Kent & McFarland - Attorneys at Law

Navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system, especially when it comes to appeals and post-conviction matters, requires a rare blend of deep legal expertise, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication. For individuals and families in Jacksonville, Florida, and across the nation, facing such challenges, Kent & McFarland - Attorneys at Law stands as a highly distinguished and formidable legal force. This boutique criminal appellate law practice is renowned for its exceptional proficiency in handling federal and state criminal appeals, post-conviction relief, and federal sentencing cases. This article will delve into what makes Kent & McFarland a premier choice for those seeking superior legal advocacy in the Florida region and beyond.

At the core of Kent & McFarland's esteemed reputation is the extensive experience and profound legal intellect of its founding partners, William Mallory Kent and Ryan McFarland. Mr. Kent, in particular, is a legendary figure in appellate law, having argued and won a precedent-setting federal sentencing guidelines appeal case, Stinson v. United States, before the United States Supreme Court—a case that has profoundly influenced criminal sentencing across the country. This level of accomplishment underscores the firm's deep understanding of complex legal frameworks and their ability to achieve groundbreaking results. While clients may sometimes experience a brief wait for callbacks, as noted in reviews, the consensus is clear: "Be patient if you can because Mr. Kent is truly awesome and super personable." This highlights the value placed on their expertise and the personable approach that makes clients feel confident and well-advised, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Kent & McFarland - Attorneys at Law is strategically located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, Florida, offering convenient access for clients throughout the city and extending to a national reach for federal cases. You can find their office at 24 N Market St #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA. This central location in Jacksonville ensures that clients can easily reach the firm, whether they are traveling from various city neighborhoods or from other parts of Florida.

The office's placement on North Market Street is within a well-known and established area of Jacksonville, making it straightforward to locate. Its proximity to major roadways and local transportation options further enhances accessibility, contributing to a hassle-free visit for clients who may be facing stressful legal situations. While their physical office is in Florida, their practice extends to federal courts nationwide and Florida state courts, underscoring their broad accessibility and capability to serve a diverse client base far beyond the immediate Jacksonville area. Their commitment to being accessible to clients across various jurisdictions highlights their dedication to providing expert legal support wherever it's needed.

Kent & McFarland - Attorneys at Law specializes in highly complex and critical areas of criminal law, focusing on appellate and post-conviction representation. Their expertise is particularly vital for clients seeking to challenge convictions or sentences.

• Federal Criminal Appeals: The firm provides robust legal representation to criminal defendants in federal courts nationwide. William Mallory Kent has handled hundreds of federal criminal appeals, including arguing and winning a landmark case before the United States Supreme Court. This extensive experience is crucial for navigating the intricate procedures of federal appellate courts.
• Florida Criminal Appeals: They represent clients in state criminal appeals throughout Florida, working to overturn unjust convictions or sentences based on legal errors at the trial level.
• Federal Sentencing: Mr. Kent is particularly known for his sentencing expertise in federal cases. He is often retained specifically to represent clients during their federal sentencings, leveraging his deep knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines to achieve more favorable outcomes.
• Federal Habeas Corpus (2254 and 2255 Petitions): The firm handles federal habeas petitions, including those under 28 U.S.C. Sections 2254 and 2255, which allow individuals to challenge the legality of their detention or conviction, often based on constitutional violations or ineffective assistance of counsel.
• Federal Rule 60(b) and 2241 Writs: They also pursue other federal post-conviction remedies, such as Rule 60(b) motions (for relief from a judgment or order) and 2241 writs (challenging the basis of confinement).
• Florida Rule 3.850 Motions: This involves motions for post-conviction relief in Florida state courts, typically arguing that a conviction or sentence should be set aside due to errors not raised on direct appeal, such as ineffective assistance of trial counsel or newly discovered evidence.
• Florida Rule 3.800 Motions: The firm also handles motions to correct illegal sentences or sentencing errors in Florida state courts.
• Criminal Defense (Trial Level): While primarily focused on appeals and post-conviction, William Mallory Kent has also served as trial court level counsel in over 500 federal district court cases, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the entire criminal justice process from the ground up.

Kent & McFarland - Attorneys at Law distinguishes itself through several unique and powerful features that make them a top-tier choice for complex criminal matters.

• Supreme Court Victory & Precedent-Setting Cases: William Mallory Kent's success in arguing and winning Stinson v. United States before the U.S. Supreme Court is a testament to his exceptional legal acumen and impact on national jurisprudence. This landmark case revolutionized federal sentencing guidelines, cited by hundreds of courts, including the Supreme Court itself in later pivotal cases like Blakely v. Washington and United States v. Booker.
• Nationally Recognized Expertise: Mr. Kent is ranked in the top 5% of appellate attorneys by Super Lawyers, reflecting high peer recognition and professional achievement. He is also AV Rated, the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell, signifying preeminent legal ability and ethical standards.
• Extensive Experience: With over 39 years of experience, Mr. Kent has handled an incredible 773 criminal appeals (374 federal, 329 state, as of March 2017) and served as trial counsel in over 500 federal district court cases. This unparalleled experience provides a significant advantage in complex legal battles.
• Seasoned Team: Ryan McFarland also contributes significantly to the firm's success, with recent achievements including securing resentencing, negotiated probations for serious charges, and successfully reversing court orders. Their combined efforts demonstrate a powerful legal force.
• Strategic and Knowledgeable Advice: Clients commend the firm for being "very knowledgeable about my situation" and providing "solid advice." This highlights their ability to assess complex scenarios and offer effective guidance.
• Super Personable & Dedicated: Despite their high-level expertise, Mr. Kent is described as "super personable" and clients note the team's genuine care. One review states, "Mr. Kent is truly awesome," emphasizing the approachable and empathetic nature of the legal counsel.
• Focus on Challenging Convictions: The firm's specialization in appellate and post-conviction relief means they are dedicated to scrutinizing trial errors, constitutional violations, and other grounds to overturn or mitigate harsh sentences. Recent news highlights include clients being granted resentencing from life to time served, charges dropped, and sex offender registry removal.
• Results-Oriented Approach: While not guaranteeing outcomes, the firm's history of success in obtaining significant relief for clients (e.g., setting aside 30-year sentences, negotiating probation for serious drug charges, reversing court orders) demonstrates their aggressive pursuit of favorable results.

For specific information regarding any current promotions, special offers, or details about initial consultations, it is always recommended for individuals in Florida and across the nation to directly contact Kent & McFarland - Attorneys at Law. Given their specialization in complex criminal appeals and post-conviction relief, the nuances of each case are unique. Therefore, a direct consultation is crucial for assessing your specific legal needs. They encourage prospective clients to reach out to discuss their situation. While their website does not explicitly list promotional offers, the firm's commitment to providing knowledgeable and solid advice from the outset suggests that an initial discussion would be highly beneficial in understanding how their unique expertise can apply to your case. Reaching out via phone is the most direct way to inquire about their process for initial case evaluations.

Connecting with Kent & McFarland - Attorneys at Law is straightforward for those seeking highly experienced appellate and criminal defense legal assistance in Jacksonville, Florida, and for federal cases across the United States. Here’s how you can reach their office:

• Address: 24 N Market St #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA
• Phone: (904) 398-8000
• Mobile Phone: +1 904-398-8000

While some patience might be required for return calls due to their high demand, clients consistently affirm that their expertise is "worth the wait." Do not hesitate to call to discuss your situation and learn how their seasoned team can assist you with your legal needs.

For residents of Jacksonville and throughout Florida, as well as those navigating federal criminal appeals nationwide, Kent & McFarland - Attorneys at Law is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal resource. Their unparalleled expertise in federal and state criminal appeals, post-conviction relief, and federal sentencing—highlighted by William Mallory Kent's Supreme Court victory—offers a level of legal acumen rarely found. This deep specialization is particularly crucial for locals facing severe criminal charges or seeking to challenge past convictions.

The firm’s convenient downtown Jacksonville location ensures accessibility, while their reputation for being "super personable" and providing "solid advice" underscores their commitment to client understanding and confidence, even if a brief wait for a call-back is occasionally needed. For Floridians who require a lawyer with proven experience in challenging the most complex legal decisions, the strategic insight to navigate federal sentencing, and the dedication to fight for justice, Kent & McFarland offers precisely the kind of formidable and knowledgeable representation that is truly invaluable. When your freedom and future are on the line, trusting a firm with such a distinguished track record makes them the ideal choice.