Skip to main content

Gary Kollin

Open for Business
Virtual Consultation
  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Licensed for 41 years
View more
See more Fort Lauderdale Civil Rights lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Gary

For 40 years I have been an expert lawyer specializing in criminal defense, civil rights, false arrest, excessive force. illegal search and police misconduct litigation. I represent clients in the state and federal courts charged with all levels of crimes ranging from petit theft to first degree murder and include federal charges of drug trafficking and continuing criminal enterprises. I am also an expert lawyer specializing in appeals in all Florida and federal appeal courts.

I became a member of the Bar in 1979. In addition to my over 30 years of private practice experience, I served as a prosecutor (assistant state attorney) in Broward County and a chief of the Florida Medicaid Fraud Unit. 

In my civil rights/police misconduct practice, I sued and won cases against the FBI, Miami Beach Police Department, Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, Hialeah Police Department, Broward Sheriff's Office, Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, Brevard Count Sheriff's Office, Ft. Pierce Police Department, Port St. Lucie Police Department, Hendry County Sheriff's Office, Hollywood Police Department, Davie Police Department, Coral Springs Police Department, Lauderhill Police Department, Hallandale Police Department, Surfside Police Department, Boynton Beach Police Department, Sweetwater Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Highway Patrol  and many others. I have obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars for my clients who suffered at the hands of law enforcement officers.

I argued the case of Smith v. United States, 508 U.S. 223 (1993), before the Supreme Court of the United States where the justices of the Supreme Court appointed me to represent the petitioner John Angus Smith. Harvard Law School uses that case to teach statutory construction to its law students.

In addition, I was counsel in a 220 person class action suit, Jones v. Sheriff, 9 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. D107 (S.D. Fla. 1995), against the local Sheriff where the federal judge determined that the Sheriff's procedure of holding people in jail after they were found not guilty was unconstitutional The judge awarded over $1,000,000.00 (one million dollars) to the class.

Read More

Practice areas

Personal injuryAppealsCriminal defenseCivil rights
  1. Civil rights: 40%

    43 years

  2. Criminal defense: 40%

    43 years

  3. Appeals: 10%

    43 years

  4. Personal injury: 10%

    43 years

Languages spoken

Spanish

Photos and videos

1256293 1521603736

1256293 1522752796

1256293 1522752849

1256293 1522753018

1256293 1522753133

1256293 1522753191

1256293 1522753240

1256293 1522753299

1256293 1522753365

Contact

Gary Kollin, P.A.

1856 N. Nob Hill Road
Suite 140
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33322-6548

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    FLMember in Good Standing197904/04/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers9907
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Civil Rights LawSuperLawyers2016
    AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2016
    Nationally Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy Since 1993National Board of Trial Advocacy2010
    Board Certified as an Expert in Criminal Trial Law Since 1990The Florida Bar2010
    Board Certified as an Expert-Criminal Appellate Law Since 1993The Florida Bar2010
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2009
    AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2008
    Super Lawyer in Civil Rights LawSuper Lawyers2007
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2007
    Super Lawyer in Civil Rights LawSuper Lawyers2006
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2006
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2005
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2004
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2003
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2002
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2001
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell2000
    Million Dollar AdvocateMillion Dollar Advocates Forum1996
    Leading Florida Lawyer in Criminal LawAmerican Research Corporation1993
    AV RatingMartindale-Hubbell1990
    Recognized LawyerWho's Who in American Law -Marquis1987
    MemberMensa1971
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Chief Litigation CounselGary Kollin, P.A.1987 - 2016
    Field CounselFlorida Auditor General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit1985 - 1987
    Assistant State AttorneyBroward State Attorney's Office1982 - 1985
    Assistant Public DefenderBroward Public Defender's Office1979 - 1981
    Computer Programmer/AnalystPeter Bent Brigham Hospital1975 - 1976
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember1987 - Present
    National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember1980 - Present
    The Florida BarMember1979 - Present
    Lawyers in MENSAMember1971 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    The Florida Court ReporterTo File or Not to File, That is the Question1997
    Florida DefenderPost Acquittal Detention: Go Directly Back to Jail1995
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Miami School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1979
    Harvard UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1975
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    United States Supreme Courthttp://www.oyez.org/cases/1990-1999/1992/1992_91_8674/argument1993
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Alan S. Jones v. Sheriff of Broward County, FloridaOver $1.2 million dollars awarded to 220 persons
    John Angus Smith v. United States508 U.S. 223 (1993)
    Jorge Rodriguez and Maria Rentel v. Sheriff of Broward County, FloridaSettlement in the amount of $350,000

    Reviews

    (9)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Gary Kollin

    Excellent free consultation

    Posted by

    If you want the honest truth, Gary is your guy. He doesn’t beat around the bush and he tells you how it is. For somebody like myself who has trust issues, Gary was super accommodating with his knowledge of the law, as well as some predicted outcomes. Also, Gary doesn’t take an arm and a leg from you when it comes to retaining him, which I am extremely grateful for. A lot of attorneys out there are charging double/triple the amount for the same kind of results that Gary can get. I like his old school approach.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Powerful Advocate

    Posted by

    I recommend this lawyer's work. I've known Gary since we were both young assistants in the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, where Gary honed his trial skills. Gary is knowledgeable, a skilled negotiator and powerful advocate. Definitely a 5 star attorney!
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Sanchez

    Posted by

    I can truly say, no lawyer I've dealt with has spent as much time on initial call as Gary! My case is actually out of his area but he still listened and discussed my case until I was understanding of the way forward. He even suggested brilliant Mothers Day ideas and you can tell he was really sincere and family driven. I hope you take my case Gary Kollin. Either way I appreciated your time!
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Super lawyer

    Posted by

    Mr Kollin took his time and explained the difference in steps and situation at no cost. He made me feel important and sympathized with the situation. He told me what i needed to hear and not what i wanted to hear. If you are looking for a Super Lawyer who knows his stuff look no further .Thanx MR Kollin!!!
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Great Attorney

    Posted by

    He gave me great advice on a case I’m currently involved in. The advice he gave help me to move forward in my dependency case that I’m currently in.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Whatever it takes

    Posted by

    My experience with Mr.Kollin was in 2005. A referral from a past client was enough for me to drop my previous counsel. Mr. Kollin was the epitome of a confidence-inspiring consummate professional. Willing and able to do whatever it takes to maximize true justice, his hands-on approach was unprecedented in my case. A unique, wise but surprisingly down-to-earth advocate.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Gary Kollin's response: Thank you for this wonderful comment. I am so glad I helped you.

    Short and sweet!

    Posted by

    Gary was great in responding to my question. He understood exactly what I needed answered and provided me with the law. In addition, he took the time to give great advice. Very supportive. I appreciate brevity and competence, I appreciate Gary Kollin
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Timely and Informative

    Posted by

    Mr. Kollin responded quickly to my question and provided invaluable information. In fact, he was the first person to give us a glimmer of hope. I thought he took the question seriously, considered options and provided the most useful response. It felt more like a consultation than just a simple pat, blow-off answer. I appreciate that.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Gary Kollin, one of the best in the business!

    Posted by

    My son, Ryan Jagassar hired Gary to represent him in his criminal defense court matter and Mr. Kollin did an exellent job representing him! As Ryan's mom, I was terrified that my son would have been found guilty and the conviction would have ruined his life! Today, seven years later, my son has grown into a well respected, responsible young man. He has his own business and is making great stride towards having a successful future. My family and I are fortunate that it was Ryan's decision to choose Gary Kollin to represent him. Ryan said that after speaking to Gary, he felt that Gary was straight foward, honest and tough!

    Attorney endorsements

    (14)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Aneeta Mishra

    I endorse Attorney Kollin.

    Stephanie Reyes, Civil rights Attorney on Nov 2, 2020
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Kollin provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers.

    Jason Downs, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 7, 2020
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    It has been my pleasure to have worked with Mr. Kollin on many discussions on Avvo forums in our pursuit to offer legal advice to those who need it most. Mr. Kollin is always one of the most knowledgeable attorneys, quick to respond, and empathetic to the needs of the potential clients. After reviewing his body of work outside of the Avvo forums, I am in awe of his accomplishments. I absolutely endorse this lawyer.

    Michael Doland, Civil rights Attorney on Feb 26, 2020
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Year after year the answers of Mr. Kollin are consistently accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney.

    Leonard Boyer, Litigation Attorney on Nov 9, 2019
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Mr Kollin is an exceptionally knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients.

    Michael Stover, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 12, 2019
    Relationship: Other

    Attorney Gary Kollin is a truly exceptional legal mind. Very rarely do you see a lawyer practice so many different areas of law and display a true expertise in all of those areas. As a criminal defense attorney, I can tell you there is no better advice, and no better reasoned analysis than attorney Gary Kollin. I am honored to endorse this lawyer.

    Bruce Minnick, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 19, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Jaime Halscott, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 23, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Kollin is well known in the community for his skill set.

    Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 5, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Gary. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

    Jeffrey Ivashuk, Class action Attorney on Jan 21, 2014
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Have known Gary for over 20 years and have the highest respect for his knowledge and ability. I endorse Gary.

    Jeffrey Garland, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 28, 2013
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Great lawyer. Very creative. A bulldog who doen't stop.

    Lloyd Golburgh, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 18, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Jonathan Blecher, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 12, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    James Regan, Civil rights Attorney on Jan 17, 2011
    Relationship: Worked for lawyer

    I endorse this lawyer. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Kollin as his law clerk in 2000 - 2001. I have met many lawyers since that time. Therefore, I can state unequivocally that Mr. Kollin is one of the brightest lawyers I've met. Anyone seeking counsel in Mr. Kollin's areas of practice should look no further than Mr. Kollin.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
      Sometimes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card