Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.7 /5.0
51 Client Reviews
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Richard Anthony Merlino Jr.
Free Consultation
About Richard
Biography
As of October 2012, Richard was appointed by a joint committe of Federal judges, Federal Public Defenders, and private attorneys to the Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Southern District of Florida. A handful of attorneys are selected to the CJA Panel regionally and are carefully screened in order to ensure that the attorney possesses the professionalism and experience necessary to handle complex Federal matters. The CJA Panelists are called upon and appointed by Federal judges to handle any/all Federal criminal cases where a conflict exists with the Federal Public Defender’s Office.
Aggressive & Proactive. Former Prosecutor. 25 years experience. 954 210-5287
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
33 years | 1,000 cases
Federal Crime
30%
33 years | 800 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
33 years | 1,000 cases
Domestic Violence
5%
33 years | 750 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 32 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
RICHARD A. MERLINO, P.A.
(754) 301-5109
Fax
101 N.E. Third Avenue, Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301
richardamerlino.comRichard Anthony Merlino Jr.'s Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Drug Crime
Posted by anonymous | May 08, 2014 | Drug Crime
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Tri-County Area!
My husband had two drug cases, one in Miami and one in West Palm Beach. Mr. Merlino has been a life saver and changer for my husband and our family. Not only did he save my husband from serving Jail time, but he guided him in the right direction to turn his life around. Mr. Merlino has proven to be n...
Posted by Rebecca | October 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime
Very poor job handling simple case.
My family hired Merlino and it was the worst mistake of our lives. I was charged with Possession of Cocaine in Broward County in 2016, but the State didn't have an FDLE result so the case would have been dismissed if he set it for trial. Instead he kept lying to my family and taking more and more mon...
Richard Merlino
Replied last October 02, 2018Due to the integrity of this website, AVVO, the administrators permit the posting of comments, positive or negative; however, this site is unfortunately used as a tool, actually a weapon, by individuals, none of which are prior clients, to defame and injure the reputation of excellent attorneys who, by virtue of the fact that they would not be effectively representing their clients interests or be successful in the field, often agitate or undermine the interests of others in attaining or winning their cases. This firm has not represented a "Rebecca" on a 2016 drug case in Broward County. I have never sued a client in 25 years of practice. "Docket Sounding" is jargon for a court's calendar call or status conference in Dade County. Further, FDLE does not handle Broward County drug testing, the Broward County Sheriff's Office Crime Lab does so; and in 25 years, I have never been fired at a "docket sounding." I am saddened and sickened at this desperate attack. AVVO should require that individuals who comment post their full name and email address for confirmation purposes. If the allegations cannot be substantiated, AVVO should reject same before posting. This would be the responsible and professional thing to do. If a check of the Clerk's directory were made of any of my felony drug cases in Broward County in 2016, one would easily see that I was never replaced, let alone by the Public Defender. ---Richard A. Merlino
Richard Anthony Merlino Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly recommend Attorney Richard Merlino. I have handled numerous criminal matters with him. We have worked as co-counsel on complex criminal matters. Mr. Merlino is highly skilled and competent in his field. He is well respected among our peers and I find him to have high ethical standards. I completely endorse Richard with no reservations whatsoever."
"Rich is one of the most committed and dedicated attorneys I've ever worked with. I wholeheartedly endorse Rich and his team and look forward to working with them again in the future."
"I've known Rich for approximately six years. There are few, if any, more professional, well-respected attorneys in the courthouse. Having worked many cases against him, I can attest that Rich has an excellent reputation and knows the law as well as anyone. He's an exceptional trial lawyer who always fights for his client's best interest!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have tried cases with Richard. He is a highly skilled trial lawyer with the ability to win cases other less skilled lawyers might lose. He is a difference maker for those who truly care about their freedom."
"I have known Rich for many years, and had the opportunity to share several clients with him. Rich is a zealous advocate for his clients, achieves great results, and the clients we shared have provided overwhelmingly positive reviews of his services. I highly recommend Rich as a criminal defense lawyer."
Joshua Danz
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Partner, VOLUCK & MERLINO, PL
1995 - 1997
Felony Trial Unit Prosecutor, Broward County State Attorney's Office
1993 - 1995
Supervisor County Court Division, Broward County State Attorney's Office
Sample of Legal Cases
STATE OF FL. V. G. PEREZ
NOT GUILTY VERDICT
STATE OF FL. V. DANIEL SCALA
Guilty of lesser included offense, Case still pending appeal
STATE OF FL. V. C. KERTESZ
HUNG JURY, CASE LATER DISMISSED
STATE OF FL. V. C. RODRIGUEZ
NOT GUILTY
U.S. V. N. THOMPSON
ACQUITTED OF ARMED TRAFFICKING
STATE OF FL. V. HASCO LOGAN
NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
STATE OF FL. V. E. SPITALIERI
Guilty of lesser: Manslaughter
STATE OF FL. V. EVERETT LEON
NOT GUILTY VERDICT, ALL COUNTS
STATE OF FL. V. A. HAMZE
NOT GUILTY OF MURDER
STATE OF FL. V. JEFFREY FRYE
NOT GUILTY VERDICT ON ALL COUNTS
STATE OF FL. V. VOLNEY MONDELUS
NOT GUILTY VERDICT
Education
1993
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2004
BARRY UNIVERSITY, PRE-LAW STUDIES
CRIMINAL LAW
Languages
Spanish
English