Welcome to Balliro, Galasso, Leskovich & Seltzer, LLP

Balliro, Galasso, Leskovich & Seltzer, LLP is a South Florida criminal defense litigation law firm: ALL of our attorneys are EXPERIENCED TRIAL attorneys. Our firm is grounded in fighting for and protecting the rights of individuals charged with crimes. Our success, while a testament to our extensive education and experience, can also be attributed to the fact that WE GO TO TRIAL. Unlike the majority of attorneys who always “plea out” or avoid court at any cost, we are not afraid to go trial when it is in our client’s best interest. Attorneys often boast of numbers of cases handled, etc. When interviewing a prospective attorney, inquire as to the number of JURY TRIALS that lawyer has actually conducted and completed to verdict. As a firm, we have conducted HUNDREDS of trials to verdict in courts throughout the state of Florida.

Further, as former public defenders and prosecutors, we understand all too well that a criminal conviction can have life-altering consequences, even when the accusation is not serious. Many defendants can avoid a conviction and time in jail or prison -- but not if they are left unprotected from prosecutors eager to boost their careers with another conviction. Retaining an experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer can make the difference between freedom and jail or prison.

How We Can Help

BGLS has the skills and experience you need to change the outcome of your case. Our Fort Myers criminal defense attorneys have represented thousands of people charged with crimes of all types, from traffic infractions to homicide and sex charges. We have successfully represented clients in all parts of the Florida criminal justice system, including federal courts as well as state and circuit courts. Our experience includes defending clients from weapons charges, DUI, domestic violence, theft, assault and battery and more. We also handle related matters such as bail and release from jail; probation violations; and sealing and expungement of an old criminal record.

Unlike some criminal defense lawyers who set up plea bargains almost automatically, the Punta Gorda criminal defense attorneys at BGLS are not afraid to take cases to trial when justice demands it. In fact, we have successfully tried hundreds of cases to verdict for all types of criminal charges. That includes preparing hundreds of witnesses for testimony in court and in depositions. Our team includes a molecular biologist with special expertise in DNA and forensic science as well as a former cybercrime prosecutor specializing in defending all types of online crimes.

At BGLS, we believe that it is essential to form a partnership with our clients. That means making sure clients understand the charges against them and penalties they face, as well as communicating often and clearly. Clear communication isn’t just our way of showing that we respect our clients -- it’s also a way of making sure we are building the best defense we can. We are committed to providing a full defense to the charges against you, which means anticipating and preventing any non-criminal penalties you may face, such as loss of a professional license or embarrassment in the media.

AVAILABLE WHERE AND WHEN YOU NEED US: 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK AND EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

People are arrested, detained and investigated at all times of the day and night -- not just during business hours. That’s why BGLS is available to clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day of the year, including holidays. Even if you are not yet a client, you can reach our Sarasota criminal defense lawyers anytime to get help with an arrest or an emergency. Once you are a client, we promise that we will never leave you to handle law enforcement on your own.

Arrested? We Can Act Right Away

People arrested for the first time have no idea what to expect -- and no idea what to watch out for. Law enforcement takes advantage of that inexperience with direct questions, tricks and other techniques intended to make inexperienced, overwhelmed people incriminate themselves. If this is your situation, we cannot overstate the importance of hiring a South Florida criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Having a lawyer present stops unscrupulous tricks by law enforcement, protects your legal rights and gives you a guide through this unfamiliar and often frightening territory. This is why BGLS prefers to get involved in a case as early as possible -- sometimes even before an arrest is made. The earlier we become your attorneys, the better the case that we can ultimately build for your freedom.

Taking early action can also minimize the time you spend in jail, avoiding serious damage to your case and your rights. Most defendants appear in court shortly after an arrest to determine bail. This appearance is important to West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers like us, because it gives us a chance to argue against bail, or for the lowest bail possible in your situation. It is also our first look at the case that the prosecution believes it has against you.

The decisions made at this hearing have a profound influence on the rest of your case, which is why BGLS prefers to be involved whenever possible. We know what information we can use to convince courts that you deserve your freedom, including information about your family, your professional life and other roots in the community. Our goal is always to leave our clients behind bars for as little time as the judge permits. That’s why we make sure we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and every day of the year -- to get the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact Our South Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm Today

If you or someone you care about is in legal trouble in Florida, BGLS can help. Based in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers, our firm has a total of seven offices throughout South Florida, so we can be wherever you need us most. With our 24-hour, seven-day, yearlong availability, you can be sure you’ll reach us, no matter when you need to make the call. And we offer free, confidential consultations to potential clients, so you run no risk by meeting with our Miami criminal defense attorneys. To set up a free consultation today, you can call us toll-free at 1-866-ARRESTED or contact us online.