conviction. If you have been accused of DUI in Florida, you don’t have to defend yourself. Contact an experienced Jacksonville DUI attorney at the law firm of Sullivan & Hepler at (904) 384-8808 or (866) 624-4213 for more information.
• Difference Between Florida Misdemeanors & Felonies   
  Description: Read this article to learn the punishments for Florida felony and misdemeanor charges. If you have been accused of a Florida crime, contact a Jacksonville criminal attorney at the law firm of Sullivan & Hepler today at (904) 384-8808 or (800) 295-4193.

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Frequent Questions for Criminal Defense:

• Video: This is my first DUI, is it really a big deal?
• Video: In a DUI case can the Judge withhold adjudication? Can a DUI be expunged or sealed?

• Video: When will a DUI conviction be taken off my record?

• Video: What are some of the penalties for a first time DUI conviction? What costs are associated? Part 1
• Video: First DUI conviction, penalties and costs. Part 2
• Video: What if someone is hurt or killed as the result of me driving under the influence?
• Video: Should I take the breath test if stopped for DUI?
• Video: Can't I refuse to take the breath test? What happens if I do?
• Video: Will I be arrested if I refuse to take the breath test?
• Video: What if the breath test shows I am under the legal limit?
• Video: Can I hire a DUI attorney before I make my plea? Should I plead NOT guilty?
• Video: What if I know I am guilty? Should I still plead NOT guilty? What does this really mean?
• Video: I failed the breath test; what good will an attorney do me now?
• Video: What if I have a DUI conviction in another state? Will it count against me in Florida?
• Video: Don't I have to be found guilty of a DUI charge before my license is suspended?
• Video: Can I challenge my license suspension?
• Video: What is the purpose of a DMV Hearing?
• Video: What will my attorney want to know about my case?
• Video: What details about my case should I write down?
• Video: What if my prescription medication has caused me to be charged with DUI?

Videos about Criminal Defense:

• What if someone is hurt or killed as the result of me driving under the influence?
• Should I take the breath test if stopped for DUI?
• Can't I refuse to take the breath test? What happens if I do?
• Will I be arrested if I refuse to take the breath test?
• What if the breath test shows I am under the legal limit?
• Can I hire a DUI attorney before I make my plea? Should I plead NOT guilty?
• What if I know I am guilty? Should I still plead NOT guilty? What does this really mean?
• I failed the breath test; what good will an attorney do me now?
• What if I have a DUI conviction in another state? Will it count against me in Florida?
• Don't I have to be found guilty of a DUI charge before my license is suspended?
• Can I challenge my license suspension?
• What is the purpose of a DMV Hearing?
• What will my attorney want to know about my case?
• What details about my case should I write down?
• What if my prescription medication has caused me to be charged with DUI?
• This is my first DUI, is it really a big deal?
• In a DUI case can the Judge withhold adjudication? Can a DUI be expunged or sealed?
• When will a DUI conviction be taken off my record?
• Part I-What are some of the penalties for a first time DUI conviction? What costs are associated?
• Part II-First DUI conviction, penalties and costs.

Web Resources for Criminal Defense:

• DMV-Florida DUI Laws and Penalties

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