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.
4.8 /5.0
66 Client Reviews
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Melinda A. Morris
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About Melinda
Biography
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.
St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney | DUI | First Time Offenders | Juvenile | Drug Charges
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
20%
27 years
DUI and DWI
20%
27 years
Domestic Violence
20%
27 years
Juvenile Law
20%
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021 2020
...
+
3
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 26 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Morris Law Firm, P.A.
111 2nd Ave NE, #515, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33701
criminalattorneystpetersburg.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Melinda online.
Melinda A. Morris's Reviews
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Showing 6 - 10 of 65 reviews
Posted by David | February 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
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...
Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Violent Crime
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 w...
Posted by Seydina | January 14, 2022 | 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 w...
Posted by anonymous | September 06, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
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 a...
Posted by anonymous | August 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
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...
Melinda A. Morris's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer's work for any criminal defense case in Florida."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. She is an intelligent, caring, hard working attorney who cares about her clients."
"Melinda is an experienced criminal attorney. Have recommended her firm in the past and will continue to do so in the future."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Melinda has excellent experience and is highly regarded in the legal community for her knowledge, skills and expertise."
"Melinda is a superb criminal defense lawyer. She is aggressive, compassionate, and fights like a warrior for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. She knows what she is doing and she is great at it!"
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a tremendous advocate"
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"Melinda is a talented trial lawyer and a wonderful professional."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Misa Everist
Unknown lawyer
Sean-Kelly Xenakis
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Christina Xenakis
Personal injury lawyer
Jeffrey Morris
Criminal defense lawyer
Brooke Elvington
Appeals lawyer
William Holley
General practice lawyer
Richard Hale
Car accident lawyer
Jason Sammis
Criminal defense lawyer
Lindsay Brigman
Litigation lawyer
Steven Weinberger
Litigation lawyer
Kenneth MacCollom
Personal injury lawyer
Maria Hale
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Summer Goldman
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Kristan Coad
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Leslie Sammis
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Client's Choice, Avvo
2015
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Client's Choice, Avvo
2008
TBT Rising Star, Tampa Bay Times
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Owner / Managing Partner, Morris Law Firm
2004 - 2007
Trial Attorney, Nationwide Mutual Ins. Co.
1999 - 2004
Prosecuting Attorney, Florida State Attorney’s Office
Associations
2012 - Present
Hillsborough County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
St. Petersburg Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Pinellas County Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Florida BarMember
Sample of 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).
Possession of Controlled Substance
The Morris Law Firm was successful in convincing the prosecutor not to file any criminal charges against the client.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Successful in persuading the state to reduce the client’s DUI charge to Reckless Driving. In addition to avoiding a conviction for DUI the client was also able to avoid a criminal driver license suspension.
Education
1999
Stetson University College of Law
Juris Doctor (Law)
1999
Stetson University College of Law
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
1996
Florida State University
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Speaking Engagements
2010
DRI Meeting - (An International Organization for Defense Attorneys)
The Practice of Criminal Defense
Publications
2016
Amazon Books Publication
What You Must Know If You Have Been Arrested For DUI
2010
St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney
St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney on Florida Criminal Laws
2010
St. Petersburg Criminal Attorney
St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney on Tampa Bay Criminal Cases
2010
Examiner.com
Tampa law enforcement agencies target of civil suit
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
What are Florida Drug Courts?
06 Feb 2015
Legal Guide
The Basics of Mortgage Fraud Crimes in St. Petersburg / Tampa Florida
24 Mar 2010
Legal Guide
Potential Defenses for Drug Possession / Sale / Trafficking in St. Petersburg / Tampa Florida
24 Mar 2010