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Melinda A. Morris

DUI and DWI Attorney at Saint Petersburg, FL

4.9   65 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
(727) 258-5349
Message Website
  • Licensed for 23 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Great Experience
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Fantastic, tenacious and compassionate
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Melinda

Learn Melinda’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    20%
    The Morris Law Firm represents clients throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay Area (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota) on DUI, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Offenses, Drug Offenses (including Drug Trafficking), White Collar Crimes, Traffic Offenses, Driver License Suspensions, BUI, Battery / Assault, Theft, Burglary / Robbery, Firearm / Weapons Offenses, Violations of Probation, Sealing / Expunging criminal records, and all other misdemeanor and felony offenses.

    24 years

  2. DUI and DWI
    20%
    The Morris Law Firm has specific knowledge and experience in DUI defense. Melinda Morris served on the DUI Manslaughter / Vehicular Homicide Squad while a State Attorney, and was responsible for prosecuting very serious DUI cases from investigation through trial. As well, Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting DUI cases from the State of Florida. For a DUI Attorney, this inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

    24 years

  3. Domestic violence
    20%
    Melinda Morris is an experienced Domestic Violence attorney who served in the Domestic Violence Division while a State Attorney, and was responsible for prosecuting a range of serious Domestic Violence Offenses from investigation through trial. As well, Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting Domestic Violence cases from the State of Florida. For a Domestic Violence attorney, this inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your Domestic Violence case.

    24 years

  4. Juvenile law
    20%
    Melinda Morris is an experienced Juvenile lawyer who served in the Juvenile Division while a State Attorney, and was responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious Juvenile Offenses from investigation through trial. Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting Juvenile Offenses from the State of Florida and successfully tried juvenile cases before a Circuit Court Judge. For a Juvenile lawyer this inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

    24 years

  5. White collar crime
    20%
    Melinda Morris is an experienced White Collar Crime attorney who was a State Attorney responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious White Collar Crime cases from investigation through trial. As well, Ms. Morris received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree concurrently with her Law Degree from Stetson University. This unique combination of business legal education is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

    24 years

ST. PETERSBURG CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY | DUI | FIRST TIME OFFENDERS | JUVENILE | DRUG CHARGES

Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former State Attorney and criminal prosecutor Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing.

 

Extensive Criminal Law Experience

While a felony prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office, Ms. Morris prosecuted thousands of criminal cases including DUI in Pinellas County, Domestic Violence, Violation of Injunctions, Juvenile Cases, Drug Offenses (including Drug Trafficking, Outstanding Warrants, Bond Hearings, Violations of Probation  White Collar Crime and many other criminal offenses.

 

As well, Ms. Morris served as a member of the DUI Manslaughter/Vehicular Homicide Squad, a Lead Trial Attorney, a Domestic Violence Prosecutor, and a Child Abuse Prosecutor. Ms. Morris has participated in 50 jury trials, and has first‐hand experience and jury trials for First Degree Murder, Manslaughter, Capital Sexual Battery, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Battery, DUI, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle and Petit Theft.

 

Her local knowledge of the criminal justice system coupled with years of extensive work both prosecuting and defending cases enables her the ability to identify weaknesses in the State Attorney’s case and pursue the best possible outcome for you.

 

A Strong Legal Education that Benefits Clients

Ms. Morris attended Stetson University where she received both a Juris Doctorate (Law Degree) and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Stetson University College of Law is ranked No. 1 for trial advocacy and No. 5 for legal writing by U.S. News & World Report and has provided Ms. Morris her outstanding legal foundation.

 

Ms. Morris’ MBA degree in addition to her JD degree enables her to understand the nuances and intricacies of business and corporate procedure, and allows her to provide outstanding representation for those clients accused of White Collar Crimes.

 

Professional Recognition

St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyer, Melinda Morris, has been recognized with several achievements including in 2008 when Ms. Morris was named a "Rising Star" by Tampa Bay Times (TBT). Ms. Morris is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a member of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member of the St. Petersburg Bar Association.

Awards

Client's Choice 2022,2021,2020,2017,2016,2015,2012
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2020 + 4 ...

Photos and videos

Photos and videos

Contact Melinda

Morris Law Firm, P.A.
111 2nd Ave NE, #515
Saint Petersburg, FL, 33701
criminalattorneystpetersburg.com
Message Get Directions

Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0
  65 customer reviews
5 Star
 
95%
4 Star
 
2%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
3%
Client's Choice 2022
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by anonymous | October 7, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Experience
I think everyone's biggest concern when hiring a lawyer is will the lawyer be responsive, and will they put your best interests first. Melinda represented me in two cases in which my wife was trying to manipulate the system using false charges to obtain more custody of our daughter. Melinda was always reachable, her advise was sound, and ultimately she was able to get the charges dropped without trial, or plea.
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Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic, tenacious and compassionate
To the point: Melinda Morris is not only an amazing lawyer, but a compassionate human being. I received same day representation for my child with warmth and tenacious legal experience. Melinda is what is right about a complex, confusing and sometimes corrupt legal system. I never knew the value of an excellent criminal defense lawyer until my family needed one. I cannot thank Melinda Morris enough.
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Posted by anonymous | February 21, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
100% on top of my situation
I knew right away Melinda knew what's she was doing. this was proven 100%. Melinda met me and was successful in my case
Posted by Stephen | December 5, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Look no further than Morris law
Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamd of better counsel.
Posted by anonymous | July 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Seth Shapiro at Morris Law Firm: Amazing
The Morris Law Firm helped me tremendously in a time of anxiety and high stress. Seth Shapiro fought for my justice and was able to help close my case in a way that is often hard to obtain. His communication was immediate and helpful with insight of both counsel and advice on how to proceed within the next steps of my case. The Morris Law Firm wants their clients' rights to be protected and their integrities to be shown regardless of the situation. As a client, I felt cared for, respected, and at ease knowing that my attorney was continually exploring every legal option on my behalf. My attorney explained every process and law in detail to me, proving that he knew the information like the back of his hand. I would recommend this law firm ten times over and more.
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Posted by Chris | May 8, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Superb
Hired the attorney to help expunge my record. The firm was responsive and fast at resolving my case to get it expunged.
Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Law Firm, Highly Recommend
I have nothing but positive things to say. If you need help, I would highly recommend. The level of support, knowledge, representation and the overall experience working with them is unmatched.
Posted by David | February 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Seth Shapiro and Melinda Morris at Morris Law
  Seth Shapiro was not only knowledgeable regarding the law, he was also able to provide valuable insight pertaining to the colleagues that would be representing other parties, the attorneys that would be representing the state, and even the Judges that would be presiding over the hearings should our case gone to trial. He was able to provide these insights within two days of my hiring the Morris Law Firm, giving me a much needed "general feeling" of what I could expect from the other parties involved and how things would proceed in the courts.   I quickly began to see that Seth was well regarded and trusted by his colleagues in the legal system, often able to work out agreements with the other attorneys before they reached the court, saving everyone time and money. Seth provided solid legal advice on how to best navigate the situations presented to me, even when they were poor scenarios at best or not what I wanted to hear. Seth Shapiro brought situations to me in a realistic and factual manner, understood my emotional state in choosing my options, then spoke to me in a needed manner when cooler heads had to prevail. In the short time I delt with Seth, I quickly learned to trust his opinion and place my faith in him fully to make the best decisions for me in what became a great outcome for us. I hope to never need the full extent of his services- but he has gained my full confidence in any legal matter.
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Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Charges overturned and dropped after just a few weeks
I had been represented by another attorney for 4 months, but felt like I was not getting the justice I deserved. I was falsely accused of battery by an ill ex, who also happen to be a recently early retired undercover detective. So he knew how to work the system. I was offered a year of DBI classes without ever even being heard. I contacted Morris Law Firm, and within a few weeks Seth Shapiro had my case overturned and the courts dropped all charges against me. He walked me through everything that was happening (which I not previously gotten from other attorney), and the service was just exceptional. If anyone I cross has any legal matters at all I will definitely be sending to Mr. Shapiro!
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Posted by Seydina | January 14, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Simply the best
If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone . She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease . You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda .
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Posted by anonymous | September 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Seth Shapiro
I highly recommend Seth Shapiro for your legal needs. I was charged with a 2nd degree misdemeanor and it was a very stressful time for me. I contacted the Morris Law Firm and Seth Shapiro called me back within minutes from court. Seth explained my options and told me what to expect. Mr. Shapiro was able to contact the State Attorneys office and convinced them to drop the case against me. The charge would have had a negative impact on my employment and my clean record. Seth Shapiro is in the process of expunging my record. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication Mr. Shapiro.
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Posted by anonymous | August 2, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Seth Shapiro
I had a petit theft case from 2013 that I never handled and moved away. Never went to court, a warrant was issued. I moved back to Florida in 2020 and was arrested at a small traffic stop for the warrant. I hired Mr. Shapiro to help me deal with this issue. It took about 3 months, which is no time at all, but the warrant and the case are closed. I ended up taking a 4-hour online course about theft awareness for the State to drop the charges. The next move is expungement. Great firm, knows how to get stuff done!
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Posted by Tim | June 28, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great at what they do
Completely satisfied with the result of my court case. Seth was there every step of the way and explained everything in terms that are understandable in a rapid fashion. You will not be disappointed when under Morris Law firm’s care.
Posted by Christopher | March 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Attorney
Melinda is not only a great person but one of the best Attorneys I’ve ever dealt with! She is very attentive and always on point! She surprised me with what she was capable of doing for me! I would highly recommend her to anyone that is in a bad situation legally! Melinda worked very hard for me and worth every penny! Thank you Melinda for everything!!!!
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Posted by Sierra | February 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Very professional and excellent communication throughout the entire process.
Posted by anonymous | January 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best of the best.
This firm's expertise and real-world experience made all the difference. Easily accessible, infinitely knowledgable. If you find yourself in an unexpected situation with legal ramifications you can't understand, reach out to them.
Posted by anonymous | January 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
I hired Melinda Morris for a violation of probation case. She got my arrest warrant lifted and my probation terminated. It felt like a miracle. Melinda herself was very easy to talk to, as well as prompt in responding to questions. I have no complaints and would highly recommend.
Posted by Tramain Tarver | December 17, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Melinda Morris
I would like to thank you Melinda Morris for basically getting through to the judge in a quick like manor having him to go back to look at my tickets to overturn my points. Keep up the terrific work
Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Custody
Melinda is an Amazing Lawyer,I had a problem with my ex husband , my case was closed with no trial,I am so thank ful !!!
Posted by anonymous | October 17, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I made a very good choice in Melinda Morris
My case had some aggravating factors and that is never good. This was traffic, no injuries. Due to the factors it was serious. I had good communication through out the entire process with Melinda. She laid out possible approaches and really did pull out all the stops. I read on Reddit quite a bit so I learned a lot about what others are getting. Due to my levels it was not an easy case. So I ended up getting the minimums mandated for which I was grateful. I won't be pulling any bone head stunts again. Not sure what others paid other lawyers but, while not the cheapest by far the best outcome I could hope for. I recommend Melinda Morris.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 120 minutes
Payment methods
Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner / Managing Partner
  • Morris Law Firm
  • 2008 - Present
  • Trial Attorney
  • Nationwide Mutual Ins. Co.
  • 2004 - 2007
  • Prosecuting Attorney
  • Florida State Attorney’s Office
  • 1999 - 2004

Education

  • Stetson University College of Law
  • Juris Doctor (Law)
  • 1999
  • Stetson University College of Law
  • MBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • 1999
  • Florida State University
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • 1996

Legal Cases

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
  • On April 21, 2010, the Morris Law Firm successfully defended client at trial arguing client was not in actual physical control of the vehicle. Client was found Not Guilty.
  • Juvenile Criminal Defense
  • The Morris Law Firm also successfully negotiated with the State Attorney’s Office to have client’s felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor Battery.
  • Domestic Battery
  • On October 19, 2009 client hired the Morris Law Firm. the Morris Law Firm was successful in getting the State Attorney’s Office to drop the case and not pursue any criminal charges against the client (No Information).
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Hillsborough County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • St. Petersburg Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Florida Bar
  • Member
  • 1999 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2017
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2016
  • Client Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2015
  • TBT Rising Star
  • Tampa Bay Times
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • DRI Meeting - (An International Organization for Defense Attorneys)
  • The Practice of Criminal Defense
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (16)
Given (15)
Endorse Melinda
Todd Benjamin Miller headshot
Todd Miller
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Melinda has the knowledge and tenacity to effectively defend any charge. She is ethical, intelligent and aggressive. I highly recommend her."
Leslie Miller Sammis headshot
Leslie Sammis
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work for any criminal defense case in Florida."
Tauna Ren Bogle headshot
Tauna Bogle
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Morris was my lead trial attorney at the State Attorney's Office many years ago. She is now a skilled and trustworthy Criminal Defense Attorney."
Clifford Keith Watson Wells headshot
Clifford Wells
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. She is an intelligent, caring, hard working attorney who cares about her clients."
Jason Arthur Herman headshot
Jason Herman
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Melinda is an experienced criminal attorney. Have recommended her firm in the past and will continue to do so in the future."
Sean-Kelly Xenakis headshot
Sean-Kelly Xenakis
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Christina Battaglia Xenakis headshot
Christina Xenakis
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Scott Douglas Camassar headshot
Scott Camassar
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Melinda has excellent experience and is highly regarded in the legal community for her knowledge, skills and expertise."
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Melinda is a superb criminal defense lawyer. She is aggressive, compassionate, and fights like a warrior for her clients."
James Bennett Coulter III headshot
James Coulter
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She knows what she is doing and she is great at it!"
Matthew A. Dolman headshot
Matthew Dolman
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a tremendous advocate"
William Raymond Holley headshot
William Holley
General practice Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Richard Oliver Hale IV headshot
Richard Hale
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Melinda is a talented trial lawyer and a wonderful professional."
Jason Daniel Sammis headshot
Jason Sammis
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Kristan Smith Coad headshot
Kristan Coad
General practice Attorney | Nov 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Summer Rae Goldman headshot
Summer Goldman
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
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Misa A. Everist headshot
Misa Everist
Unknown
Sean-Kelly Xenakis headshot
Sean-Kelly Xenakis
Unknown
Christina Battaglia Xenakis headshot
Christina Xenakis
Personal injury
Jeffrey Lee Morris headshot
Jeffrey Morris
Criminal defense
Brooke Victoria Elvington headshot
Brooke Elvington
Appeals
William Raymond Holley headshot
William Holley
General practice
Richard Oliver Hale IV headshot
Richard Hale
Car accident
Jason Daniel Sammis headshot
Jason Sammis
Criminal defense
Lindsay T Brigman headshot
Lindsay Brigman
Litigation
Steven Howard Weinberger headshot
Steven Weinberger
Litigation
Kenneth Wallace MacCollom headshot
Kenneth MacCollom
Personal injury
Maria Diblasio Hale headshot
Maria Hale
Criminal defense
Summer Rae Goldman headshot
Summer Goldman
Criminal defense
Kristan Smith Coad headshot
Kristan Coad
Personal injury
Leslie Miller Sammis headshot
Leslie Sammis
Criminal defense
Saint Petersburg DUI and DWI Lawyer Melinda A. Morris
Melinda A. Morris
DUI and DWI Attorney
Saint Petersburg, FL
Licensed for 23 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available
(727) 258-5349 Message Website