Golden Gate 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.

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Steve Rossi has been a member of the Florida Bar for over 20 years. He has been recognized as a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. Mr. Rossi is also a former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.). Additionally, he was a former prosecutor with the Broward County State Attorney Office. During this time, Mr. Rossi received several accolades including being recognized for most jury trials twice by the State Attorneys Office.

Mr. Rossi has represented the Broward Teacher's Union (BTU) as its local, legal counsel; the Broward Teachers Union's members are in the 2nd largest...

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

Hailing from Coconut Grove with familial ties reaching back a century, Mr. Stroleny initiated his academic journey at MAST Academy before obtaining his bachelor's degree from Florida International University. Throughout his law school attendance at the same institution, he immersed himself in practical experience at a prominent probate and guardianship law firm, cultivating a steadfast commitment to clients and fervent advocacy. Demonstrating his leadership capabilities, Mr. Stroleny served as class president and later ascended to the position of President of the FIU Trial Team. In a significant milestone in 2012, Mr. Stroleny represented FIU Law at the 16th Annual National...

For more than 20 years, people throughout South Florida have been turning to Silver Injury Law, for sound advice and skillful, results-oriented representation. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in all types of complex Boca Raton Personal Injury claims, including: Car Accidents Wrongful Death Premises Liability Catastrophic Injuries Child Injuries Workplace Accidents We also represent clients in select criminal defense matters.

David Edelstein is an AV® rated criminal defense attorney representing clients facing criminal charges in both state and federal courts throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Edelstein started his career as a criminal lawyer in Miami at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender's Office and has been in private practice for the past 20 years. He has defended clients facing criminal charges in Florida from Jacksonville to Key West and from Portland, Oregon to New York City. Although he has occasionally represented clients on appeal, Mr. Edelstein spends the majority of his time as a criminal trial attorney.

“Our firm’s criminal...

Robert S. Reiff is a Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer who has over 40 years of experience representing clients accused of DUI, DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide and other criminal offenses. He has tried over 100 trials in his lengthy career. Named the #1 most successful DUI defense attorney in a Miami Herald study of those who defend alleged DUI offenders. He was also among just six attorneys selected as Super Lawyers in the Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI section in the state of Florida for 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 & 2016. Mr. Reiff is the author of the nationally published book,...

The William Moore Law Firm has been helping individuals in South Florida for over two decades. When it comes to retaining liberty and property, Attorney Moore has proven himself to be a tireless and successful advocate for clients who are deserving of a second chance. Our team's experience and understanding of State and Federal law as it pertains to both finance and the legality of certain actions make us the ideal choice for those in need of a fresh start.

Contact our office and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you.

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...