Evan Gardiner, Esq. Attorney Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation
📍 GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
Gainesville Criminal Defense Attorney
Aggressive Defense • Proven Results • Available 24/7
100+
Years Combined Experience
24/7
Emergency Availability
1000+
Successful Cases
Hablamos Español • Payment Plans Available
ABOUT OUR FIRM
Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Lawyer in Gainesville
If you were arrested in Gainesville or are under investigation for a crime in Alachua County, choosing the right criminal defense attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
At Smith & Eulo, our Gainesville criminal defense lawyers have spent more than two decades defending clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies throughout Gainesville and North Central Florida.
We represent individuals facing DUI charges, drug crimes, domestic violence allegations, assault charges, theft offenses, probation violations, gun crimes, federal offenses, and other serious criminal accusations.
Our Gainesville criminal defense attorneys serve clients throughout Alachua County and appear regularly at the Alachua County Criminal Justice Center, the Alachua County Jail, and many of the courts where criminal cases are handled.
Because our attorneys regularly appear in Gainesville courts, we understand the procedures, prosecutors, judges, and legal processes that can impact your case.
How a Gainesville Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You
When you hire a Gainesville criminal defense attorney, local experience matters. Criminal cases in Alachua County can move quickly, and missing deadlines or failing to take immediate action can hurt your defense.
Our team of defense attorneys in Gainesville work aggressively from the start by reviewing arrest reports, evaluating evidence, examining constitutional issues, and identifying opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.
People searching for a criminal lawyer in Gainesville often want answers to important questions, including:
What should I do after being arrested in Gainesville?
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
Can a DUI charge be reduced or dismissed in Florida?
What happens at a first appearance hearing in Alachua County?
Will a felony conviction stay on my record forever?
Can criminal charges affect immigration status or employment?
How much does a Gainesville criminal defense attorney cost?
Should I talk to police before hiring an attorney?
The reality is that every criminal case is different. In some cases, law enforcement may have conducted an illegal search or traffic stop. In others, prosecutors may rely on weak witness testimony, questionable evidence, or flawed forensic testing. Our attorneys carefully analyze every aspect of a case to determine the strongest possible defense strategy.
At Smith & Eulo, we understand that an arrest can impact your career, finances, family, reputation, and future opportunities. A criminal conviction in Florida may result in jail time, probation, fines, loss of driving privileges, professional licensing issues, and a permanent criminal record. That is why early legal representation is so important.
Our Gainesville defense attorneys are committed to providing aggressive representation and clear communication throughout every stage of the criminal process. Whether you are facing a first-time misdemeanor or a serious felony charge, we fight to protect your constitutional rights and pursue the best possible resolution for your case.
If you need a Gainesville criminal defense lawyer, DUI attorney, or felony defense attorney in Alachua County, contact Smith & Eulo today for a confidential consultation. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner your defense can begin.
Evan Gardiner, Esq. Attorney Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation
📍 Serving Gainesville
- - Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer
- - Former Prosecutors on Staff
- - Available 24/7 for Emergencies
- - Free Initial Consultation
- - Flexible Payment Plans
- - Hablamos Español
Smith & Eulo has earned a reputation as one of the recognized criminal defense law firms in Florida, known for aggressive representation, client-focused service, and a strong presence throughout courts across the state.
Over the years, our attorneys have represented thousands of clients and built a reputation for fighting hard both inside and outside the courtroom.
Our firm’s experience, resources, and commitment to protecting the rights of our clients have helped position Smith & Eulo among the respected names in criminal defense throughout Florida.
OUR PRACTICE AREAS
Criminal Cases We Handle in Gainesville, Florida
When you are facing criminal charges, the prosecution has already started building its case against you. The decisions you make in the first hours and days after an arrest can have a major impact on the outcome of your case.
At Smith & Eulo, our Gainesville criminal defense attorneys move quickly to protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and begin developing a strategic defense tailored to your situation.
A criminal conviction can affect far more than jail time or fines. Depending on the charge, you could face a suspended driver’s license, difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences, damage to your reputation, or a permanent criminal record that follows you for years.
That is why having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side matters.
Our legal team handles a wide range of criminal charges throughout Gainesville and Alachua County, including:
DUI and drunk driving offenses
Assault and battery offenses
Theft, burglary, and robbery crimes
Gun and weapons charges
Probation violations
Juvenile offenses
White collar and federal crimes
Felony and misdemeanor cases
Expungement and record sealing matters
At Smith & Eulo, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all defense strategies. We take the time to investigate the facts, review body camera footage, analyze police reports, examine forensic evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
In many situations, evidence may have been obtained illegally, witnesses may be unreliable, or law enforcement may have violated constitutional protections during the arrest or investigation.
Our attorneys frequently challenge:
Illegal searches and seizures
Improper traffic stops
Lack of probable cause
Faulty field sobriety testing
Inaccurate breath or blood test results
Violations of Miranda rights
Unlawful interrogations
Mishandled evidence
Inconsistent witness testimony
For some clients, the best path forward may involve negotiating reduced charges, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing options designed to keep a conviction off their record. For others, the right strategy may be taking the case to trial and aggressively fighting the allegations in court. We prepare every case as though it could go to trial because preparation matters.
If you have been arrested in Gainesville, it is important to remember that prosecutors are not on your side, and speaking to law enforcement without legal representation can seriously hurt your defense. Even statements that seem harmless can later be used against you in court. Contacting a Gainesville criminal defense attorney as early as possible can help protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes.
Our firm understands the stress, uncertainty, and fear that often come with criminal accusations. We know that good people can find themselves in difficult situations, and we believe everyone deserves a strong legal defense. From the moment you contact our office, our goal is to provide clear communication, honest guidance, and aggressive representation every step of the way.
Whether you were charged with a first-time misdemeanor or a serious felony offense, Smith & Eulo is prepared to stand beside you and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Our Gainesville criminal defense lawyers are committed to protecting your freedom, your future, and your reputation.
If you or a loved one has been arrested or is under investigation, do not wait to seek legal help. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Smith & Eulo today for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Gainesville criminal defense attorney.
What Happens After an Arrest in Gainesville?
After you’re arrested in Gainesville, Florida, you’ll go through a certain process, and it can be easier if you understand what you’re up against.
Arrest and booking: After the arrest, you’re taken to the Alachua County Jail for booking, which includes fingerprints, photographs, and processing. Anything you say here can be used against you, so the best thing you can do is ask for a lawyer and say nothing else.
First appearance: Within 24 hours, you go before a judge who reviews whether probable cause supports the arrest and addresses release conditions. A lawyer arguing at first appearance can push for release on recognizance or a lower bond.
Bond and release: The judge sets the terms of your release, which may include a monetary bond, GPS monitoring, no-contact orders, or other conditions. If bond is set too high or conditions are too restrictive, your attorney can file a motion to modify them.
The State Attorney’s filing decision: This stage matters more than most people realize. The crime you’re arrested for is not automatically what you will face going forward. A prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office reviews the case and decides what to formally charge, whether to reduce it, or whether to file at all.
Arraignment.: You’re formally advised of the charges and enter a plea, almost always not guilty at this stage to preserve every option.
Discovery: The state turns over its evidence, including police reports, witness lists, video, and lab results. Your lawyer reviews all of it for weaknesses, inconsistencies, and constitutional problems.
Pretrial motions: This is where illegally obtained evidence gets challenged. Motions to suppress a bad stop, an unlawful search, or an improperly taken statement can significantly weaken the state’s case, and if the motion is granted, it could lead to the charges being dropped in some situations.
Plea negotiations or trial: Most cases are resolved through plea negotiations and don’t end up going to trial. When the state won’t offer something acceptable, the case goes to trial, and the state then has to prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Whether you accept a plea deal or not is completely up to you, but your lawyer can advise you of what they believe makes the most sense.
Sentencing: After a plea or a guilty verdict, the judge imposes a sentence. Your lawyer presents mitigation and argues for alternatives like probation or diversion where available.
Each stage presents opportunities to build your defense, and the most effective way to do this is to work with a criminal defense lawyer from the beginning.
Will a Felony Conviction Stay on My Record Forever?
In Florida, generally yes. Florida law does not allow a criminal record to be sealed or expunged if the case ended in a conviction, meaning the court adjudicated you guilty. Adjudication for a felony stays on your record permanently, appears on background checks, and cannot be removed later no matter how much time passes or how clean your record stays.
The outcome is different when adjudication was withheld. Florida judges can accept a plea but withhold adjudication, which means there is technically no conviction. Depending on the offense and your history, a case with a withhold may qualify for sealing, and a case that was dropped, dismissed, or ended in acquittal may qualify for expungement. Certain offenses are excluded from sealing even with a withhold, and each person generally gets only one sealing or expungement in a lifetime.
Can Criminal Charges Affect Immigration Status or Employment?
Yes. For noncitizens, the consequences depend on the offense. Convictions for certain crimes, including drug offenses, theft and fraud crimes, domestic violence, and anything classified as an aggravated felony under federal law, can lead to removal, denial of a green card or citizenship, and inadmissibility if you leave the country and try to return. Green card holders can also face immigration consequences.
No noncitizen should accept any plea without understanding the immigration effect first.
A charge or conviction can also affect employment. Florida employers can and do run background checks, and arrests as well as convictions can appear. A pending charge can cost you a current job or a job offer, and a conviction can disqualify you from positions requiring professional licenses, security clearances, or work with children, the elderly, or patients. Licensing boards for nurses, teachers, contractors, real estate agents, and many other professions conduct their own reviews and can deny or discipline a license based on a criminal case.
OUR LOCATION
Serving Gainesville & Alachua County
📍
Serving Gainesville & North Central Florida
Alachua County, FL
📞🏛️Alachua County, FL
Regularly appear at
Alachua County Criminal Justice Center
Alachua County Criminal Justice Center
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COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Defense
If arrested in Gainesville, stay calm and polite. Exercise your right to remain silent – do not answer questions without an attorney. Don’t consent to searches. Call us immediately at (352) 306-6599. We’re available 24/7 and can often meet you at the Alachua County Jail within hours.
Fees vary based on case complexity and charges. At Smith & Eulo, we offer competitive rates and flexible payment plans. Your free consultation includes a clear fee structure. Many clients find our rates reasonable given our 100+ years of combined experience and proven results.
Yes. Even misdemeanors can result in jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record affecting employment and housing. An experienced attorney can often get charges reduced or dismissed, negotiate better deals, or win at trial. Not having representation usually costs more in the long run.
Most Gainesville criminal cases are heard at Alachua County Criminal Justice Center at 220 S Main St. Some cases may be heard in Gainesville Municipal Court or federal court. Our attorneys appear at these courts regularly.
Timelines vary significantly. Misdemeanors may resolve in a few months, while felony cases can take 6-18 months or longer. The process includes arraignment, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, and potentially trial. We work to resolve cases efficiently while ensuring the best outcome.
While we can’t guarantee outcomes, we’ve successfully gotten charges dismissed for hundreds of clients. We thoroughly investigate every case, challenge illegal searches and arrests, identify constitutional violations, and negotiate aggressively with prosecutors.
We serve all of Gainesville and Alachua County, including Downtown Gainesville, Haile Plantation, Tioga, Newberry, Alachua, Hawthorne, Micanopy, Archer, High Springs, and Waldo. We also represent clients in Marion, Levy, Gilchrist, Bradford, and Putnam Counties.
We’re available 24/7 for emergencies and often meet same-day. Our office is open Monday-Friday, but we schedule weekend and evening appointments when needed. If you’re in custody, we can visit you at the jail. Call (352) 306-6599 now.
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