Gary Kollin
About Gary
Biography
For over 43 years I have been an expert lawyer specializing in POLICE ABUSE, police misconduct, false arrest, excessive force. illegal search, criminal defense (trial and appeals), and civil rights cases. I represent clients in the state and federal courts suing police officers as well as clients charged with all levels of crimes ranging from petit theft to first degree murder including 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 36 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 County 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, Martin County Sheriff's Office and many others. I have obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars for my clients who suffered at the hands (and feet) 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 221 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, (one million dollars) to the class.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 46 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1979
No misconduct found
Location
Gary Kollin
1856 N Nob Hill Road, Suite 140, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33322
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Gary Kollin's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Cherrie | November 11, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
Civil Rights
Great Lawyer! Appreciate the feedback. Thank you . Spent lots of time of the phone.
Posted by Tiffany | April 14, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
No Where To Turn
I contacted many law firms, but no attorneys showed interest in my case. I reached out to Gary Kollin. Mr. Kollin took time out of his schedule to listen to me, and with his kind demeanor, he provided me with helpful information. And is guiding me through this process. I am truly thankful, and I stro...
Posted by James | May 23, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
Dr. James Eric McDonough
A great criminal defense lawyer, and the best civil rights attorney in South Florida. Gary Kollin is knowledgable, professional, courteous and ready to win your case.
Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
Absolutely disgusting attitude
Called this so called attorney for my son spoke briefly after 1 minute I how is this man a defense/civil rights attorney? Seems more suited for the other side very condescending and judgmental I am convinced he believed I was a man of color because of my Deep South accent nevertheless i ended the cal...
Gary Kollin
Replied last May 23, 2024When I refused to accept this man's case, he stated he would get even by writing a bad review. He followed through on his promise. Some people always think they have the best case or that an attorney is obligated to take their cases despite a lack of merit. And talk about playing the "Race" card! It is obvious who the racist is and it is NOT me. Nonetheless, I wish him a blessed day
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
How in the world does this guy get any clients where he does NOT allow people to get a word in edgewise?
I called Mrs. Kollin up about situation dealing with me and the ATF. The ATF deceived me with a "facially deficient" warrant that has no Particularity. I left a voicemail to Mrs. Kollin with me stating my name/number multiple times along with the issue at hand (facially deficient warrant). Mrs....
Gary Kollin
Replied last December 11, 2023I have a superior success rate. It was immediately apparent that he did not have a case. No attorney wants to undertake his representation. There is no competent attorney who will take his case. The Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) has a 2 year statute of limitation which expired. Bivens has been gutted by the Supreme Court. Groh is outdated and almost 20 years old. See case decision below for support that Bivens cases are no longer viable and Groh has been overruled Court again rejects extension of Bivens suits against federal officials Continuing an unbroken decades-long run, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to extend the right to sue federal officers for damages under Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents. In an opinion by Justice Clarence Thomas, the court held that a Washington state innkeeper does not have implied causes of action against a federal agent for alleged First and Fourth Amendment violations arising from the enforcement of immigration laws along the border. Robert Boule is a U.S. citizen who owns and runs the Smuggler’s Inn, a bed-and-breakfast abutting the Canadian border in Blaine, Washington; drives a car with a “SMUGLER” license plate; and worked as a confidential informant for the Customs and Border Patrol. Erik Egbert, a Border Patrol agent, attempted to speak with a guest, newly arrived from Turkey via New York, outside the inn. When Boule asked Egbert to leave his property and attempted to intervene, Egbert shoved him to the ground; when Boule complained to Egbert’s superiors, Egbert allegedly contacted the Internal Revenue Service and state agencies, resulting in a tax audit and investigations of Boule’s activities. Boule sued Egbert under Bivens, the 1971 decision that (in some circumstances) allows claims for money damages against federal officials for constitutional violations. Egbert brought an excessive-force claim under the Fourth Amendment and a First Amendment retaliation claim. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit allowed both claims to go forward. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court reversed. It held both claims involved new contexts that differed from the limited Bivens claims the court has already recognized. The court has never recognized a Bivens claim for a First Amendment violation, and the immigration and border placed the Fourth Amendment claim in a new context. “[I]n all but the most unusual circumstances, prescribing a cause of action is a job for Congress, not the courts,” Thomas wrote. Good luck
Gary Kollin's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Kollin's resume speaks for itself. To boot, his passion for the practice of law and his knowledge of the law set him apart. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer Kollin. His helpful answers posted to Avvo are a benefit to the community and other lawyers."
"I endorse Attorney Kollin."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr Kollin is an exceptionally knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Kollin is well known in the community for his skill set."
"I endorse Gary. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Have known Gary for over 20 years and have the highest respect for his knowledge and ability. I endorse Gary."
"Great lawyer. Very creative. A bulldog who doen't stop."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this 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."
Civil rights lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Lawsuits and disputes lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Commercial real estate lawyer
Unknown lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer in Civil Rights and Police Misconduct, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer in Civil Rights Law, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Super Lawyer in Civil Rights Law, Super Lawyers
2019
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Lawyer in Civil Rights, Super Lawyers
2013
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Super Lawyer in Civil Rights Law, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
AV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Super Lawyer in Civil Rights Law, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Board Certified as an Expert-Criminal Appellate Law Since 1993, The Florida Bar
2010
Nationally Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy Since 1993, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2010
Board Certified as an Expert in Criminal Trial Law Since 1990, The Florida Bar
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer in Civil Rights Law, Super Lawyers
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1996
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
1993
Leading Florida Lawyer in Criminal Law, American Research Corporation
1987
Recognized Lawyer, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
1971
Member, MENSA
Work Experience
1987 - Present
Chief Litigation Counsel, Gary Kollin, P.A.
1985 - 1987
Field Counsel, Florida Auditor General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
1982 - 1985
Assistant State Attorney, Broward State Attorney's Office
1979 - 1981
Assistant Public Defender, Broward Public Defender's Office
1975 - 1976
Computer Programmer/Analyst, Peter Bent Brigham Hospital
Associations
1987 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1980 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1979 - Present
The Florida BarMember
1971 - Present
Lawyers in MENSATop 2% IQ
Sample of Legal Cases
Over $1.2 million dollars awarded to 220 persons
508 U.S. 223 (1993); United States Supreme Court
Settlement in the amount of $350,000
Education
1979
JD - Juris Doctor
1975
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
1993
http://www.oyez.org/cases/1990-1999/1992/1992_91_8674/argument
Publications
1997
1995
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Can’t access my settlement
22 Jan 2024
Does the vehicle have to be in evidence to be convicted of grand theft auto?
17 Jan 2024
Incarcerated for 40 days and the state has not picked up the charges. What can I do?
17 Jan 2024