BEN BOLLINGER

Ben Bollinger: Born in Panama City, Florida July 20, 1970. Graduated from A. Crawford Mosley High School, 1988; Received his Associate of Arts from Gulf Coast Community College in 1990; Received his Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University 1991; Received his Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University Catholic School of Law in Miami, Florida, 1996. While studying law at St. Thomas, he received Achievement Awards for best student in the areas of: Products Liability; White Collar Crime; Juvenile Law; and Advanced Legal Research and Writing. After graduating law school and passing the Florida Bar Exam, he opened his private practice in Panama City, Florida. His area of practice has been limited to criminal defense trying several jury and judge held trials. While practicing criminal defense, he was also an Adjuct Professor at Gulf Coast Community College in the area of Legal Writing and Research during 1997-1998. He also was the Coordinator for the Bay County First Saturday Legal Clinic for the 1997-1998 term. He received the President's Pro Bono Service Award for the 14th Judicial Circuit for 1997. He also was the Editor for the Criminal Law Section Newsletter for the Florida Bar for two years in 2001-2003. During 2004-2005 he was the Florida Criminal Defense Bar's Bay County Chapter President and then the Chapter Representative for the 14th Judicial Circuit in 2005-2006. He is also a frequent guest the local Morning Show with Tom Najar and provides free legal tips on Beach TV. It is not uncommon to see articles in the local newspaper regarding cases he has tried and as recent as March 17, 2007, an article in the Wall Street Journal appeared for dealing with college students who come to Panama City Beach during spring break and are charged with criminal offenses. His ability to relate to the community has helped him tremendously in defending people who are charged with crimes.