For Spanish speaking clients, call (352) 747-4596.
Criminal Defense
Attorney in Ocala, Florida
Brett Kocijan
Attorney at Law
Attorney Brett Kocijan is a skilled attorney working in DUI, criminal defense, and family law. He’s defended clients successfully since 2001, starting his practice in 2008. His clients have successfully reduced or eliminated penalties for their charges for crimes such as fraud, theft/burglary, domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI defense, and a range of other felony offenses. Visit DefendOcala.com if you have needs in Marion or Lake Counties.
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Jeffery Higgins
Attorney
Attorney Jeffrey Higgins believes everyone deserves a strong defense, no matter the size of their case. He’s defended clients successfully since 1998 against charges ranging from traffic tickets to felony offenses, including assault and battery, drug trafficking, and attempted kidnapping. His dedication to providing a vigorous yet affordable defense has reduced or eliminated penalties for many of his clients. Visit DefendOcala.com if you have needs in Marion or Lake Counties.
More About JeffreyWhy Work
With Us?
Personal Representation,
From Start to Finish
We Are Accessible to You
We believe a strong legal defense should be available to everyone. Our affordable pricing and willingness to take on any case — no matter the size — is just part of our commitment to being accessible to everyone. Our Ocala defense lawyer is here for you.
We Genuinely Care About You
Clients remember us for our caring approach. We separate cases and people because we strongly believe that legal issues shouldn’t — and don't — define anyone. The more successful the defense, the less a client is defined by their case.
We're Committed to Your Justice
Passionate advocacy for each case drives us to strive for the most successful outcome for every client, no matter how the case plays out at trial in Ocala, Marion County, Lake County, Belleview, Leesburg, Tavares, and Eustis, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
Criminal Defense Services
What Our Clients Are Saying
Brian did an amazing job! I would hire him over and over again! He knew what was importance to us and fought for us every step of the way. He explained everything with ease. I felt like he was our friend and not just a lawyer. He definitely had our best interest at heart. Thanks so much for everything! I can’t forget to mention how much Jeff has done for us as well. He gets back to you with answers to your concerns in a very timely manner and he was able to get us Brian for something that showed up last minute and to help ease our concerns.
Summer Lopez
Great communication, comes to the court room ready and prepared for any situation that occurs. Highly recommend for Marion County residents that have any legal situations.
Jacob Carmack
Our son found himself in a difficult situation and was in need of legal consult. Attny Higgins was extremely helpful and experienced. He was very supportive and honest with his advice, and this was before we had even retained him. He is truly committed to helping get the best outcome for his clients.
Joy Gascon
Protecting the Rights of Lake County & Marion County
As an experienced criminal defense attorney Ocala residents rely on, we defend the rights of the Floridians against offenses ranging from fraud to domestic violence/stalking, theft/burglary, drug crimes, and DUIs. We know that the law doesn’t treat everyone the same, and oftentimes, a defendant’s voice goes unheard due to an inadequate defense. That’s why we mount aggressive defenses founded on cunning negotiation skills, passionate defense, and personal respect. We work hard, so our clients understand their options because we know every decision in a case is ultimately up to them.
From the moment a client is charged with a crime, they have to defend themselves. The cost of both time and money simply to move past pre-trial and obtain a lawyer is stressful enough. We understand and make our services accessible to all clients. Behind every case is a person, and people have rights that will be taken advantage of if they are not protected by skilled Ocala defense lawyers. Prosecuting attorneys will fight hard for substantial penalties. Defend Ocala proudly fights for clients in Marion and Lake Counties, including Clermont, Leesburg, Tavares, and Eustis, Florida.
Answering Client FAQs
Anything related to your case should be shared with your attorney, even if you think it looks bad. The only time you should hold back is when speaking to anyone else. Your lawyer cannot properly defend you without the full picture, including mistakes, prior contact with law enforcement, or things you said before an arrest.
Communications with your attorney are protected, which allows honest conversations without fear of it being used against you. When you work with our Ocala criminal defense lawyer, we use the information you provide to anticipate arguments, address weak points, and prevent surprises in court. Leaving out details can limit how effectively your defense is prepared.
Possession is not always a felony in Florida. Many possession charges, especially for small amounts of certain substances, are classified as misdemeanors. The level of the charge depends on the type of substance, the quantity, prior convictions, and whether there are added factors such as intent to sell. Some prescription-related cases also hinge on documentation rather than criminal intent.
Our Ocala drug defense lawyer reviews how the substance was discovered and whether possession can legally be attributed to you. In many situations, charges can be reduced or resolved without a felony conviction.
This could be a good option; a reckless driving conviction typically carries lighter penalties and avoids some long-term consequences tied to a DUI. But don't make any decisions before consulting with an attorney, because depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to fight for an even better outcome. When our DUI defense lawyer reviews your case, we look for weaknesses that can support a reduction or dismissal.
Strong evidence in a domestic violence case often includes physical injuries, medical records, photographs, 911 recordings, text messages, and witness statements. Police reports and body camera footage also play a major role.
That said, many cases rely heavily on one person’s version of events, which can change over time or conflict with other evidence. Our domestic violence defense lawyer closely reviews timelines, prior communications, and inconsistencies that may affect the plaintiff's credibility. Evidence is not just about what exists, but how reliable it is and whether it actually supports the charge being alleged.
Convicting someone of theft requires proof that they knowingly took property without permission and intended to deprive the owner of it. Surveillance footage, receipts, witness accounts, and prior permission can all matter. In some cases, confusion, shared access, or misunderstandings are mistaken for theft.
Proving you did not steal anything often comes down to intent and ownership. Our Ocala defense lawyer examines whether the prosecution can actually show intent and control over the property. If either element is missing or unclear, the charge may not hold up as alleged.