Focused Defense, Personalized Strategy
Jax Criminal Defense Lawyer - Irvin Daphnis
1. 2026 DUI Defense: The "Criminal Refusal" Era
As of 2026, Florida’s Trenton’s Law is in full effect. A DUI arrest is now two separate criminal battles.
- Criminal Refusal: If you refuse a breath or urine test, you will now be charged with a Second-Degree Misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail) even if it is your first offense.
- Sentencing Surges: A second conviction for DUI Manslaughter is now a First-Degree Felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison—the same level as murder.
- The 10-Day Window: You still only have 10 days to save your license. We use these DMV hearings to subpoena bodycam footage and challenge the legality of JSO checkpoints.
Jacksonville 2026 Criminal Defense: Protecting Your Liberty and Status
When you are facing criminal charges in Duval County, you aren't just fighting the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO); you are fighting a system designed for maximum conviction.
In Florida, a criminal charge is more than a legal hurdle—it is a threat to your entire future. If you are not a U.S. citizen, the stakes are doubled. A "standard" criminal defense strategy that works for a citizen can lead to automatic deportation for a non-citizen.
At the Law Office of Irvin Daphnis, we provide sophisticated, multilingual defense in English, French, and Haitian Creole for those facing life-altering charges
2. Drug Trafficking: Fighting Mandatory Minimums
Jacksonville’s position as a logistics hub has led to aggressive "Interdiction Units" on I-95 and I-10. In 2026, Florida law ignores your intent; it only cares about the weight.
- Fentanyl (The 4-Gram Threshold): Possessing just 4 grams of Fentanyl (about the weight of 4 paperclips) triggers a 3-year mandatory minimum prison sentence.
- Cocaine & Opioids: Trafficking 28 grams of cocaine or 14 grams of hydrocodone can land you in prison for 15 to 25 years with no chance of early release.
- The "Constructive Possession" Trap: If drugs are found in a shared vehicle or home, JSO will often charge everyone present. We specialize in "Motion to Suppress" filings to prove illegal searches and seizures.
3. Traffic Offenses & JSO "Vision Zero" Enforcement
Under Jacksonville’s 2026 Strategic Highway Safety Plan, JSO has deployed $113k+ in grant-funded high-visibility details. Minor traffic stops are now used as "gateways" for deeper investigations.
- DWLS (Driving With License Suspended): A third conviction for DWLS is a felony in Florida. We focus on "License Restoration" to get your charges dropped or reduced.
- Reckless Driving: JSO is cracking down on "Street Racing" and "Stunt Driving" with mandatory vehicle impoundment and high fines.
4. Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Understanding the Stakes
Charge Type
Misdemeanor
Felony
Max Jail/Prison
Up to 1 Year (County Jail)
5 Years to Life (State Prison)
Fines
Up to $1,000
Up to $15,000
Long-Term Impact
Possible probation; criminal record.
Loss of civil rights (voting, firearms); job barriers.
2026 Warning: Even a "simple" misdemeanor like possession of drug paraphernalia or petty theft can be "enhanced" to a felony if you have prior convictions. Never plead guilty without an attorney reviewing your "Prior Record Score."
The Irvin Daphnis Defense Strategy
We don't wait for the State Attorney to offer a deal. We take the fight to them:
- Motion to Suppress: We challenge the initial stop. If the JSO officer lacked "Reasonable Suspicion," the entire case—and all evidence—can be tossed out.
- Forensic Evidence Audit: From breathalyzer calibration logs to ELD digital footprints in trucking accidents, we find the technical flaws the State hopes you won't see.
- Pre-Trial Diversion: For first-time offenders, we fight for programs that lead to complete dismissal and eventual expungement of your record.
[Don't let a 2025 mistake derail your 2026. Schedule a Confidential Case Review Now.]
The Critical Intersection: Criminal Law & Immigration
At the Law Office of Irvin Daphnis, we provide a specialized "Crimmigration" defense. We don't just fight to keep you out of jail; we fight to keep you in the country.
Most criminal defense attorneys focus solely on reducing jail time. However, under the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Padilla v. Kentucky, your lawyer has a constitutional duty to advise you on the immigration consequences of your case. In 2026, with Florida's enhanced enforcement landscape, this advice is the difference between staying with your family or being transferred to an ICE detention facility.
Criminal Charges We Handle with Immigration Precision
We build defense strategies for non-citizens facing a wide range of state and federal charges, specifically focusing on avoiding "deportable" outcomes:
- Drug Offenses: Even minor possession can be classified as an "Aggravated Felony" in the eyes of immigration officials.
- Theft & Fraud: Often categorized as "Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude" (CIMT), these can bar you from ever obtaining citizenship.
- DUI & Traffic Violations: While often seen as minor, a series of alcohol-related offenses can lead to a finding of "lack of good moral character."
- Domestic Violence: A conviction here can trigger immediate deportation proceedings, even for Green Card holders.
Our Dual-Defense Strategy
When you hire Irvin Daphnis, your defense is built on two parallel tracks:
- Immigration-Safe Plea Negotiations: We work with prosecutors to modify the language of a plea or the length of a sentence (e.g., 364 days instead of 365) to ensure it does not trigger federal removal.
- Strategic Litigation: If a "safe" plea is not possible, we are prepared to take your case to trial to prevent a conviction that would result in permanent banishment from the U.S.
- Bond and ICE Hold Defense: If you are currently held on an "ICE Detainer" in Duval or Clay County, we move aggressively to secure your release and prevent a transfer to immigration custody.
| Important Note: In 2026, Florida law allows for harsher sentencing for certain individuals without legal status. You need a lawyer who understands these specific state-level enhancements.
Why Choose the Law Office of Irvin Daphnis?
- Multilingual Expertise: We provide consultations in French and Haitian Creole, ensuring that no detail of your defense is lost in translation.
- Integrated Knowledge: Attorney Irvin Daphnis understands both the Florida Criminal Code and the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- Client-Centered Advocacy: We understand the fear and anxiety that an arrest causes a family. We offer clear, jargon-free guidance at every step.
Take Action Before the Next Court Date
The decisions made in the first 48 hours after an arrest are the most critical. Do not sign any documents or agree to any "deals" until you have had your case reviewed for immigration consequences.
Contact us today at 904-934-2210 to schedule your confidential consultation.
Comprehensive Defense, Personalized Advocacy
Our Criminal Defense Practice
Protecting your rights with tailored legal strategies across a wide range of criminal charges.
Experienced Criminal Defense Representation
We provide skilled defense for clients facing criminal charges, ensuring thorough case evaluation and strategic planning.
Defense for Violent Crime Charges
Representation for offenses including assault, battery, domestic violence, and related serious allegations.
Handling Drug-Related Offenses
Expert defense for possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and distribution charges.
Property Crime Defense
Protecting clients accused of burglary, theft, vandalism, and other property-related crimes.
White-Collar Crime Expertise
Defense against fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and other financial crime allegations.
Client-Focused Legal Advice
We prioritize clear communication and personalized guidance to help clients understand their options.
Aggressive Defense Strategies
Our approach combines thorough investigation and assertive advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Commitment to Personalized Representation
Every case receives dedicated attention tailored to the unique circumstances of each client.
Trusted Defense, Proven Results
Exceptional Aggressive Attorney!
Attorney Daphnis was always available to answer my calls, seen me while incarcerated and got the job done.
He took on my case at the end of it, unfortunately, and I know had had he been assigned to my case [from the beginning] I would have not been incarcerated as long.
He got my case reduced to a much lower charge and was adamant about getting those results! Hire him now! He is great with felony cases!
Criminal Defense FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our criminal defense services and what to expect when working with us.
What does criminal defense representation include?
Our criminal defense covers all stages from investigation to trial, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is aggressively defended.Which types of charges do you handle?
We represent clients facing a wide range of charges including DUI, drug offenses, theft, assault, and more, tailoring strategies to each case.How do you tailor legal advice to individual cases?
We assess the unique details of your situation to provide personalized advice and develop a defense strategy that fits your needs.What should clients expect during the defense process?
Clients can expect clear communication, thorough case analysis, and dedicated advocacy throughout every step of their defense.How can I start working with the Law Offices of Irvin Daphnis?
Contact us for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you with expert criminal defense representation.
Get in Touch
Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.