Meet John Rockwell — Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney
21 Years of Experience. Your Case. Your Defense.
To successfully defeat a government prosecution, your attorney must understand how the state constructs its files, evaluates evidence, and shields its procedural errors.
John Rockwell founded Eagle Rock Defense Group to bring focused, highly sophisticated criminal defense representation back to Northeast Florida. A former competitive athlete who played tennis at UNC Asheville, John brings that same absolute focus, discipline, and strategic mindset into the courtroom.
After graduating with honors from the University of Miami School of Law in 2004, John built an unshakeable trial foundation as a state prosecutor within the 4th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office in Duval County for nearly five years. Recognized for his trial instincts, he was promoted to Repeat Offender Court and the elite Major Crimes division, handling complex homicides and high-profile offenses from the initial crime scene investigation onward.
He also serves as the Treasurer for the Northeast Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Humane Society, and in June 2026 was awarded the prestigious Professionalism Award by the Jacksonville Bar Association.
Over his 21-year legal career, John has tried more than 55 jury trials to verdict across both state and federal jurisdictions. Today, he utilizes that deep institutional knowledge to protect corporate leaders, professionals, and individuals facing severe legal jeopardy.
John Rockwell — Attorney Biography
- 21+ Years of Practice | Former State Prosecutor | University of Miami School of Law, 2004 Honors Alumnus
- Over 55 Jury Trials | State & Federal Court | Criminal Defense
- Former 4th Judicial Circuit State Assistant State Attorney
The Firm — Eagle Rock Defense Group
- Solo Boutique Practice | Downtown Jacksonville | 301 W. Bay St. Ste. 1413
- Small firm feel — personal attention, you work and speak directly with John and are not passed off to case managers, assistants, or paralegals
What Sets Us Apart
- Former prosecutor background
- Licensed in both state and all Florida federal courts
- Personal attention – boutique service, not a large volume mill firm
Firm Philosophy
Throughout his over two decades of practice in Jacksonville, John has established strong professional relationships based on integrity, mutual respect, and rigorous defense among local judges, prosecutors, and peers.
When you retain Eagle Rock Defense Group, your file is never handed off to a junior associate. Your defense is commanded directly by John Rockwell, providing the clear, executive communication, personal responsiveness, and strategic focus you deserve.
Our years of experience dealing with these cases means that we understand what you are going through. We will weather the storm together, and leverage everything in our power to guide you through.
Don’t walk into a state or federal courtroom unprepared.
Contact John Rockwell directly today.