Melanie Anitra Malave

I fought my conviction through direct appeal, 3.850, and appeal in the 4th DCA, pro se, being penniless and thoroughly disgusted by post conviction attorneys who promised the world and then did not deliver. Enter Melanie when it appeared all hope was lost. My family hired Melanie to represent me on r...emand to the 17th Circuit for an evidentiary hearing. The differences in Melanie's approach were stark, immediate, and the reason for my most enthusiastic recommendation. First, she does not over promise. She says what she means and does what she says. That alone sets her apart. Secondly, Melanie was generous with her time in scheduling multiple attorney phone calls while I was incarcerated. Additionally she took the unprecedented step of corresponding via the prison email system (JPay) to keep me up to date and to assist in her research and preparation. Beyond even my family's wildest hopes, Melanie took it upon herself to take on a review of ALL the documents in my case, not just those pertaining to the 3.850. This amounted to SEVEN full copy boxes after 2 trials, but Melanie would have it no other way. This unprecedented level of preparation made her a frighteningly formidable advocate for me. So much so, that upon filing her notice of appearance and making just her initial contact with the State, the otherwise inevitable evidentiary hearing suddenly became an agreed upon order vacating my judgment and sentence. This happened in a matter of days and resulted in my immediate release from prison. To all those still fighting for their freedom, and their desperate, despairing families please don’t give up. Melanie is the real deal. Your conviction or denial is NOT the end. Melanie is technically superb, infinitely knowledgeable, and will not be bullied by the State. Melanie has a gift for finding an unexplored avenue to exploit. She sees your case with a specialist’s eyes. She finds hope where none appears. If there’s any way you can retain her, please let her see if she can help you. Melanie is the reason I walk free and proudly write this review as a free man today.

Melanie is truly amazing and helpful. She is the only lawyer I have ever dealt with that responds in a timely manner. She is helping both my friend in I in sealing our cases. From our initial consultation to finalizing our cases she has always followed up the same day to questions and kept us up to d...ate. I wish I had found Melanie earlier as she will be the only legal Professional I ever deal with again. I can not say enough good things about Melanie and how much she has helped me.

I was nervous going to Melanie. I didn't know anything about lawyers or about the situation I was in. After meeting Melanie, my mind instantly changed. She is extremely comfortable to talk to. She was 100% dedicated to my case, always available for me to get into contact with, and was extremely knowl...edgeable about everything going on. She made the entire case as stress free as possible. I love her and would recommend her to anyone.