St. Johns County Criminal Defense Attorneys

When you are accused of a crime, the future quality of life of both you and your family are placed at high risk. This experience can be extremely overwhelming and can leave you feeling powerless. That is why it is important to be backed by a highly skilled attorney, particularly one who is equipped in handling some of the most complicated cases. Criminal defense law firm Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys has a legal team with more than 40 years of combined experience. The firm handles cases relating to a broad spectrum of crimes, whether they are misdemeanors or felonies. The firm can also handle cases that are heard at both the state and federal levels.

Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys is not just any criminal defense law firm. If you are looking for legal counsel that has the appropriate level of experience to properly handle your case, you should turn to Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys. The attorneys at the firm have tried hundreds of cases since opening our doors, with a high percentage of those cases resulting in "not guilty" verdicts. The firm serves clients throughout St. Johns County in Florida.

Crime in St. Johns County

St. Johns County covers 608 square miles in northeast Florida. The city of St. Augustine serves as its county seat. The county's population has grown dramatically over the past 30 years, having increased from 51,303 in 1980 to 190,039 in 2010, according to the county's website. The county was expected to reach a population of 219,957 by 2015. St. Johns County has been recognized as one of the fastest growing counties in Florida through 2010, with a growth rate of 54.3 percent between the years of 2000 and 2010.

From 2010 to 2011, arrests for crimes decreased while the total number of index offenses—or the total number of crimes as reported to law enforcement—increased, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The index offenses include murder, sexual offense, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft. There were 4,594 arrests in St. Johns County in 2011 compared to 4,659 arrests in 2010, representing a decrease of 1.4 percent, according to the department's crime statistics. Total crimes reported rose to 5,322 in 2011 from 5,134 in 2010, representing a 3.7 percent increase.

For reported crimes, the rate for violent offenses per 100,000 people dropped by 2.5 percent while the rate for nonviolent offenses remained flat. This created a total crime index decrease of 0.3 percent. Nationwide, the rates for violent crime and property crime have been experiencing downward trends over the past two decades.

Cases Handled by Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys

Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys deals with cases that relate to a variety of criminal offenses. The firm's attorneys handle cases related to assault and battery, which involve physical force or the threat of physical force against another individual. The attorneys also handle more serious crimes, such as sex offenses and federal crimes.

These types of cases might involve offenses ranging from simple drug possession to drug trafficking, among other types. There can also be cases in which the individual was accused of driving while under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, or with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Other areas the firm works in include traffic offenses, juvenile crimes, appeals and more.

Finding the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer

Individuals in St. Johns County who are being investigated for a crime or who have already been arrested should not hesitate in seeking legal counsel. They will need to find an attorney who is knowledgeable about the laws involving their alleged offenses, and one who has a record for success. Individuals who turn to Taylor & Waldrop Attorneys can depend on the fact that they are dealing with distinguished attorneys who have proven their advanced criminal defense skills.

The firm, which serves clients in areas all throughout St. Johns County, has an office located at 2303 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite L, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The firm's attorneys can be reached at (904) 687-1630.

• St. Johns County Quick Facts
• About St. Johns County
• Map: St. Johns County, FL