Polk County Criminal Defense Attorney

Fighting for Your Future With Relentless Determination

Facing criminal charges in Florida can be a terrifying experience. You may wonder what answers you should give law enforcement and whether you should remain silent to avoid an unfair conviction. You may also be facing completely false charges. In the Florida criminal justice system, everyone facing criminal accusations has the right to an attorney who can help them navigate the proceedings and ensure a fair trial. At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., our Polk County criminal defense lawyers are ready to advocate on your behalf.
We represent clients facing a wide range of state criminal charges. We understand how devastating a conviction can be to families and individuals, and we promise to protect you no matter what it takes. We work tirelessly to defend our clients and help the truth prevail. Attorney Gil Colón, Jr. has over three decades of experience, including a year as a prosecutor. This gives our legal team the advantage of knowing what the prosecution may do and greater insight as to the best defense for each criminal offense. When you need a criminal attorney in Polk County, look no further than our law office.
We offer bilingual services, so our team of attorneys can provide excellent legal representation to Spanish-language speakers. Call (863) 622-9602 to schedule your free consultation today.

What Types of Cases Does A Criminal Law Firm Handle?

A criminal defense attorney — like those on our legal team — offers legal advice and representation on a wide range of cases. Working with someone who doesn’t focus on just one aspect of the legal profession is important. Criminal cases often have overlapping and interrelated offenses. For instance, DUI charges are frequently accompanied by allegations of reckless driving or violations of open container laws. If an accident occurs, the person charged with DUI could even face aggravated battery charges.

At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., we represent clients facing a wide range of criminal offenses. These include:

Aggravated assault
Domestic violence
DUI
Theft
Robbery
Burglary
Sex crimes
Violent crimes – including murder
Drug crimes
Drug trafficking
DWLR, NVDL, and other traffic offenses

If you are facing state charges for any of the above or other types of criminal acts, please reach out to our caring, capable team of criminal defense lawyers. We are happy to meet with you in a free initial consultation to determine how to proceed with your case. We can offer counsel on how to interact with police during the investigation and what to do at every step of your case. We also provide counsel about expungement proceedings to wipe criminal records clean.

At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., we’ll fight aggressively to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf. Contact us today to see how we can help with your unique circumstances.

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?

Understanding the charges brought against you is important when creating a defense for your criminal case. Our team of attorneys will take the time to explain what each charge means and how to fight the accusations you’re facing. One essential issue to comprehend is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor under Florida law. Our Polk County criminal defense law firm can assist in either of these situations, but your understanding of the distinction can significantly affect your case.

Felonies

Felony crimes and their consequences are enacted by the Florida legislature. Some examples of felonies include:

Murder
Robbery
Manslaughter
Sexual battery
Sexual offenses involving a child
Identity theft
Burglary
Kidnapping
Drug trafficking

If you are suspected of committing a felony, police will likely arrest you on the spot. You will require immediate help from a knowledgeable attorney to navigate the investigation. Police will ask questions and promise that your cooperation will lead to better results. Don’t fall into this trap. Instead, use your right to remain silent. When you’re arrested in Central Florida, this simple act could be integral in helping your Polk County criminal defense lawyer get your charges lowered or thrown out.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are not viewed seriously as felonies, but these offenses may still result in severe consequences. Even if you’re able to avoid jail time in these criminal matters, there’s an array of other legal penalties you could face. This could include the loss of certain rights, difficulty in related personal injury cases, or just a criminal record that interferes with your ability to find housing, employment, and more. Such outcomes can be devastating, particularly when considering the relatively minor nature of some of these offenses.

Examples of misdemeanors in Florida are:

Criminal mischief
Petty theft
Driving with a suspended license
Drug possession
Disorderly conduct
Shoplifting
Domestic violence and battery
DUI
Solicitation of prostitution

Our skilled legal team will fight to help you defeat your misdemeanor charges, protecting your reputation and preserving your freedom. Our focus is always on defending clients, and while plea deals are appropriate in some circumstances, our Polk County criminal defense attorneys will never sacrifice your fair treatment to secure a simpler outcome. Call now for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand all your legal options and how to best move forward.

What Are the Consequences of a Conviction in Florida?

A Florida criminal conviction can have many different outcomes depending on the details of each person’s case. For example, suppose you get charged with a felony such as sexual battery, grand theft, homicide, or aggravated assault. In this scenario, the charges may be considered a felony case and can result in dire consequences. Some results of a felony conviction could include years in prison, hefty fines, and the loss of driving privileges and professional licenses. Having a criminal defense lawyer on your side can prevent the worst results and get your case reduced or even dismissed.
Other less serious crimes could be resolved through diversion programs, community service, or paying the required fines. However, many misdemeanors in Florida can land you in jail for up to one year and leave you with a criminal record, making it difficult to get a job or keep custody of your children. Expunging a misdemeanor is possible if you wait the required amount of time and demonstrate good behavior. However, keep in mind that Polk County prosecutors will typically fight to prevent you from securing a favorable outcome.
At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., our law practice fights diligently to protect the legal rights of our clients. We’ll take on criminal cases — ranging from common DUI charges to serious allegations of violent or white-collar crimes — to help defend your freedom and future. Call our law firm today to learn more about fighting the charges against you or filing an appeal. You may qualify to have your case expunged or sealed.

What Are the Best Legal Defenses in the Criminal Justice System?

Many people who face criminal proceedings in Florida feel overwhelmed and unsure whether fighting the charges is worth it. However, with dedicated attorneys on your side, like those at The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., you have a very good chance of defeating your charges or reducing the consequences if the case cannot be won. Besides having experience as a prosecutor, our founding attorney has several years of experience as an assistant public defender, helping us understand the most effective defenses in various scenarios.

Some examples of defenses that some of our clients use include:

Mistaken identity
Lack of evidence
Acting in self-defense
Acting under duress of threat or harm
Entrapment
Inaccurate breathalyzer test
False testimony
Violation of constitutional rights
Stand Your Ground Doctrine

Your defense will be unique — because the specific details of your case will be unlike any other. Our legal team understands how important it is to study every aspect of your charges and investigate thoroughly to uncover the truth about what happened. We promise to work tirelessly to try to get the results you need in your defense case. Our Polk County criminal attorneys are here to help.

Why Is It Important to Hire an Attorney When Facing Criminal Charges in Polk County?

Hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential for defeating your Polk County charges. Your lawyer can help you understand when to exercise your right to remain silent and ensure all of your constitutional rights are protected. Whether you’re facing allegations as minor as petit theft or as serious as capital felonies that will cause life-altering consequences, your legal representation can guide you throughout the process and ensure you make the right decisions at every step.
A skilled attorney like those at our Polk County criminal defense law firm can assist you in creating a solid case that protects you from the worst possible outcomes under the law. With so much at stake, you can’t afford to hire inexperienced lawyers who aren’t ready to fight aggressively for you. You need professionals who understand your legal needs and have a reputation for success. That’s precisely what we offer at The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

Contact a Polk County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

After facing arrest, you have an uphill battle ahead of you. No matter what they might claim, prosecutors and law enforcement officers have the sole focus of obtaining a conviction. Facing criminal charges can be stressful and scary, and you may be unsure what to do next. Fortunately, this isn’t a burden you have to carry alone. When you or your loved one is facing criminal charges in Polk County, Florida, you need legal counsel and representation you can rely on.

At The Law Firm of Gil Colón, Jr., you can trust our Polk County criminal defense attorneys with even the most complex cases. Our almost 35-year track record of success shows that we are capable and willing to take on even the most serious criminal charges. You can get relief from the burden you’re facing by hiring our law firm to handle the legal aspects of your defense. We will offer the emotional support and protection you need as we fight to get your life back.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Polk County