Collier County Criminal Lawyers

For nearly three decades I have navigated the legal system, achieving the results my clients desire. As a former prosecutor with hundreds of trials under my belt, I understand that a successful lawyer is not just an aggressive one in the courtroom but also a compassionate one outside of it. Anyone can be aggressive; it takes experience and dedication to understand when to be each. You need a lawyer to preserve your interests during the worst of times. My job and my privilege is to assist my clients through the legal system and the pitfalls that are contained therein.

Mr. Gil was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, prior to entering the United States Navy in 2003 as Master at Arms/Military Police Office. Mr. Gil served two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom attached to Joint Task Force Guantanamo from 2005 until 2007. Following his service, Mr. Gil relocated to Cape Coral, Florida to be closer to family. Mr. Gil attended Southwest Florida College to pursue his BS in Criminal Justice to further his career in Public Service. Mr. Gil was inspired to become an attorney during his internship with the Office of the State Attorney 20th Judicial...

Confrontations with police, law enforcement, and the government prosecutorial apparatus is very intimidating and is meant to be. The process can be very tolling on an individual and on his or her family, emotionally, psychologically and financially. Representation by a competent, experienced and aggressive lawyer who knows his stuff and who will fight tooth and nail for you is the only way a person stands a chance in this dangerous and intimidating situation. The jeopardy of governmental action against an individual in any form often involves the loss of one's...

Successful representation hinges on an extraordinarily thorough review of evidence and deep expertise and skill in trial litigation as well as pretrial motions and preparation. What makes my representation unique is that, unlike other firms which handle hundreds of cases, I only take on a certain number of cases at a time in order to dedicate full concentration to doing the best possible job for my clients. I use a highly focused approach in preparation, investigation, motion practice and trial presentation.

Mr. Marcus began his legal career with the State Attorney's Office here in Fort Myers. As an Assistant State Attorney, Mr. Marcus quickly developed a reputation as an ethical, aggressive, and talented trial lawyer. Shortly after being promoted to the felony division, Mr. Marcus was assigned to a firearms docket, where he prosecuted violent felonies involving the use or possession of a firearm, including first-degree murder. Additionally, Mr. Marcus was also designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, which allowed him to prosecute federal crimes involving the use or possession of a firearm. During his time as a prosecutor,...

Jill E. Cabai, a former prosecutor now practicing criminal defense and family law, graduated Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida in Orlando Florida where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Florida State College of Law. She graduated from law school with a Certificate in Land Use and a Certificate in Environmental Law. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2007. Ms. Cabai has been practicing criminal law for the past twelve years. Ms. Cabai is a seasoned and talented trial attorney...

Anthony is the owner of Absolute Law. He grew up in Southwest Florida and graduated from Fort Myers High School which led to staying in the local area and attending Florida Gulf Coast University. Anthony graduated from FGCU a year early with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. He is a proud graduate of the University of Miami School of Law. After graduating Law School, Anthony began his career as a prosecutor in Miami-Dade County. During his time at the State Attorney’s office, he had many Jury Trials and Bench Trials from a wide range of criminal...

Bachelor of Science University of Florida 1977 Juris Doctor Stetson University College of Law 1980 Admitted to Florida Bar 1980 Admitted to Federal Bar 1982 35 years of practice, former state prosecutor, 30 years practicing in Lee County

I have been an attorney for over 35 years. I am a federal trial lawyer. I have tried cases in state and federal court in Illinois and Florida, I am licensed to argue before the Supreme Court of the United States. I have tried divorce and criminal cases in Illinois and Florida. I have tried cases before administrative judges and arbitrators in Florida and Illinois. I graduated De Paul Law school in Chicago and became a member of the Illinois bar in 1983. I attended the masters of Law in Taxation program from 1983-1985. I was admitted to...

Mr. Benjamin emphasizes delivery of outstanding legal services in a variety of legal areas such as civil and commercial litigation, family litigation, criminal litigation, bankruptcy, probate administration, employment/labor, and personal injury just to name a few. After nineteen years of litigation practice, Mr. Benjamin has chosen to expand his practice in the areas of Business and Corporate transactions, his practice will focus on providing exceptional representation to startups (with an emphasis toward tech companies) and non-profits corporations.  He clients already include lenders, developers, investors, entrepreneurs, entertainers, publishers, corporations (including non-profits and religious groups), individuals, and small business owners. Mr. Benjamin...

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...

I started my career as a prosecutor, but for the past 20 years, I have dedicated myself exclusively to criminal and traffic defense law. My professional path is marked by significant jury trial experience, which has given me a deep understanding of courtroom dynamics and defense strategies. As an advocate, I make it a priority to maintain close communication with my clients, always aiming to achieve favorable outcomes for them.

Jonathan Blecher has defended over 5,000 DUI and Criminal cases since 1982. Jonathan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1978 from the University of Florida, and his Juris Doctor in 1981 from the University of Florida College of Law. A former Assistant State Attorney in Miami, Jonathan is a member of the Florida Bar, and is admitted to practice law before all Florida courts as well as the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida,...

John S. Hager, Esq., a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Hager & Schwartz, P.A., offers unparalleled legal representation across Miami, Broward, and Volusia Counties. With a legal career that began in prosecution, Hager brings a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system to his defense strategies. His experience encompasses thousands of cases, including high-stakes felonies, securing his reputation for excellence in the courtroom. A University of Florida alumnus with a Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Hager is deeply committed to defending the rights of those accused of crimes. His memberships in prestigious legal associations, alongside multiple...

Tampa Bay Criminal Defense and DUI Attorney Ajay Pallegar -
Former State Prosecutor with over 50 criminal jury trials, 50 bench trials, and extensive DUI training and experience.

Mr. Pallegar is a graduate from the University of South Florida and Stetson University College of Law. He is a Former Pinellas County Assistant State Attorney and has over tried over 100 criminal trials to verdict. As a prosecutor, he received specialized training in domestic violence cases by being appointed to the domestic violence division of the Pinellas County State Attorneys Office, specifically battery, assault and domestic violence injunctions. Mr. Pallegar has also...

Rob Andretz is passionate about helping his clients. Rob has had the honor and privilege of being licensed to practice law since 2003, and he is happy to put his education and experience in the fields of law, biology, and psychology to work for health professionals in need of his help. Rob enjoys being able to be a light in the darkness for those who are facing some of the toughest challenges of their lives.

Rob primarily devotes his time to helping health professionals accused of violating state and federal laws in criminal cases in state and federal courts throughout the...

Attorney Ralph Behr has been a prominent criminal trial attorney in Florida for over 30 years. His practice is 100% criminal trials, both Federal and State. Attorney Behr is the Chairman of the Criminal Law Committee of the South Palm Beach County Bar Association. Call if you have a criminal issue, have an immigration matter with criminal aspects, or want a consultation with Attorney Behr. Practicing in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New York, most of my work is cases of complexity and challenge. Your freedom is mine to protect! I have over thirty...

I am a former prosecutor in both Sarasota, Florida and Maui, Hawaii. I have prosecuted and defended some of the most serious crimes.

My focus is provided the highest caliber legal representation to all of my clients in contested legal matters. Your right to a trial by jury is a fundamental right if you have been injured in an accident, accused of a crime or suffered a wrong at the result of someone else's behavior. I differentiate my practice in that I routinely try cases before juries and courts.

I am authorized to practice in all state and federal courts for...

Chicago criminal defense attorney Darryl A. Goldberg is an aggressive advocate who is no stranger to high profile cases or the high stakes world of federal court. In his federal criminal defense practice, Mr. Goldberg assists individuals throughout the United States who are or may be the focus of federal criminal investigations (pre-indictment), and individuals who have already been formally indicted or charged and are facing prosecution in any of our nation's federal district courts. Although Mr. Goldberg offers effective criminal defense representation against any type of federal charge, his primary focus is on defending individuals charged with white collar crimes such...

A native of Miami Beach and raised in Boca Raton, Abraham Ovadia embodies the values of resilience and determination. Inspired by his mother’s dedication as she worked multiple jobs to support him and his brother, Abraham developed a strong work ethic that has guided his personal and professional journey. Now residing in Delray Beach, Abraham balances his successful legal career with family life. He shares his achievements with his supportive wife, two children, and their lively Yorkshire Terrier, all while cherishing the lessons learned from his upbringing. In February 2010, Abraham Ovadia launched his own law firm, initially named Florida PIP Law...

Stephen S. Stallings is an experienced trial lawyer with over two decades of public and private experience providing counsel in False Claims Act/qui tam matters, white collar defense, commercial and securities litigation, FCPA, corporate compliance and internal investigations. He frequently serves as lead trial counsel in complex federal cases.

Mr. Stallings served for over seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he prosecuted fraud and public corruption matters through investigation, indictment, trial and appeal in the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Southern District of Florida in Miami and the Western District of...

John Tolley is a former Prosecutor & Insurance Defense lawyer licensed in the States of New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Tolley has tried over 45 criminal and civil jury trials. He is the co-owner and a partner in JT Law Firm where he represents clients in disputes regarding homeowner's insurance claims and criminal defense. Mr. Tolley attended Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2014. While in law school, Mr. Tolley was an active member of the Nova Trial Association and the Moot Court Society, representing his law school in...

I am a practicing attorney with over twenty-seven years experience in Florida and New York. I currently actively litigating family law cases including modification of alimony, domestication of a foreign decree and dissolution of marriage cases. Additionally, I am appearing as local counsel for Plaintiff’s in debt collection, mortgage foreclosure and insurance subrogation cases. I previously served as a Child Support Hearing Officer/Magistrate for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Bradenton, Florida.

Experience, Respect and Reputation in the community for over 19 years. Dedicated and Aggressive Trial Defense, Criminal Defense, Juvenile Law, Domestic Violence, Family Law/Divorce, Probate, Estate Planning and Guardianship cases. Member United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, July 17, 1998 Member United States Middle District of Florida, August 14, 1998 Member of Sarasota County Bar Association, 1998-2017 Founding Member and Board of Directors of the Collaborative Family Law Professionals of Sarasota/Manatee Graduated Nova Southeastern University, Juris Doctor, January 31, 1998 Associate Editor for Nova Southeastern University Journal of International & Comparative...

ROBERT DAVID MALOVE is Board Certified as a specialist in criminal trial law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Education and Specialization. Mr. Malove is distinguished trial lawyer with more than three decades of experience in federal and state courts. He concentrates on legal issues relating to DUI, white-collar crime defense and healthcare fraud defense for which his Health Care Fraud Blog has received widespread recognition. Mr. Malove is a co-author of the noted treatise, WHITE COLLAR CRIME: HEALTH CARE FRAUD (West) (2014-2015 ed.) In 2007, Mr. Malove completed post-graduate studies in Healthcare Corporate Compliance at George...

Kenneth Padowitz is a 36 year Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer and is one of the Top Florida Trial Lawyers. He has a Resume on paper and experience unmatched by any other Criminal Defense Attorney in the Southeastern United States. Ken has been a lawyer for over thirty-five years and has tried over 300 jury trials and 35 first-degree murder trials with a 34/1 win loss record in murder trials. Trial is always the last resort. It is only by doing the in-court and out-of-court work from a real experienced trial lawyer, that the best alternative options to trial materialize. ...

I am a seasoned criminal defense attorney with 25 years of courtroom experience. My background as a former prosecutor and law enforcement academy instructor gives me unique insight into defending the rights of the accused, which I am passionate about. I graduated from the University of Miami Honors Program and received my Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University. My legal journey began in insurance defense, but I quickly transitioned to criminal defense to advocate for clients daily. With over 200 trials under my belt, I have successfully handled a wide range of criminal cases, including homicide, drug trafficking, and DUI. My...

Mr. Taylor has been certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in criminal trial defense since 1983 and is a veteran of well over 400 felony jury trials. He has represented public entities and figures, as well as private individuals, on matters ranging from driving under the influence to capital murder in state courts and from narcotics to health care fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and securities fraud in federal courts. For over 30 years, Mr. Taylor has been acknowledged by his peers and held the distinction of being rated AV Preeminent (highest for ethical standards and legal...

Attorney and Lawyer Gary Kollin is an expert and specialist in criminal defense law, criminal appeals law and police misconduct law. Gary handles cases in ALL state and federal trial and appeals courts. Gary Kollin handles all levels of cases from petty theft to first degree murder and well as all federal charges including drug trafficking and continuing criminal enterprises. Gary Kollin is one of a few lawyers who specialize in police misconduct cases. He represents people who have been mistreated by being falsely arrested, illegally searched, and being victims of police beatings. These cases are also known...

Roger P. Foley is a Personal Injury and Criminal Defense attorney in Palm Beach County. He has represented clients throughout the state of Florida and his clients testimonials confirm his success in the courtroom. His clients are his biggest advocates. Roger understands his clients struggles and he passionately goes above and beyond in helping them. Roger's work ethic was developed through sports and education. From a young age, Roger was involved in numerous activities. He played football, was a cub scout, and a junior firman. In junior high he was a member of the Lacrosse and...

Delray Beach car accident lawyer and Delray Beach personal injury lawyer. I am able to handle personal injury and car accident cases throughout the entire state. I keep my practice small so that I can be meticulous with each case and so that I can provide excellent representation to my clients. On personal injury cases, I strive to make the legal process as easy as possible for my clients. I do this by making sure that either myself or a member of my staff returns your phone call within twenty four hours. We also...

I am a licensed Florida attorney and an LL.M. graduate of Temple University's top ranked Trial Advocacy Program. This academic training, coupled with my hands-on legal experience, has afforded me a strong foundation in litigation and trial practice. I am a former prosecutor dedicated to zealous and aggressive representation in Traffic, DUI, Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Defense cases. In 2005, I was appointed as a prosecutor with the Office of the State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County, Florida. During my time with the State Attorney's Office, I sat first chair in over one hundred criminal...

Anthony G. Ryan provides aggressive criminal defese in State and Federal Courts throughout the state of Florida. He is a board certified criminal trial attorney with over twenty years of experience. Call him today: 941-954-7132

O'Brien Hatfield, PA is a criminal defense law firm that focuses on nationwide federal criminal defense and statewide criminal defense and criminal appeals. Attorney Mark J. O'Brien is the firm's founder and managing partner. He handles federal criminal cases in federal criminal courts statewide and in federal criminal courts throughout the United States. Formerly a Miami prosecutor, Mark is now widely lauded by federal judges and federal prosecutors as one of the best federal defense attorneys in the country. Mark is so in demand that his office is often an airplane with a WiFi connection. Despite reaching such great heights, Mark...