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.
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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 - 1 of 1 review | Punctuality
Posted by anonymous | April 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
He's the worst!!
Do not hire this man. I hired him for my sister's grand theft case. He met with us once and took a down payment. Then he stopped answering any calls. The state wanted to offer her pretrial diversion but because he never showed up to court to sign the contract they withdrew the offer and she ended up ...
Richard Merlino
Replied last April 03, 2018I am shocked, saddened, and perplexed that someone would disparage my name, my firm, and my practice in this manner. I have never experienced the above-referenced circumstances, in my entire career, as is expressed above. After my tenure as a prosecutor in 1997, I served as the Chairperson of two consecutive Florida Bar Ethics Grievance Committees, and the above-referenced scenario would never happen on my watch. The anonymity of this comment further frustrates me. This is an anomaly in my 24 years of practice in the field of criminal law, and this comment's credibility should be doubted.
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