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Colón & López | PA
Aggressive Representation
If your liberty, assets or health is at risk it is paramount that you have a
highly aggressive, results oriented law firm on your side. Choosing the right
attorney is of the greatest importance as they will be fundamental in resolving
your case. With more than forty years of combined experience in handling
thousands of cases and with five offices strategically located throughout
central Florida we are conveniently located to aid you in your time of need. We
are a team of aggressive attorneys, para legals, legal assistants and staff that
have the tools and experience necessary to fight for you even if it means going
to trial. We have collectively tried more than 500 trials and are willing to go
the distance in your case to achieve the best result. End page.
At Colón & López all of the firm's criminal defense attorneys are former
prosecutors with a wealth of experience in any criminal matter State or Federal.
Gil Colón has enjoyed success in many highly publicized cases throughout central
Florida which is a testament to his renowned experience and skill in the
courtroom. Stacey McNelis has extensive prior experience and has handled more
than a thousand criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to capital felonies.
Kevin Humphries is acknowledged in the Florida DUI Manual by Chief Judge Demers
and has also had extensive criminal experience having tried more than 30 jury
trials in Polk County and throughout the Tampa Bay area. Come see the difference
for yourself make an appointment today. End page.
Injuries that occur while on the job are covered by the State's Worker's
Compensation statute. This means employees that are injured on the job
regardless of fault are eligible to receive benefits in the form of lost wages,
medical treatment and a permanent impairment settlement. In some instances where
an employer acts in bad faith or negligence caused your injury you may also be
eligible for additional monetary compensation. Don't risk your future health and
financial well being to an employer that does not want to pay higher insurance
premiums or an adjuster whose loyalty is with the insurance company. If we
accept your claim it will be on a contingency fee basis meaning you don't pay
unless we recover monetary benefits for you. Call today! End page.
Colón & López, P.A. is dedicated to ensuring that our elderly long-term care
institutions and medical professionals provide competent quality care to their
patients. We aggressively pursue action against institutions or medical
professionals on behalf of residents, patients or their families where they are
victims of inadequate care or neglect. This is the only means of raising the
quality of care for all patients and residents of for-profit long term care
corporations. If your loved one has been the victim of neglect or inadequate
care from a health care professional call Colón & López, P.A. immediately to
know your rights. If we accept your case it will be on a contingency fee meaning
you don't pay unless we recover monetary benefits for you! End page.
If you are employed for a certain period, at a job with the provisions of the
Social Security Act and become disabled you are likely eligible for disability
benefits. Approximately 60% of initial Social Security Disability (SSD) claims
are denied. If your claim is denied you must request reconsideration of that
decision within sixty days. This is when most people enlist the aid of an
attorney. SSD payments are the right of a person who has paid into the system
who is experiencing a long-term illness or disabling injury. The process is not
simple but the benefits can be substantial. We know exactly what is required to
win SSD benefits and we will help you file your claim or appeal. Remember if you
don't win...you don't pay. Call today! End page.
Divorce can be a traumatic time for your family. The Attorneys at Colón & López,
P.A. negotiate hard on our clients' behalf while trying to preserve harmony with
children. Many divorces can be resolved amicably; in other cases, court
intervention is required. You need a strong, aggressive Attorney to protect your
rights in a divorce. The Attorneys of Colón & López, P.A. will work closely with
you in obtaining your personal goals. Typical family law cases involve divorces,
child custody, child support, paternity, adoption and dependency. These are
personal and sometimes painful issues. We offer a listening ear, a calm
sensitivity and the sharp legal skills to bring about necessary changes for the
client as quickly and as painlessly as possible. End page.
Professional Referral Service
Because of the firm's weekly radio program, "Law Talk," heard on 1430 AM, people
often call our office asking us to refer them to different professionals that we
know and can trust to help you. Accordingly, if you ever have a need for
professional/legal assistance beyond our areas of practice, please call, as we
know we can refer you to a competent and caring professional. End page. End
page.
Attorney Bio: Gil Colón, Jr.
After practicing law for several years with both the State Attorney's Office and
the Office of Public Defender, Gil Colón, Jr. founded the firm in 1992 with one
attorney and one secretary in a small, rented office in Bartow. Ten years later,
the firm celebrated a decade in practice with four attorneys, 13 support staff,
and three locations throughout Florida.
Gil is an accomplished trial lawyer representing the injured and accused. Gil
has been involved in over 140 jury trials in multiple venues and courts, both on
the Federal and State levels. He is an experienced litigator who has handled
trials throughout central Florida including dozens of death penalty, drug
trafficking, and major sex offense cases.
Gil graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Political Science and earned his law degree from Rutgers College of Law. Gil is
a former First Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve, Armor Division.
Born in New Jersey and raised in Puerto Rico, Gil is fluent in both Spanish and
English.
Gil's professional affiliations include the Florida Association of Criminal
Defense Lawyers, the Wilson American Inns of Court, the Lakeland Bar
Association, National Association of Criminal Lawyers, Polk County Dependency
Defense Bar Association, Polk County Trial Lawyers Association, Polk County
Criminal Defense Lawyers, Polk County Lawyers Association, and the Florida Bar
Lawyers Referral Service.
Gil and his wife Felicia have two children and live in Lakeland, Florida where
they attend Highland Park Church of the Nazerene. He enjoys golf, soccer and
spending time with family. End page.
Attorney Bio: Melodie J. López
Melodie J. López was born and raised in Southington, Connecticut. A true
"natural competitor," Ms. López distinguished herself at the highest levels of
collegiate sports early on, playing competitive soccer and assuring her higher
education by also earning a softball scholarship to Central Connecticut State
University.
Ms. López played All-Conference softball, NCAA, Division II and made herself
well known across the Division as a deadly-serious competitor that you had
better respect - or lose to miserably. Even as a young adult seemingly focused
on sports, however, her overall priorities had the noteworthy balance of a well
rounded, multi-tasking professional. While busy demonstrating her ability as a
highly accomplished softball player, Ms. López also managed to achieve the
highest student-athlete GPA in 1991, she won the coveted Charles A. Dana Society
Scholarship and her name was found on the Dean's List every semester without
fail.
Ms. López graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 1991 with a
B.A. cum laude. She went on to the University of Miami School of Law, earning
her Juris Doctorate in 1994.
Melodie J. López began her legal career as a Polk County Public Defender in
1995, handling a diversity of criminal cases. However, recognizing an
opportunity to gain priceless experience from another legal perspective, Ms.
Lopez switched sides and worked as a criminal prosecutor for several years.
In 1999, Ms. López began working in the civil arena. She became an expert in the
areas of personal injury, worker's compensation, and social security. Ms. López
has been practicing in these fields since that time, gaining great satisfaction
from her ability to positively effect people's lives through the practice of
law.
Melodie López has tried more than sixty jury trials, proving herself to be every
bit the "heavy hitter" in court as she is on a softball field.
Concerning the law offices of Colón & López | PA, Melodie López makes a single
statement that clearly defines the attitude of this law firm and the lifelong
character of Ms. López herself, "I do not want to lose and our attorneys do not
back down; we will take your case until the end."
Melodie López was married in 1995 and is the mother of three boys. Her family
attends Haven Christian Church and reasonably enough, she is the Captain of the
Colón & López softball team. She also plays golf.
Attorney Melodie J. López is a member of the Florida Bar Association, the United
States Bar Association, Middle District of Florida; the Polk County Trial
Lawyers Association; the Association of Trial Lawyers of America; the Lakeland
Bar Association; the Hispanic Lawyers Association; Phi Alpha Delta Law
Fraternity and the Christian Law Association. She is a Dean's Cup Coordinator;
was Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer of the Year in 1993.
Melodie López is fluent in both Spanish and English. End page.
Attorney Bio: Kevin Humphries
Kevin Humphries is a seasoned trial attorney with an abundance of experience in
civil and criminal law. Recently a Felony Prosecutor at the State Attorneys
Office for the 10th Judicial Circuit, Mr. Humphries has practiced law on a wide
diversity of cases at both the County and Circuit Court level in Polk,
Hillsborough, Hardee and Highlands County.
Mr. Humphries is also licensed to practice in Federal Court at the Middle
District in Tampa. He has handled more than 1,000 criminal cases and tried more
than 30 jury trials.
Additionally, Mr. Humphries has drafted and argued countless civil and criminal
motions at various hearings in the 10th and 13th Judicial Circuits. Mr.
Humphries also has experience in advocating for clients in Forfeiture, Parole
and Department of Transportation Review Hearings. He has a wealth of practical
experience and has also worked for both insurance defense and personal injury
law firms around the State.
Kevin Humphries' learned knowledge of the law is evidenced by his Certificate of
Concentration in Advocacy from Stetson University College of Law, at that time
the nation's top ranked school by US News for advocacy. As a student Mr.
Humphries advocated for Stetson's nationally renowned trial team. Mr. Humphries
was also a member of the National Championship team and was given the esteemed
Ralph Harris Farrell Competition Award for his individual excellence in numerous
intercollegiate competitions.
Off campus, Mr. Humphries acted simultaneously in several leading roles as the
Vice President for the Student Division of the Federal Bar Association,
Stetson's Liaison to the city of Saint Petersburg, Lieutenant Governor of
Resolutions for the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association and
Dean's Assistant and Co-chair of Stetson's Social Committee.
Chief Judge Demers of the 6th Circuit and esteemed author of the Florida DUI
Handbook, acknowledges Mr. Humphries in the book's most recent edition for his
aid in this important manuscript preparation.
Kevin Humphries, however, did not begin his career of service and excellence as
a civilian, but put his hand to honorably serving our country first. Mr.
Humphries is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he was
awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star for his
meritorious service. While on active duty in the Marine Corps, Mr. Humphries
served as a Platoon Sergeant and as an Adjutant's Clerk.
Kevin Humphries' natural talents and learned skills coupled with his experience
makes him a formidable advocate capable of aggressively pursuing the rights and
interests of his clients. End page; more below.
Attorney Bio: Stacey Mcnelis
Stacey H. McNelis is an experienced attorney with an extensive background in
criminal law. She has been a Polk County Assistant State Attorney and an
Assistant Public Defender. Being a Polk County native gives Stacey a good feel
for the ways issues are handled in our local courts.
Stacey received her Bachelors Degree from Florida State University and graduated
from Stetson University College of Law. She has tried over 30 cases. End page;
more below.
Attorney Bio: James R. Headley
James R. "Jim" Headley received a Law Degree from Stetson University, College of
Law; a Master of Business Administration from Stetson University School of
Business Administration ;and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The
University of South Florida.
Mr. Headley represented insurance carriers and employers in the area of Workers'
Compensation and insurance carriers in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) defense.
Mr. Headley also represented the Florida Department of Children and Families
(the Department) while working for the Florida Attorney General, office of
Children's Legal Services. He represented the Department in all aspects of
removing children from situations in which they were abandoned, abused or
neglected.
Mr. Headley served in the United States Army until being medically retired in
1999 and began representing veterans, free of charge. During this time he was
employed by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and handled hundreds of cases
for veterans in need of assistance with their Veterans Administration claim for
compensation, pension or educational benefits.
Mr. Headley currently represents clients in the following areas of law: Workers'
Compensation, Personal Injury, Social Security and Veterans Administration
benefits representation. End page; more below.
Office Locations & Contact Information
325 East Davidson Street
Bartow, FL 33880
863.534.3777 |
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95 South 10th Street
Haines City, FL 33844
863.422.7000 |
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1014 South Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33803
863.802.1600 |
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101 East Main Street
Wauchula, FL 33873
863.773.2577 |
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224 North Commerce Avenue
Sebring, FL 33870
863.382.7577 |
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