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FMNA provides more than fierce legal representation, we provide hope. DUI? Divorce? Hurt in an accident? Even minor crimes. Don’t face your trials alone, take control and call for a free consultation.* Se Habla Español.
Arrested? Facing a divorce?
Been hurt or injured in an auto accident?
No one plans to get arrested, no one expects a marriage to fail. Accidents happen and sadly people get hurt. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Sometimes it’s just plain bad luck.
There are times in life when you simply cannot face these challenges alone. You need a lawyer. Someone who will help you get your life back on the right path.
That someone is actually the law firm of Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux, P.A. Experienced, knowledgeable attorneys that live and work in the same community as you. In our 100 combined years of practice, we’ve seen and heard it all, from major federal crimes to minor traffic offenses. We treat each case as if it were our only case.
If you’ve been arrested in Duval County, St. Johns County, Nassau County, Volusia County or Clay County or just need someone to talk to, give us a call at (904) 791-1101. After all, what are neighbors for?
Help is available 24/7. Take the first step!
Nationally Acclaimed Criminal Defense Lawyers
Ann E. Finnell reflects on defense of and acquittal in the Casey Anthony case
Ann E. Finnell and Patrick McGuinness in Oscar-Winning Documentary
Experienced Attorneys
Ann E. Finnell
Ann E. Finnell is a graduate of Duke University and the University of Florida Levin College of Law. She has been a trial lawyer for over 35 years. She has handled homicide and death penalty cases and is qualified to be court appointed on death penalty cases as first chair counsel. Ms. Finnell also handles capital sexual battery cases and other sexual offenses, drug trafficking, sales and possession cases as well as DUI and domestic violence cases. In addition to criminal cases, Ms. Finnell handles trial litigation involving family law, child custody/support and personal injury cases.
Patrick McGuinness
Of Counsel ~ Mr. McGuinness left the public defender’s office in Jacksonville, Florida as a senior trial attorney in the homicide division after 31 years of service. During his tenure, Mr. McGuinness worked in every division handling felonies and misdemeanors, as well as mental health issues. Since 1983, he has worked primarily capital cases, first and second degree murder cases and manslaughter cases. In addition, he has been the lead counsel in many of the most high profile cases tried in Jacksonville over the past three decades.
Lara Nezami
Lara Nezami received her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College in Philosophy (B.A. 1994), and her law degree from George Washington University Law School (J.D. 1997). She is admitted to practice law in Florida and California. Ms. Nezami concentrates in the areas of criminal trial litigation and family law. She represents clients in both state and federal court where she has handled complex criminal cases including trafficking and other drug offenses and sexual offenses. In the area of family law she handles divorce, child support, paternity and time-sharing. She also represents clients in a variety of personal injury matters.
Gonzalo Andux
Gonzalo Andux is a graduate of the University of Florida, and the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He has been a trial lawyer for over 29 years. Mr. Andux practiced as a trial attorney at the Office of the Public Defender in Jacksonville, Florida for 23 years. While at the Public Defender’s office, Mr. Andux supervised both the special defense and homicide sections of the office. He is death penalty qualified and has tried hundreds of complex criminal cases. In addition to criminal cases, Mr. Andux handles litigation matters involving civil rights and personal injury. He is admitted to practice in both federal and state court. Mr. Andux is fluent in Spanish.
BeJae Shelton
BeJae Shelton, originally from Alabama, is a graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, where she excelled, and currently practices several areas of law at Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux, P.A., including Divorce and Family Law, Criminal Defense, and civil litigation. Before studying law, Ms. Shelton attended Agnes Scott College in Decatur, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations.
Vanessa Newtson
Vanessa Newtson has lived in Florida her entire life. She obtained her law degree and bachelor degree at the University of Florida. She has been a trial lawyer for over 13 years. She currently practices at Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux, P.A., in the areas of Criminal Defense (State and Federal) and Immigration. Ms. Newtson is fluent in Spanish.
Megan Cunningham
Megan Cunningham practices exclusively in the area of family law. She is a graduate of the University of North Florida where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science. Ms. Cunningham then continued her passion for the law at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree.
Iryna Kharlap
Ms. Kharlap graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, with a Juris Doctor degree and a Family Law Certificate. Before studying law, Ms. Kharlap attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York where she earned a Bachelors of Arts in Humanities and Justice Studies.
Criminal Defense
Founded on the steadfast belief in doing what's right for our clients, Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux is a Criminal Defense firm serving Duval County and the surrounding areas. We've built and staked our reputations on getting the best possible outcome for our clients. Every case is important, no matter how big or small. Our senior trial attorneys pride themselves on knowing the law and using it your advantage. We are experienced in handling case as simple as traffic tickets and as complex as homicide.
READ MOREPersonal Injury
If you have been injured in an accident due to another’s carelessness, you may be able to recover your damages. However, time is of the essence. If you wait to long you may be barred form making a claim. Our personal injury attorneys have years of knowledge representing clients who have been injured and can help you learn more about personal injury and whether or not you are eligible for recovery.
READ MOREFamily Law
We approach family law and divorce in a straightforward manner. We strive to find peaceful solutions while protecting your rights. We strive to minimize discord and strive to help everyone prioritize the children’s interests. Our experienced family lawyers understand the need to protect your assets, your business and your ability to earn income and provide for your family.
READ MOREEstate Planning
Although end-of-life planning can be a difficult subject, it is important for you to deal with these issues so you and your family can be protected in case something unexpected happens. Let our experienced attorneys guide you through these difficult decisions and give you peace of mind.
READ MOREDUI
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI, we realize this can be an embarrassing and traumatic experience. Our experienced DUI attorneys know how to fight DUI charges by contesting field sobriety test, breath test or blood draws. Our DUI Attorneys who have the trial experience necessary to expose the weaknesses in the state’s case.
READ MORETraffic Tickets & Misdemeanors
Most of us have had to deal with the authorities regarding a traffic ticket or infraction. Traffic tickets can be an expensive frustration of both your time and financial resources. However, most people are not aware that they have options after being ticketed. Don't take the points!
READ MOREImmigration & Deportation
At FMNA, we are prepared to guide you through the complicated immigration process of filing a family petition. We can also guide you through the naturalization process so you can become a citizen of the United States and reap all the benefits that citizenship offers. If you or your loved one is not a United States citizen, it is extremely important that you consult with an immigration attorney if you have been arrested or are involved in a criminal investigation.
READ MOREFederal Court
Not all attorneys choose to represent clients in federal court. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience in federal court to handle your federal case. Attorneys Gonzalo Andux, Ann E. Finnell, Vanessa Newtson and BeJae Shelton are all experienced trial attorneys admitted to practice in the Middle District. Vanessa Newtson is an active member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel and attorney Iryna Kharlap was recently admitted to practice in the Middle District.
READ MORECivil Rights Cases
If you’ve had your civil rights violated by the government, you need a strong and experienced law firm to defend you and uphold the Constitution. Whether you’ve been hurt by a local municipality, a state actor or the United States government, our attorneys have the experience, expertise and resources necessary to defend your rights, hold the government accountable and ensure you are compensated for your damages.
READ MOREThousands. That’s a big number.
Our Lawyers have handled literally thousands of difficult cases. To have that kind of track record, we’ve learned to put our clients first and to treat every case as if it were our only case. It’s your future on the line. Entrust it to our experienced attorneys who work and live right here in your community.
We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Why Choose Us?
We handle all cases from divorce, personal injury, DUI and more.
We have defended clients in countless criminal trials and are certified and experienced practitioners in both Florida State and Federal Courts. Our firm also has death-penalty certified practitioners who have represented many clients in capital cases.
Over 100 years of combined experience.
The best legal minds in North Florida working to protect you and what matters most to you. Every case is important, no matter how big or small. Because it’s your case.
If you think that you may be under investigation by any law enforcement agency or you have been arrested but formal charges have not been filed, now is the time to get a trusted and experienced attorney. An attorney can often work quickly to prevent charges from being filed against you and to safeguard your rights. Swift action by an attorney may prevent law enforcement from violating your rights.
Now is the time to act.
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