Criminal Law

Trusted Criminal Defense Representation For Nearly 30 Years

Representation

A criminal conviction can have long-lasting effects on your life. At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., 

we believe that every individual facing criminal charges deserves high-quality legal representation. 

Whether you have been charged with a crime or are seeking to have a prior conviction expunged, we are prepared to work with you.

Prior to meeting with our lawyer, we take the time to research your case and begin to understand your situation. 

This allows us to outline in detail the options you have when moving forward with your case. We seek solutions that advocate for your best interests and mitigate the consequences that criminal charges can have on your life.

Attorney Colón is a former prosecutor and has a reputation as a tough, fearless litigator. 

This often allows us to reach favorable settlements, plea agreements or outright dismissals. If a trial is in your best interest, we will provide you with the relentless defense you deserve.

Read below for more in depth information of all areas of criminal law that we can help you with.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Representation

No matter if you are facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, Attorney Colón has a thorough understanding of Florida state and federal law to help guide you toward a successful outcome. Having resolved more than 10,000 criminal cases, our proven results can help you feel more confident about your case.

For nearly 30 years, we have helped individuals in Bartow, Lakeland, Haines City and in communities throughout Polk County fight back against a broad range of criminal charges, including:

Drunk driving: In addition to fines and jail time, a DUI conviction can jeopardize your driver's license. 

We will work to protect your freedom.

Drug crimes: Whether you are facing charges stemming from marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine or another illegal substance, we understand what it takes to defend you and help you move beyond these allegations.

Violent crimes: Prosecutors aggressively pursue charges in cases involving violent crimes. We are committed to providing you with a strong defense against domestic violence, aggravated battery and murder.

Sex crimes: Individuals charged with sex crimes are often presumed guilty before they have the chance to defend themselves. We provide discreet legal representation for those accused of rape, sexual assault and other sex crimes.

Theft: For grand theft, robbery or petty theft charges, Attorney Colón will develop a strong defense on your behalf.
Violent Crimes


Tough Defense Against Serious Violent Charges

There are a number of circumstances that can lead to accusations of a violent crime. Sometimes, a minor dispute can turn into an alleged violent action. Simply levying allegations of a violent crime can create the assumption of guilt before you have had the chance to defend yourself.

Violent criminal charges are serious matters that require the hand of a skilled defense lawyer. The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., has defended individuals facing state and federal violent criminal charges for nearly 30 years. We will take every necessary action to protect your legal rights and mitigate the consequences that a conviction can bring.

Trusted Counsel For All Violent Crimes

There are a broad range of violent crimes in Florida, and each one requires a unique approach when creating a defense strategy. Attorney Colón thoroughly analyzes every client's case to determine how best to proceed to help you establish a strong defense. Having resolved more than 10,000 cases in his career, we know how best to proceed based on the facts of your case.

Our premiere law firm helps individuals throughout Polk County fight back against the full spectrum of alleged violent crimes, including:

     1.  Domestic violence
     2.  Assault
     3.  Aggravated battery
     4.  Weapons charge
     5.  Murder

Legal Representation Focused On Your Needs

We focus on fostering an atmosphere tailored to advance your best interests. Our firm works through your case with the goal of finding an outcome that reflects your best interests. Our team will return your calls and emails in a timely manner and will always treat your questions and concerns with the respect they deserve.

By taking the time to learn about your case, we are able to provide honest, straightforward advice that helps you understand your options, the possible consequences you might be facing and what your options are.

We are always willing to fight for our clients in court. Attorney Colón is a former prosecutor and is known to be a fearless, skilled litigator. Because prosecutors know we are willing to take a case the distance, we are often able to reach favorable outcomes for our clients.

Our primary office in Bartow is located just two blocks from the Polk County Courthouse. Attorney Colón practices there on a daily basis and works to develop a close bond with every one of our clients.

Contact Our Polk County Offices To Discuss Your Case
With offices in Bartow, Lakeland and Haines City, we are prepared to learn more about your case. Schedule a free consultation at 863-534-3777. We also welcome all inquiries through the contact form on our website.

Sex Crimes

Premiere Criminal Defense Against Sex Crime Allegations

Being charged with any crime can carry harsh penalties. Being charged with a sex crime can have devastating consequences. Simply facing accusations of committing a sex crime often carries the stigma of guilt. A conviction may result in jail time, and you may be required to register as a sex offender for years to come.

With so much at stake, it is critical to work with a lawyer who is going to do whatever is necessary to fight for you. At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., we provide hard-hitting criminal defense against serious sex crime allegations.

Having resolved more than 10,000 criminal cases, our proven approach will put you in a better position to achieve the best possible result. Whether we fight for you in court, settle your charges outside of court or get an outright dismissal, we will always seek an outcome that protects your best interests.

For nearly 30 years, attorney Colón has defended individuals in Polk County from a broad range of sex crime charges, including:

     1.   Lewd acts
     2.   Sexual battery
     3.   Sexual assault
     4.   Rape
     5.   Unlawful sexual activity with a minor
     6.   Indecent exposure
     7.   Distributing or possessing child pornography
     8.   Prostitution
     9.   Solicitation

The Consequences Of Sex Offender Registration

A sex crime conviction requires people to register as a declared sex offender in Florida. The courts will mandate you to follow all sex offender regulations both in the state of Florida as well as throughout the country. This registration can impact where you can live, your ability to get a job and your social life.

We believe that every individual facing sex crime allegations deserves high-quality legal representation. We provide a safe, confidential atmosphere when analyzing the circumstances of your case. We will help you determine the best course of action for your case and will seek solutions that help protect your future.

A Former Prosecutor Who Will Fight By Your Side
Our primary office is located in Bartow, two blocks from the Polk County Courthouse. We have additional offices in Lakeland and Haines City for your convenience. We seek to ensure our legal services are accessible by providing reasonable fees and flexible payment plans.

Theft Crimes

Helping Individuals Combat Theft Charges

At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., we have been defending individuals throughout Polk County against theft and shoplifting allegations for nearly 30 years.

As a former prosecutor, attorney Colón has an in-depth understanding of how the other side approaches these cases. Having resolved more than 10,000 criminal cases in his career, we know how to formulate a strong defense, no matter how complex or severe the charges may be.

Our firm focuses on providing honest feedback about your case. We will provide reasonable expectations for your case to help you make informed decisions going forward. We will fight to protect your rights and will work closely with you throughout the process to secure a favorable outcome to your case.

Understanding Florida's Theft Laws

In order for the courts to convict someone of theft allegations, they must prove that someone committed one of the following acts:

An individual knowingly took or used another person's property
An individual intends to deprive another person's right to receive property or denies another person the benefits of a piece of property, either temporarily or permanently
An individual appropriates another person's property for their own use or for the use of another party
Depending on the value of the property, you may be charged with either petty theft or grand theft. Petty theft applies to property valued under $300, with maximum fines of $1,000 and one year in jail.

Grand theft applies to all property over $300 in value. The maximum penalties for first-degree grand theft include up to 30 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

No matter how serious theft allegations are, a skilled lawyer can help you defend against them. We take the time to research the facts of your case, review police reports and analyze the evidence to determine how best to proceed with your case. Our team will provide you with honest, straightforward advice to help you make the best decision for your specific situation.

Drug Offences 

Protecting The Rights Of Those Accused Of Drug Crimes

While some states are in the news for relaxing their drug laws, Florida continues to have tough penalties if convicted of a drug crime. Prosecutors approach these cases aggressively, and the consequences can leave you facing heavy fines, long jail sentences and a tarnished reputation. When facing serious drug charges, you need to contact a lawyer who is serious about defending your rights and protecting your freedom.

The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., has defended individuals facing drug charges for nearly 30 years. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony drug charges, we will provide you with a strong defense to effectively combat these accusations. We have also represented individuals facing serious federal drug charges in Hillsborough County.

Our office in Bartow is two blocks from the Polk County Courthouse. Attorney Colón works in the courthouse daily, allowing him to develop strong bonds with every one of our clients.

Defending You Against All Drug Charges

Opioids, marijuana, heroin and other illegal substances can produce a broad range of criminal charges. We are able to defend your rights against the full spectrum of drug charges in Florida, including:

        1.  Possession of marijuana and other illegal substances
        2.  Trafficking and distribution
        3.  Manufacturing
        4.  Possessing drug paraphernalia

Attorney Colón is a former prosecutor who has successfully resolved more than 10,000 criminal cases in his career. He is regarded as a skilled litigator. This reputation often helps us to negotiate plea agreements, dismissals or settle on reduced charges that keep you out of jail and help you move beyond the drug charges you are facing.

A Thorough Approach To Drug Cases

We know that every drug case is different. That is why attorney Colón focuses on crafting a personalized defense strategy for you. Before coming to meet with us, we will review your case to begin planning your defense immediately. We take the time to learn about your situation, analyze the facts of your case and understand your needs.

This thoughtful approach to criminal defense allows us to develop a plan that puts you in a better position to achieve a favorable outcome.

Drug Trafficking

Fight Back Against Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking charges are some of the most severe criminal charges a person can face. These charges are often federal crimes. This means relentless federal prosecutors will seek a conviction to your case. Since these cases are so serious and complex, it is critical to speak with a lawyer with a comprehensive understanding of state and federal drug laws.

For nearly 30 years, The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., has provided aggressive criminal defense to individuals facing trafficking and distribution allegations. In addition to our three offices located throughout Polk County, attorney Colón will travel to meet with individuals in Hillsborough County.

Our extensive experience and proven results resolving trafficking cases gives us the in-depth understanding needed to better position you for a more favorable outcome.

Trafficking Charges Carry Harsh Penalties

Florida uses mandatory minimum sentencing after a trafficking conviction. These charges carry significant fines, long prison sentences and a conviction will stay on your criminal record for years to come.

The severity of the penalty depends on the type of drug and the amount trafficked. Less severe trafficking charges may carry three-year prison sentences and fines ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. On the high end, a conviction could result in a 25-year prison sentence and up to $750,000 in fines.

Serious Charges Require A Serious Defense

We focus our time on developing a defense plan tailored to your needs. We investigate the details of your case, read police reports and learn about your situation so that we can provide strong counsel when meeting with you. We will analyze whether law enforcement entrapped you, conducted an illegal search or otherwise violated your constitutional rights.

Attorney Colón's goal is to reach the most favorable outcome possible for your case. We have had success negotiating favorable plea agreements, settlements or have had charges dismissed altogether. However, if a trial is necessary, we have extensive experience arguing in front of judges and juries. As a former prosecutor with more than 10,000 cases resolved, we know what it takes to build a strong case and reach a positive outcome.

We will always provide you with an honest analysis of your case to help you understand what to expect from your case and the results that may be possible.

               Don't Face Trafficking Charges Alone
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