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Melissa Renea Sharpsteen
About Melissa
Biography
Melissa is licensed to practice law in the United States Federal Middle District Courts as well as the Florida State Courts. She is experienced in the courtroom, having conducted both jury and nonjury trials in both criminal and civil cases. Throughout her career, Melissa has remained active in the legal community. Additionally, in keeping with her commitment to public service, she continues to participate in pro bono and charitable causes, most recently being named to the Board of Directors of the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation.
When not pursuing legal and community service goals, Melissa enjoys Muay Thai kickboxing, snowboarding, traveling & spending time with her family and friends.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 30 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Melissa R. Sharpsteen & Associates, P.A.
915 First Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33705
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Melissa Renea Sharpsteen's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
12 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews
Posted by Cary | December 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
10 stars
Melissa was not only a great attorney she is a warm and compassionate human being! She will fight for you, as she did me! Not only did she get me the best possible outcome to my case she negotiated my medical bills as well! Top notch service
Posted by Kathy | January 09, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Awesome Attorney!!!!
If you need an attorney who is on your side, give Melissa a call!!! She is very knowledgeable and will go out of her way to help you with your case! I wouldn't use any other attorney
Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2011 | Criminal Defense
There's great comfort in knowing your lawyer is truly on your side
I was faced with a misdemeanor case and a very dear friend of mine strongly recommended me to Melissa Sharpsteen. All communication, throughout the time that I was accused and until Melissa called me to report the results that my case was dropped, were communicated via telephone and through some emai...
Posted by Ralph | April 13, 2011 | Criminal Defense
Melissa and her associate Michael saved my life and my Freedom
I was facing a minimum 36.5 months in prison if I was found guilty of even the smallest violation of my probation. I hired Melissa and Michael from the Pinellas County Jail where I sat. Melissa and Michael worked Non Stop for days straight, not only fighting the allegations against me but also bein...
Posted by Zachary | January 21, 2011 | DUI & DWI
makes you fell safe!
When I called around looking for lawyers I did not know one from the other one. I spoke to several different offices and explained my DUI case but no one really seemed to care. They just wanted me in their office to sign me up. Until I called Melissa. The moment I called they gave me information ...
Melissa Renea Sharpsteen's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this talented and knowledgeable attorney, who is well-respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Ms. Sharpsteen for several years. I have always been impressed with her knowledge of the law as well as her dedication and enthusiasm in representing her clients. I would highly recommend Ms. Sharpsteen."
"I have seen Melissa in action. She is a fierce litigator who will never give up on a case. Her commitment to her clients makes Melissa Sharpsteen an attorney worth hiring."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Sharpsteen is a lawyer I have known to be very committed to her clients. This committment has shown through in the high quality of legal representation she provides for each client. Furthermore, she is one of the most well-respected attorneys in her field. I strongly recommend her."
"Melissa is an outstanding attorney. I highly endorse her work!"
"I have known Melissa for many years. She works delligently for her clients. She has an excellent reputation in the legal community. I highly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is an excellent attorney and someone I have worked with for years. I would not hesitate to recommend her as she is an excellent attorney who is always prepared."
"Melissa has a deadly one two punch of both intelligence and compassion making her one of the fiercest litigators in Tampa Bay. Do not be fooled by her petite frame and kindness, Melissa has the instincts of a champion and will use her experience and vast knowledge of many legal topics to achieve the best results for her clients. Whether it would be for a civil or criminal matter, I strongly endorse Melissa and would always want her in my corner!"
"I have had the opportunity to witness Melissa's advocacy skills first hand on several occasions. She is compassionate when needed and aggressive when the situation calls for it. Melissa is always well prepared and ready to fight for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is a pleasure to work with and a very effective advocate for her clients. She is very knowledgeable in criminal law and has trial experience!"
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Melissa for over 15 years. We both represented a man who was indicted by the federal government for conspiracy to distribute a large quantity of cocaine. She effective took apart the governments case. She is a very tenacious advocate. At present we both represent a man who is being investigated for mail and wire fraud. We have successfully, stopped the investigation. Melissa is a very highly respected attorney in the Tampa Bay Area. She commands a superior knowledge of the law. I have seen her in Bankruptcy court where she is very thorough and precise. It is without hesitation that I recommend Melissa to you if you want effective representations."
"A powerful, hard working, committed lawyer. My highest possible endorsement!"
"There truly is no other attorney in the entire Tampa Bay legal community who cares more for her clients and the legal community than Melissa Sharpsteen. Melissa is always abreast of the law and any changes in it. Additionally, she sees it as her duty to make all attorneys better attorneys. If all attorneys were more like Ms. Sharpsteen, there would be no need for rules of professional conduct. She encourages attorneys to be better attorneys and clients to be better individuals. I personally thank her for making me a better attorney and a better person."
"I have known Ms. Sharpsteen for a significant amount of time now and can honestly say that Ms. Sharpsteen without a doubt is a fierce advocate and a force to be reckoned with as a legal opponent. Melissa is an incredible human being, warm, caring, and loyal to friends and family. Professionally, that same character trait is present as she cares deeply for the plight of her clients and works aggressively in protecting their rights and defending their cause. Those who call upon Ms. Sharpsteen to act as their legal representative will find that they have entrusted their case to an intelligent, aggressive, and skilled attorney who will go beyond the call of duty. I endorse Melissa Sharpsteen."
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Experience
Work Experience
1996 - Present
Senior Attorney, Shareholder, Melissa R. Sharpsteen & Associates, P.A.
Associations
2011 - Present
Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer FoundationBoard of Directors
2010 - Present
Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer FoundationMember
2010 - Present
Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation One Step Closer to the Cure 5k Run/WalkChairperson
2005 - Present
Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2000 - Present
St. Petersburg Bar Association
2000 - Present
Florida Bar, Criminal Law Section
1995 - Present
Florida Bar Assocation
2010 - 2010
Pinellas County Homeless CourtAttorney Volunteer
2007 - 2007
Stetson Law SchoolJudge - Opening Statements Competition
2002 - 2006
Barney Masterson Inns of CourtMember
2000 - 2003
Canakaris American Inn of Court
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Florida v. E.M
State v Moore
Not Guilty
State v R.D.
State filed a "no information" dismissing the new charge and the violation of probation
State v C.M
Not Guilty
Education
1995
Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville
law
1990
University of Michigan
Economics
Speaking Engagements
2011
Law Day High School Speakers Program
Rights & Responsibilities of Young Adults
2011
Guest Speaker
Advocating for clients, patients and a cause
2011
Criminal Justice Students
Criminal Defense Advocacy
2007
Law Day High School Speakers Program
Rights and Responsibilities of Becoming a Young Adult
2006
Law Day Speakers Program
Rights and Responsibilites of Young Adults
2005
Law Day High School Speakers Program
Rights & Responsibilities of Young Adults
Publications
2001
Tampa Bay Review
Sometimes, law is an exotic business
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers