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Practice Areas

Criminal Defense

If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you may feel as though no one is on your side. Whether the charges are misdemeanor or felony in nature, facing the prospect of a trial and possible jail or prison time is very difficult. It is extremely important that you have an experienced and aggressive Gainesville criminal defense attorney on your side who will fight for your rights.

The Criminal Defense Process

It is very important that you wait until you are in the presence of a Gainesville criminal defense lawyer before you say anything to the police. Anything you say from the point of arrest forward can be used against you. When you first meet with your attorney he will explain the criminal defense process as it pertains to your case. He will need you to be honest with him about the details of the case so that he can draw up as effective a defense as possible. Remember that all you say to your attorney is held in strict confidence. He is the one person you can trust. You must not discuss your case with others at the jail, nor even with family. This is because they could then later be subpoenaed to testify against you.

Areas of Criminal Defense

Criminal defense covers a wide range of crimes. Your Gainesville criminal defense attorney has the knowledge needed to defend you effectively, regardless of your charges.
Among the types of crimes we defend are:

  • Drug Crimes: Criminal charges for drug crimes in Florida range from possession, manufacture, and intent to sell illegal drugs to medications that under controlled situations are legally given to patients.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Florida has become very rigorous in its laws against driving while intoxicated. The penalties depend upon the nature of the offense. The most serious of charges is DUI manslaughter. Penalties also differ for minors who are convicted of DUI.
  • Violent Crimes: Among the most serious of penalties are wrought for those convicted of violent offenses. Violent crimes, however, covers a range of charges, from domestic abuse to assault and battery, to manslaughter and murder.
  • Sex Crimes: Sex trafficking, rape, solicitation, child molestation, and possession of child pornography are among the many offenses included in this area of criminal defense law.
  • Theft Crimes: As with some other criminal cases, theft crimes may be treated as misdemeanors or felonies, in this case generally depending upon the cost of the merchandize stolen. Petty larceny, shoplifting, identity theft, etc., are a part of this type of criminal defense.
  • White Collar Crimes: Despite the fact that white collar crimes are not violent in nature, they can carry significant penalties. Money laundering, embezzlement, fraud and racketeering are all aspects of white collar crimes.

A Gainesville Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you have been charged with a crime, it is imperative that you have a Gainesville criminal defense attorney in your corner. Call Attorney Rick Mercure at (352) 222-2047 for a free, confidential case evaluation.

The Best in Gainesville

There aren’t words that can truly explain the work ethic Rick has for his clients. Rick was my lawyer last year and fought tooth and nail to make sure I received the best possible outcome for my case and I did. I trust this man with my life and to this day he remains my lawyer. There was never a second that I had to second guess his judgment because he was always informative and confident. I recommend him to my closest friends and my family and he is there for us any second of the day. I thank God every single day I met Rick and if you choose him as your council you will too.

There aren’t words that can truly explain the work ethic Rick has for his clients. Rick was my lawyer last year and fought tooth and nail to make sure I received the best possible outcome for my case and I did. I trust this man with my life and to this day he remains my […]

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- Jonathan

*Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results.

God Sent…I would trust him with my life.

Words cannot explain what a remarkable attorney he is. During one of the most stressful times in my life, Attorney Rick Mercure was my guiding light. I have never met an attorney that cared so much for their clients. Not only is he an EXCELLENT attorney, I consider him a great friend for what he has done for me and my family. Without going into details about the case, I just want everyone to know that the result he got on my case was better than I ever expected. All the reviews written about him are correct…he is trustworthy, honest, ethical, hard-working, and can be reached at all times. Not once did he fail to respond back to me when I called, text, or emailed him. He truly was a God send to me.

Words cannot explain what a remarkable attorney he is. During one of the most stressful times in my life, Attorney Rick Mercure was my guiding light. I have never met an attorney that cared so much for their clients. Not only is he an EXCELLENT attorney, I consider him a great friend for what he […]

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- Fawn

“*Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results.

Rick had my back when I needed someone the most!

In 2012 I chose to be represented by the public defender’s office after I was charged in Gainesville, Florida. After three replacements, I was finally represented by Rick Mercure. This case was lengthy because the previous attorneys who had represented me was re-assigned to different divisions. Mr. Mercure was remarkable in keeping me informed in the progress of my case. He broke down every event for me and made sure I knew what I was facing.

Once we went to trial, Mr. Mercure definitely displayed his knowledge of the laws, court room etiquette, and argument strategy. Needless to say, Mr. Mercure won my case that day. I had a lot riding during that trial and I truly believe if Mr. Mercure hadn’t represented me then I’d be in jail for a crime that I was not guilty of.

Thank you Mr. Mercure.

In 2012 I chose to be represented by the public defender’s office after I was charged in Gainesville, Florida. After three replacements, I was finally represented by Rick Mercure. This case was lengthy because the previous attorneys who had represented me was re-assigned to different divisions. Mr. Mercure was remarkable in keeping me informed in […]

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- Charles

“*Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results.

Take It To Trial

When I made one the dumbest decisions in my life, I was left thrown into a public system with lawyers who could care less. After being tossed between two public defenders I finally lucked out and my case was assigned to Rick. We already had an offer of reckless driving but after watching the video and sitting with him he looked at me and said “If you want to take this to trial I’ll be right by your side and I know we have a good case.”. I was so happy because before that moment I thought I would be stuck with another suit who wanted to close a file and move on. Not the case, Rick put the work in and eventually got the State to drop all charges! Look, I don’t know how else to put this, if you have made the mistake of driving under the influence and your scared that no one cares enough to help and get results? Call Rick. I’m a kid from the other side of the tracks and he really looked out for me. No DUI, community service, fines, probation. Nothing. He is a great guy and he actually cares enough about being a great lawyer to understand that his clients are what are important.

Thanks again Rick.

When I made one the dumbest decisions in my life, I was left thrown into a public system with lawyers who could care less. After being tossed between two public defenders I finally lucked out and my case was assigned to Rick. We already had an offer of reckless driving but after watching the video […]

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- Anonymous

“*Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results.

Life Saver

When I met Richard he was a public defender with a case load to the moon and back. I always had questions about my case and I had 4 public defenders prior to getting Richard appointed to my case. I could always get in touch with him and he would always contact me to keep me updated. Sometimes we would talk about the case late at night such as 9-10 pm, because he was still in his office working. His work ethic is by far second to none, when you think about a public defender working that hard for his clients it’s unbelievable. For some reason Richard was parting ways with the public defender’s office, so I called him and hired him to represent me in a serious DUI case. Let me tell you right now……..that was the best move I’ve ever made. If you find yourself needing council you would be a fool to pass up on Richard Mercure.

When I met Richard he was a public defender with a case load to the moon and back. I always had questions about my case and I had 4 public defenders prior to getting Richard appointed to my case. I could always get in touch with him and he would always contact me to keep […]

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- Rory

“*Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results.

Game Changer/Life Changer

Rick is an amazing attorney, best in my opinion! I had a previous attorney on my case drop the ball. I found Rick and he turned the situation around. He keeps true to his word,he’s honest, and personable. Rick was always one step ahead. I’d call him with a question or concern and he’d already spoken to the opposition. He always kept me informed whether by text, call, or email. I never even got to meet Rick, my case was in a different county than where I was residing and I still feel like he went above and beyond! I was living in North Carolina and forced to stay in Florida to complete my probation. Rick changed my life. He got me home and I can’t thank him enough! I had lost confidence in legal advice, but Rick turned that around. I trust Rick with my life, if you need a Florida attorney he’s your guy! Thank you so much for everything Rick!:)

Rick is an amazing attorney, best in my opinion! I had a previous attorney on my case drop the ball. I found Rick and he turned the situation around. He keeps true to his word,he’s honest, and personable. Rick was always one step ahead. I’d call him with a question or concern and he’d already […]

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- Laura

“*Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results.