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Melanie Nell Roe
About Melanie
Biography
With nearly three (3) decades of trial experience, and being no stranger to a jury, Attorney Melanie Roe has successfully tried nearly every kind of case. From simple assault to DUI, possession for sale of controlled substances, meth labs, burglary, robbery, grand theft auto, receiving stolen property, sexual assault, domestic violence, sodomy, child molestation, rape, child abuse/endangerment, torture, home invasion robbery, vehicular manslaughter, murder and multiple murder/special circumstances, she has amassed an impressive list of courtroom victories.
Attorney Melanie Roe strives to develop a strong attorney-client relationship with each client putting her loyalty to the client first.
Attorney Roe was selected for membership into The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers for the year 2013 based on her performance as an exceptional trial lawyer in the practice area of criminal defense law. The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers is a premier group of attorneys who practice criminal defense or civil plaintiff law in California. Members exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership in their respective state or major geographical area. She has maintained membership with them for the years 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Additionally, she has been named a Top Lawyer in the greater Palm Springs area by Palm Springs Life Magazine for the years 2013, 2104 and 2015.
In 2012, she was honored with the Avvo Clients' Choice Award for receiving 5 out of 5 stars on all client reviews and the Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award in 2012 and 2015 for having earned a Client Review Rating Score of 4.5 or higher on a scale of 1-5. The latter award recognized her excellence in quality of service, communications ability, responsiveness and value for money. Less than 4% of the 900,000+ attorneys listed on and have been accorded this Martindale-Hubbell honor of distinction.
Attorney Melanie Roe understands there can be no greater degradation to one's reputation, position and standing in a community than to be falsely accused of a crime. In a civilized society, a false accusation of a crime is, perhaps, far more hideous that the crime itself. And because the accusation is made public via a felony complaint filing, and depending on the charges, the accused often becomes stigmatized and alienated in all of his/her dealings at work, school, or in the family. In all cases, the accused must be represented by counsel who understands this and is prepared to pull out all the stops and wage battle on the accuser. Attorney Melanie Roe believes in, and will honor, your Constitutional right to a trial by jury and your right to confront and cross-examine your accuser. She attributes much of her trial success not just to her ability to expose falsehoods and inconsistencies in testimony and evidence brought by the government via the "crucible of cross-examination", but also with her ability to connect with jurors.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
35 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 34 years
State: California
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Melanie Roe For The Defense
74-923 Highway 111, #226, Indian Wells, CA, 92210
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Melanie Nell Roe's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
23 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (23)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 23 reviews
Posted by Estela | June 01, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
One of the best public defenders in the game.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did for me. You didn’t just represent me — you truly fought for me. From walking me through every possible outcome to negotiating my plea deal and even going the extra mile to help get my charges dismissed after probation — your dedic...
Posted by Charlie | January 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The Absolute Best Attorney at Law
Melanie is an amazing attorney. Melanie will take your case and has the patience to dissect your case and catches every falsifying accusations that is against you. Melanie literally saved my life for what she does. She tells you exactly what she's doing. Melanie is very caring for her clients. Melani...
Posted by Erik | November 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent attorney!
Melanie is a great navigator of the judicial system and was able to push my case out to the maximum trial deadline. She resolved my case, in which I would have had to register for life.
Posted by Daniel | April 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Light at the end of a Long Road
Melanie is first and foremost concerned about the people she represents and defends. She will look into every avenue to assure you are getting a fair representation and to make sure all the issues are covered. I can assure you after a 5 year case with her still with me by my side in the end not willi...
Posted by David | February 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Melanie was specific, respected my wishes, and made me feel comfortable and valuable at all times. She is extremely professional
Melanie was extremely knowledgeable and professional. She made me feel comfortable and valuable. She always explained our options and shared her opinions but left decisions up to me. I would recommend her highly. She was tough when she needed to be and gentle when appropriate.
Melanie Nell Roe's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ms. Roe is an impressive attorney to watch in action. She commands attention and respect in the courtroom, and uses her experience to deftly navigate her cases to advantageous results. I endorse Ms. Roe without hesitation."
"Ms. Roe is one of the most talented and respected attorneys in the community. Her experience, knowledge, and ability to connect with jurors is second to none. You are in great hands with Melanie Roe."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Ms. Roe who was just honored as one of the Top Lawyers in Palm Springs Life!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Melanie is an incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable attorney and I would trust her to handle any level of case. I highly recommend her."
"Melanie Roe is a true defender of persons accused of a crime. She is a fantastic trial attorney who is extremely knowledgeable and fights hard to get the best result for her clients. Melanie is a phenomenal trial attorney who's is at ease in the court room and communicates and connects well with jurors. I highly recomend Melanie Roe as a criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Melanie Roe. I worked with Melanie when we were deputy public defenders. She has a lot of experience as a criminal defense attorney. I saw Melanie in action during very serious criminal trials, and she certainly made an outstanding impression. Her winning record speaks for itself. She is also skilled at negotiating reasonable settlements for her clients."
"I have known Melanie for over 10 years as both a friend and a colleague. She is an extremely competent and experienced criminal defense attorney. She has handled virtually every kind of criminal case and her clients have had the benefit of one of the finest attorneys I know."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked in the same legal community with Melanie for three years in the Coachella Valley, CA (she as a private, and I was a public defender). I must say that Melanie commands respect and attention from both the bench and opposing counsel when she enters the court. She is highly regarded for her intelligence and legal knowledge, and has a natural compassion and sympathy for her clients' circumstances. You can not go wrong when choosing Mel as your legal representative."
"I am a local attorney who has practiced law for the past 19 years. I have known Melanie Row for over a decade. I first met Melanie Row when she was working for the Public Defender's Office in Riverside County. Although attorneys employed by the Public Defender's Office have an extremely busy case load and are generally overworked and underpaid, Melanie Roe would always devote the necessary time in order to properly investigate and prepare her cases. Melanie Roe vigorously represents all of her clients and although some of cases would be resolved by negotiated plea, more often than not - Melanie would litigate a case at trial and receive favorable results. There is no doubt that Melanie Roe is a seasoned defense attorney, always focused on getting the best results for her clients. In my opinion, Melanie Roe is one of the top 10 trial lawyers in Riverside County. Accordingly, I Respectfully endorse Melanie Roe."
"I endorse Melanie Roe. I have been consistently impressed with her skill and presentation. Ms. Roe is very knowledgeable and experienced. She continuously and zealously advocates for her client's rights and interests. Ms. Roe is known, and well-respected by district attorneys, defense attorneys, and judges. She also has a kind heart, and is very pleasant to interact with."
"I know Attorney Roe for over 20 years. I have never met an attorney who is more commited to her clients than she is. Not only does she seek the best result possible from a legal standpoint, but she is also concerned with how best to support her clients in avoiding legal trouble in the future. She sees clients as people with problems, not just as cases. I heartily recommend her."
Shaun Sullivan
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Hickey
Criminal defense lawyer
Forest Wilkerson
Criminal defense lawyer
Manuel Barba
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2015
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers In California, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2012
Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2012, Avvo.com
2012
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
Numerous Golden Spike Awards for Acquittals (2000-2006), Law Offices of the Public Defender, Riverside County
2000
Numerous "Le Hung" awards for hung trials (2000-2006), Law Offices of the Public Defender, Riverside County
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Defense Attorney, Melanie Roe For The Defense, A Private Law Firm
2006 - Present
General Partner, Law Offices of Kennedy & Roe
2017 - 2023
Trial Lawyer, Desert Conflict Panel
2007 - 2007
Associate, Ledger & Kennedy
2000 - 2007
Deputy Public Defender, Law Offices Of The Public Defender, Riverside County
1997 - 1998
Associate, Ward Kroll & Jampol
1995 - 2000
General Partner, Berman & Roe
1988 - 1995
Associate, Stone & Hiles
Associations
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2013 - Present
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial LawyersMember
2013 - Present
National Womens Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2012 - Present
Desert Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
Education
1990
Whittier College School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
University of California, Los Angeles
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Quarterly Conference
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot: Issues of Misconduct in Our Profession
Publications
2008
The Desert Sun
Weekly Legal Nuggets
2007
The Desert Sun
Weekly Legal Nuggets
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My lawyer says that if i FAIL a Polygraph, that they cannot violate my probation. I don't understand, is this true?
11 Aug 2012
Q&A
Can i go visit my boyfriend in jail after i had him arrested for DV?
12 Aug 2012
Q&A
Can you plea bargain a wet reckless without a lawyer?
14 Aug 2012