Melissa Renea Sharpsteen

Melissa Renea Sharpsteen

4.9
Rating: 8.7

Licensed for 30 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Saint Petersburg, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Bankruptcy & Debt, Personal Injury

915 First Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL

About Melissa

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 45%

Representing individual debtor's in Chapter 7 & 13 bankruptcies.

29 years

45%
Criminal Defense 45%

Criminal Practice includes Federal Criminal, all felonies, all misdemeanors, traffic matters, juvenile matters and trial work.

29 years

45%
Personal Injury 10%

Representation for auto accidents and other injury case.

29 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 30 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1995

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Melissa R. Sharpsteen & Associates, P.A.

915 First Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33705

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Melissa Renea Sharpsteen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

12 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (12) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | October 26, 2010 | Criminal Defense

Fabulous Attorney

I had Melissa represent me while I dealt with a DUI case. I was very overwhelmed as I have never been in trouble with the law. She was so kind, and professional, and made me feel as though she was genuinely concerned for my well-being. She always kept me informed throughout the process and I have rec...ommeded her to all my friends and family. She knows the business, is very knowledgeable and I had complete faith that I would be fine in the end. My case ended up being dropped down to a reckless and I have automatic termination after I complete all my community service. I highly recommend her to anyone facing DUI.

See All Client Reviews

Melissa Renea Sharpsteen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
John Greel Ralls Jr. headshot
John Ralls

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this talented and knowledgeable attorney, who is well-respected in the legal community."

Herbert Ira Ellis headshot
Herbert Ellis

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sean Keith McQuaid headshot
Sean McQuaid

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Laura Gapske headshot
Laura Gapske

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael D. Fluke headshot
Michael Fluke

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Craig A. Epifanio headshot
Craig Epifanio

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Summer Rae Goldman headshot
Summer Goldman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melissa is an outstanding attorney. I highly endorse her work!"

Joseph Montrone Jr. headshot
Joseph Montrone

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Nick Jay Dorsten headshot
Nick Dorsten

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Rex Robinson Blake headshot
Rex Blake

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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!"

Maribeth L. Wetzel headshot
Maribeth Wetzel

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Kimberly Phillips Todd headshot
Kimberly Todd

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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!"

Anne Frances Borghetti headshot
Anne Borghetti

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Matthew Decell Weidner headshot
Matthew Weidner

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A powerful, hard working, committed lawyer. My highest possible endorsement!"

Marc F. Plotnick headshot
Marc Plotnick

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Haydee C. Oropesa headshot
Haydee Oropesa

Debt collection lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Summer Rae Goldman headshot
Summer Goldman

Criminal defense lawyer

Craig A. Epifanio headshot
Craig Epifanio

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Montrone Jr. headshot
Joseph Montrone

Criminal defense lawyer

Nick Jay Dorsten headshot
Nick Dorsten

Criminal defense lawyer

Rex Robinson Blake headshot
Rex Blake

Criminal defense lawyer

Maribeth L. Wetzel headshot
Maribeth Wetzel

Criminal defense lawyer

Anne Frances Borghetti headshot
Anne Borghetti

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc F. Plotnick headshot
Marc Plotnick

Criminal defense lawyer

Haydee C. Oropesa headshot
Haydee Oropesa

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.7 (Excellent)

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Senior Attorney, Shareholder, Melissa R. Sharpsteen & Associates, P.A.

Associations

2011 - Present

Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation

Board of Directors

2010 - Present

Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation

Member

2010 - Present

Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation One Step Closer to the Cure 5k Run/Walk

Chairperson

2005 - Present

Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association

Member

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 Court

Attorney Volunteer

2007 - 2007

Stetson Law School

Judge - Opening Statements Competition

2002 - 2006

Barney Masterson Inns of Court

Member

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

See More Legal Cases

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

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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