Jacksonville Crime Rates

If you read or listen to the local news here on the First Coast, crimes committed and arrests made by law enforcement officials top the list of stories being reported on most given days. North Florida, like most of urban Florida, has its fair share of issues. One of the most important issues is crimes involving Florida citizens. According to The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), arrests made within the 4 counties that make up our area, were actual down year over year for 2017. Not surprising, with all the emphasis made by officials to broaden community support, an ever-changing economic landscape, and with unemployment reaching all-time lows.  The total number of criminal arrests made in 2016 was 42,571 an improvement over 2015 totals of 43,026. Of these numbers, Drug Arrests, Simple Assault, and Larceny top the list, with DUI running a close fourth. Additionally, FDLE statistics reveal this trend is actually a continuation of a significant decrease in both the number of crimes and the rate of crimes committed over the last 20 years. From 1996 through 2016 crimes have decreased by 40% and their rate as part of the growing population by almost 58% according to the data. Over this same period of time Florida has enjoyed a 40% increase in population. Topping the list of crimes are violent crimes down 40% and property crimes down almost 41%. Violent crimes include Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Sexual Offenses and Murder. Violent crimes represent roughly 14% of the total crimes committed. Property Crimes include Petit Theft, Grand Theft, Burglary and Motor Vehicle Theft, representing 86% of the total crimes committed. In Duval County alone in 2016 there were 39,605 crimes committed, with 28,810 arrests, that equates to 4,287 crimes per 100,000 people.

Criminal Defense Attorneys

Even with the rate of violent and property crimes decreasing, far too many crimes are still being committed in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas on a daily basis. It is no wonder that our courts are overcrowded with case after case, and both criminal defense attorneys and defendants are sharing center stage in the legal process. Being arrested and charged with a crime is a very traumatic experience, one that should be faced with experienced legal counsel protecting ones rights and due process of law. Often times, law-abiding citizens make unfortunate mistakes, which result in their arrest and criminal prosecution. Choosing the right legal team is half the battle in defending against incarceration, heavy fines, and a life-long criminal record that never seems to go away.  When your freedom in on the line, the right decision on the part of the accused is to seek experienced legal representation. Today, many former state and federal prosecutors, as well as public defenders, are in private criminal defense practices representing those who have been arrested and charged with a crime. These experienced attorneys may represent the best possible chances for a successful criminal defense. 

Why Choose Fallgatter Catlin & Varon, P.A.!

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime, Curtis Fallgatter and his team of Jacksonville criminal defense attorneys are very interested in hearing your side of the story. We have been involved in 1000’s of legal cases and aggressively mount a legal defense to protect your rights. Our firm has a long history of successful case results and work extensively in a full range of criminal defense matters in local, state, and federal court. We put our extensive prosecutorial and defense experience to work for you on charges ranging from 1^st offense DUI to capital murder crimes and everything in between. Fallgatter & Catlin has been recognized as one of the top criminal defense teams in the area. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime give Fallgatter & Catlin a call today for a legal consultation at 904-353-5800. Visit our website https://Fallgatterlaw.com for a complete list of our services and credentials.