Michelle Merson

Michelle Merson

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 32 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Boca Raton, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, DUI & DWI ... +2 more

4800 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 205B, Boca Raton, FL

About Michelle

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 32 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1993

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

MISDEMEANOR CLINIC

4800 N. Federal Hwy, Suite 205B, Boca Raton, FL, 33431

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Michelle Merson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

72 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 31 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Do yourself a favor and Hire Michelle Mearson plain and simple.

After an eventful night out I found myself in need of an Attorney. Thank God I found Michelle Mearson and her amazing Team. Michelle explained what she would do, how she would do it, and applicable timelines in doing so. Michelle and her Team were there every step of the way 7 days a week to ensur...e I was was taken care of with outstanding representation. Please do yourself a favor and contact Michelle Mearson for your Legal needs. You'll sleep better at night, I know I did.

Posted by Clay | November 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Clay Lewis /court case

I can’t thank michelle and everyone at misdemeanor clinic for all the help with my case. They made sure they got me exactly what I asked for. They also were very hardworking and worked out court dates around my work schedule so it would make me miss work. I’m an very please and highly recommend the...m for any of your future court case needs. Thanks Clay Lewis

Posted by Cynthia Ann | October 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Do NOT hire Michelle Merson at any Cost- AVOID!

Attorney, Michelle Merson, tries to deny having me as a client, yet I have a fully signed and executed the Client-Attorney agreement, signed and dated by both Michelle Merson and myself that I can provide as legal proof. Michelle Merson should be avoided in all counties in South Florida: Dade, Browar...d and Palm Beach. I hired her for a criminal case and civil and she then showed up at a case that she was not involved with, not mentioning that the opposing counsel from me was her very close friend/neighbor (how unethical!!). This is a complete invasion of privacy & clearly unethical. Anyone considering hiring her should consider her ethics in making hiring decisions. While she blames her family issues for severe lack of communication, I lost four of my closest family members in one year (including my mother) and still functioned & maintained all professional contact. Never did I even get contact from her office or my attorney, Michelle Merson, after multiple calls, emails, texts, even when marked “URGENT” or oftentimes, “EXTREMELY URGENT” over the 7 months of having her as my attorney (our attorney-client agreement was signed in January 2019 and her family issues just occurred within the last 3 months, which was after we stopped working together). Merson is the most unprofessional attorney I've come across, including her staff. Very unprofessional! Additionally, I did not like that she shared details about my case with 3rd parties not involved- this seemed unprofessional as well. She did a very poor job representing me in the assault case in which I was the victim & her business partner (Attorney, Guy Fronstin) now bombards me with messages to remove any negative review. I also want to point out that The Florida Bar actually has standards whereby an active attorney MUST return calls and emails within 48 hours or must provide the reason why they were unavailable but I went weeks without any response and she signed our Attorney-Client agreement in January 2019, which for over 7 months she failed to communicate responsibly as the Florida Bar requires. Additionally, I am entitled to a copy of all of my records which I’ve requested several times in July for a new attorney to continue the case but still have yet to receive them. This also goes against the Florida Bar. I"d warn anyone looking for an excellent attorney to be very weary of Merson- she is impossible to get a hold of (don’t let family excuses fool you- she couldn’t & wouldn’t get back to my urgent messages in such an important case for 7 months, including during the time of the police line up to identify my assaulter. She may be the most unethical and irresponsible attorney in Boca Raton. Beware of this attorney whether you live in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach or West Palm Beach. Do your due diligence in searching for the best attorney if your case is important to you at all. I am beyond disappointed by Michelle Merson and her actions, or should I say, LACK of actions. I found her to be grossly negligent as an attorney. Avoid this attorney at all costs. I have left many positive Avvo reviews for other attorneys but unfortunately Michelle Merson is not one I can endorse or recommend to anyone. She may be kind during the consult but becomes a whole different person once hired. Beware. If your case is important to you, she is not the one to hire. Do your due diligence to search for a better attorney if your care about your case!

Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Making the best of a bad day

Michelle is the gal you want in your corner come an unforeseen bad day. As much as I can say I've had the pleasure to meet her, I only wish it wasn't in this fashion. I truly believe in Michelle's relationships, talent, and ability to make the most of out of your bad day. She has proven herself ...from start to finish to be there for me as a client. Michelle has taken my professional aspirations and goals into account while negotiating with the state and the court. She and her team have been there for every question, concern, and even just to lend an ear. Over the course of my ordeal, Michelle has managed to down file the case and get this to a point of Nolle Prossed by jumping through a couple of court-ordered hoops. I can confidently say I'm very pleased in working with her and her team. Michelle does everything in her power to gain ground and build offers (sealed case, plea and pass, and eventually a Nolle Prossed with community service) with the state. Michelle took the time to present the pros and cons of accepting each offer and helps guide you in an educated decision-making process. As we wrap up my case she is being proactive about starting the expungement paperwork. I really believe when she says she honestly cares for her clients. She has tailored her services to meet my needs including getting mugshots removed from websites, talking to landlords, and ensuring my reputation can be completely restored. I would highly suggest her services in your time of need.

Posted by Meghan | July 01, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best in the Biz

I was in a bit of a pickle when I heard about Michelle. Getting a DUI is not the best thing to ever happen in my life but thank god for Michelle and her team. They made me feel calm and in charge of my outcome. She got me a reckless driving on a tough case that involved a lot time and commitment. She... was always a text message away and helped settle my nerves during the almost 2 year battle with the courts. I am so glad I chose her!

See All Client Reviews

Michelle Merson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michelle
Joseph Robert Spencer headshot
Joseph Robert Spencer

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alan Roy Crane headshot
Alan Crane

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ms. Merson for over twenty years. She is a caring and highly skilled attorney that strongly advocates for her clients. I highly recommend her and her firm."

Nicole Monique Loughlin headshot
Nicole Loughlin

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Michelle Merson of the Misdemeanor Clinic."

Michael Adam Haber headshot
Michael Haber

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle Merson's AVVO answers prove that she is a highly skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer, but if you take a moment to read her impressive resume then you'll know that she's an accomplished litigator. If you have a problem in or about the 561 involving "the 3 "c"'s" (i.e. cops, courts and constitutions), and if you hire Michelle Merson then you'll get a 4th "c" - confidence - for free."

Robin I. Bresky headshot
Robin Bresky

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ms. Merson for almost twenty years. She is a caring and compassionate defense attorney. I highly recommend her and her firm."

Michael Scott Steiner headshot
Michael Steiner

Criminal defense lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Ms. Merson. She is a strong advocate for her clients, and is very experienced."

Walter Rudolph Hnot, III headshot
Walter Hnot,

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."

Marina Melman headshot
Marina Melman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent Attorney - I fully endorse"

Krystine Cardona headshot
Krystine Cardona

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Michelle Merson is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate towards her clients. She is a wonderful attorney to work with and would highly recommend retaining her."

Jeffrey Allan Vivo headshot
Jeffrey Vivo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle is a zealous advocate and consummate professional."

Maxine A. Noel headshot
Maxine Noel

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle was so helpful in researching an issue my client has regarding a past dui conviction. She spent a significant amount of time and provided the information for me to relay to my client so expeditiously, it was amazing and she did it as a favor to me as a colleague. I highly recommend her as extremely competent and very responsive."

Arye P. Corbett headshot
Arye Corbett

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I was fortunate enough to work with Michelle for 2 years. If someone asked me who they should call after being cited or arrest for a misdemeanor, I would not hesitate to recommend Michelle and the Misdemeanor Clinic."

Jeffrey Scott Shapiro headshot
Jeffrey Shapiro

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Michelle Merson for several years as a colleague in the South Florida legal community. She is one of the most sincere and helpful attorneys I know. She is generous with her time, dedicated to her clients and the cause of justice and respectful toward fellow members of the judiciary. Simply put, she is precisely the kind of lawyer I would want to hire if I were in a crisis. She is dependable and committed, and I highly recommend her."

Eric Geoffrey Canter headshot
Eric Canter

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is an experienced criminal attorney who I have previously referred clients to."

Scott Evan Reiter headshot
Scott Reiter

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms Merson is an experienced, zealous advocate who fights till the end for her clients."

Pamela Thea Higer Polani headshot
Pamela Polani

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle Merson is a compassionate, diligent and well-respected member of the legal community. Ms. Merson truly cares about her clients and providing them the best legal representation possible. I highly endorse Ms. Merson for her skills and dedication in her field."

Darryl Brent Kogan headshot
Darryl Kogan

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle Merson has my endorsement. She is an excellent attorney with superior skills. You are in good hands if she is providing your representation."

Philip Lawrence Schwartz headshot
Philip Schwartz

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle is a dedicated Criminal Defense attorney who vigorously advocates on behalf of her clients, and is a consummate professional."

Gary Steven Betensky headshot
Gary Betensky

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Stephen Lowry headshot
Mark Lowry

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle is a very skilled and dedicated attorney who cares deeply about each of her clients and their specific needs."

View All Endorsements
William Gary Gerstein headshot
William Gerstein

Immigration lawyer

Michael Adam Haber headshot
Michael Haber

Criminal defense lawyer

Guy Peter Fronstin headshot
Guy Fronstin

Criminal defense lawyer

Krystine Cardona headshot
Krystine Cardona

Family lawyer

Jeffrey Allan Vivo headshot
Jeffrey Vivo

Immigration lawyer

Doreen Yaffa headshot
Doreen Yaffa

Family lawyer

Eric Geoffrey Canter headshot
Eric Canter

Personal injury lawyer

Pamela Thea Higer Polani headshot
Pamela Polani

Estate planning lawyer

James Garfield Dodrill II headshot
James Dodrill

Unknown lawyer

Evan J Werbel headshot
Evan Werbel

Unknown lawyer

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Personal injury lawyer

Robert C Harris headshot
Robert Harris

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Legal Elite 2016, Florida Trend Magazine

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Rated/endorsed by peers, Lead Counsel

1992

Inns of court barristers award, nova southeastern law school

1992

Book Award, Nova Law School

1991

Officer of moot court honor society, Nova southeastern law school

1989

Outstanding 1st year student, Nova Law School

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Law Office of Michelle Merson, Misdemeanor Clinic

2008 - 2015

Attorney, Law Offices of Guy Fronstin

1992 - 2007

Attorney/partner, Merson family partners

Associations

2016 - Present

Florida Association for Women Lawyers

Board of Directors

2016 - Present

Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County

Board of Directors of Womens Philanthropy

2016 - Present

American Inns of Court The Craig S. Barnard American Inn of Court LIV in West Palm Beach

Member

2015 - Present

South Palm Beach County Bar Association

Mentor committee

2015 - Present

The Clemency Project

Volunteer Attorney

2015 - Present

Florida Association Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2015 - Present

Palm Beach Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2015 - Present

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2014 - Present

Jewish Federation

Business and professional cabinet member

2014 - Present

Hillel

Committee Member

2010 - Present

Florida Lawyers Network

Member

2008 - Present

Florida Association for Women Lawyers

Events coordinator / member

2007 - Present

South Palm Beach County Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Jewish Federation

Pomegranate society

Sample of Legal Cases

Domestic Battery By Strangulation

Nolle Prosse

Aggravated Assault; Battery; Criminal Mischief and Battery on a licensed Police Officer

Minimum Statutory Jail Sentence

Agg assault, Battery, Batter on leo, trespass, obstruction

Minimum Statutory Jail Sentence

DUI

Nolle Prosse

Domestic battery - pbc

Nolle prosse - no prosecution

Dating Violence, Trespass after warning

Nolle Prosse - no charges brought

Agg Battery on Pregnant Person w/ deadly weapon

Nolle Prosse - not prosecuted

Domestic Battery - Broward County

Nolle Prosse

2 counts of resisting arrest with violence, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and kidnapping

No Conviction

Domestic Battery - PBC

Nolle Prosse

Domestic Battery - PBC

Nolle Prosse

Domestic Battery by Strangulation

Nolle Prosse

Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell

Adjudication Withheld - No Conviction

Domestic Battery - Broward

Nolle Prosse

Domestic Battery - PBC

Nolle Prosse - case dismissed

Victim Representation - Date Rape

Victim Representation

DUI

Conviction for Reckless Driving

White Collar

No Charges Brought

DUI

Conviction

Aggravated Assault w/ Deadly Weapon

down filed to mm - adjudication withheld (no conviction)

Domestic Battery

Dismissed

Possess of Schedule IV drugs and heroin

Adjudication withheld - no conviction

Domestic Battery - PBC

Nolle Prosse

DUS - open warrant

Withhold of Adjudication

Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer/ Resisting Arrest

Diversion - Dismissed

Reckless Driving - Broward

Adjudication Withheld (no conviction) - Reckless Driving

Domestic Battery

Nolle Prosse= Not Guilty

Open House Party/possession of alcohol under 21

Pre Trial Diversion - Nolle Prosse

DUI

Withhold of Adjudication - No Conviction

Possession of Drugs - Indian River

Withhold of Adjudication - No Conviction

Battery on an elderly person

Adjudication Withheld - no conviction

Domestic Battery

Dismissed

DUI

nolle prosse - dismisseed

Domestic Violence

Not Guilty

Assault/Battery

Probation

Restraining Order Defense

Dismissed

Trespassing

Dismissed

DUI

Adjudication Withheld (no conviction) - Reckless Driving

DUI

No Conviction- Adjudication Withheld

Resisting Arrest

Nolle Prose = Not Guilty

Theft

Withhold of Adjudication - No Conviction

Outstanding Warrant

Warrant Recalled

Domestic Battery/Grand Theft

Nolle Prosse

Domestic Battery

Nolle Prosse

Shoplifting

Nolle Prosse

Possession of Marijuana less than 20g

Nolle Prosse

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center

Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor

1987

Georgetown University

Paralegal Studies

N/A

University of Mississippi

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Florida Association for Women Lawyers

Mentoring At Risk Teens

Publications

2019

Misdemeanor Clinic Don't Speak

2018

Misdemeanor Clinic Breaking Down Miranda

2017

2016

Misdemeanor Clinic Florida Rape Laws

2016

2016

2016

2016

2016

2016

2016

Misdemeanor Clinic DISORDERLY CONDUCT

2016

Misdemeanor Clinic When Your Teen Turns 18

2016

Misdemeanor Clinic Think Before You Leave

2016

Misdemeanor Clinic Simple Assault in Florida

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution