Criminal Defense Lawyers in
St. Petersburg, FL
Morris Law Firm, P.A.
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. Just because you were arrested does not mean that you will be convicted or suffer the plethora of penalties that come with a conviction. If you or a family member has been arrested, it is important you carefully consider all of your legal options. Whether you have been arrested for a misdemeanor offense, such as DUI, or a serious felony drug crime, you have a lot at stake.
You owe it to yourself to seek out the services of an experienced and dedicated criminal attorney who will never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. Our criminal defense attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL, can work one-on-one with you to make sure your rights are preserved and fight to have your charges reduced or even dropped. We fight cases throughout Pinellas County and the surrounding counties in the Tampa Bay Area.
Morris Law Firm, P.A. provides a free initial consultation. Call (727) 388-4736 to have your questions answered personally by Melinda Morris. Contact Us Today. During your free initial consultation, we will determine, based on the unique facts and circumstances of your case, an affordable, flexible payment plan that provides you qualified legal representation. We will take over all aspects of your case by tracking it in the court system, analyzing the state’s evidence, preparing defense motions and entering negotiations with the state, all in an effort to minimize the impact on you.-
The faith that I put into the hands of this team of loving, caring, compassionate Attorneys was life changing.
“I'd like to start out first with wishing there was a higher star rating for this review. The faith that I put into the hands of this team of loving, caring, compassionate Attorneys was life changing. ...”
- Shannon W. on Google -
Mr. Shapiro took on our case on a Sunday evening and had us in front of the judge the next day.
“We were on vacation in Florida and ran into some troubles and needed an attorney. Mr. Shapiro took on our case on a Sunday evening and had us in front of the judge the next day (which other attorneys ...”
- Jennifer A. on Google -
If in doubt about your legal options, it is well worth a call to Morris Law Firm.
“Seth Shapiro of Morris Law Firm provided accurate and clear outlines of my options and the likely results, on a Saturday no less! Timely communication, answers to my questions and full follow through ...”
- Scott S. on Google -
Go with Seth. You'll be glad you did.
“Seth's dedication, knowledge of the law, and real world experience make all the difference. Expert help on important, life-altering issues aren't the place to cut corners. Go with Seth. You'll be glad ...”
- Peter W. on Google -
Ultimately she was able to get the charges dropped without trial, or plea.
“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 ...”
- Avvo User
Why Choose Our Law Firm?
See the Difference Our Service Provides-
FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
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STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
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TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
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PERSONAL ATTENTION
We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
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PROMPT COMMUNICATION
You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
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SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.
Cases we Handle
Dedicated to Criminal Defense
Case Results
Throughout the years, the Morris Law Firm has defended individuals for a variety of criminal offenses. For your reference, we have added many of our previous case results to this website. These case results are a sample of Melinda Morris' and Seth Shapiro’s representation in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo and and throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Sarasota County, Manatee County, and surrounding communities.
Disclaimer: The Florida Bar does not approve or review the case results that criminal defense attorneys provide on their website. As you learn more about our recent case results and statements regarding the quality of our work, please be aware of each of the following:
- The facts and circumstances of your case may differ from the facts and circumstances of the cases we discuss here.
- Not all results are provided.
- The case results discussed here are not necessarily representative of the results obtained in all cases.
- Each case is different and must be evaluated and handled on its own merit.
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Traffic Violation Reckless Driving Reduced to Speeding Ticket
Facts: The client was charged criminally with reckless driving after an undercover officer observed him driving aggressively and speeding. The client denied any reckless driving.
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DUI Jury Trial – Not Guilty Verdict
Facts: The client (a professional engineer in a Ph.D. program) had two prior DUI convictions. The client was pulled over after attending a local baseball game. The client performed Field Sobriety Tests but refused breathalyzer tests. The client admitted to drinking six beers over a period of time. The client faced significant jail time as it would have been his 3rd DUI and a 10-year driver's license revocation.
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Domestic Violence Injunction Denied
Facts: The client was accused of domestic violence/rape by his ex-wife and faced substantial prison time. The wife obtained a temporary restraining order (injunction) significantly limiting the client’s contact with his children. The client retained the Morris Law Firm to represent him on the rape charge and the injunction.
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DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving
Facts: Police responded after client’s vehicle got stuck on an embankment. Police requested Field Sobriety Tests, client refused. Client was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Police requested a Breathalyzer test that client also refused. Client faced a DUI conviction, drivers license suspension, probation, and fines.
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False Report of a Crime Nolle Prosequi (dismissed)
Facts: The client was involved in a minor single-vehicle accident while on his motorcycle. At his girlfriend’s insistence, he reported the incident to the police. He had damage to his motorcycle consistent with laying it down while attempting to make a turn. Police did not believe him and arrested him for Filing a False Police Report as well as Resisting Arrest without Violence.
Recent News
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By: Seth Shapiro Morris Law Firm Attorneys rated one of the Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in St. Petersburg!View Article- Criminal Defense,
- Florida Criminal Law
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By: Seth Shapiro People Love Us On Yelp (and other places too)!View Article
- Criminal Defense,
- DUI,
- First Time Offender,
- Florida Criminal Law,
- Domestic Violence,
- Expungement,
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By: Seth Shapiro Marijuana Smell Alone is Back! Marijuana Enforcement in Florida - A Haze of Confusion - Part 2View Article
- Criminal Defense,
- Drug Defense,
- Marijuana Defense
Personal, One-On-One Attention
At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your concerns are our highest priorities. We understand the immense stress that a criminal charge can bring. The experienced criminal defense attorneys of Morris Law Firm, P.A. will be there with you every step of the way, fighting to protect your future from the possibility of prison, jail, fines and a criminal record. Whether you are facing a DUI in St. Petersburg or a felony offense in Clearwater, our skilled and dedicated attorneys are here to help. Contact a compassionate and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer at Morris Law Firm, P.A., located in the Greater Tampa Bay area. Call (727) 388-4736 to schedule a free consultation.
Former Prosecutor Fighting for the Accused
Melinda Morris, the managing partner of Morris Law Firm, P.A., is an experienced criminal defense attorney and former Assistant State Attorney with the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Florida. As a former prosecutor, Melinda has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing. She entered private practice to focus exclusively on criminal defense after gaining valuable experience as a prosecutor in Pinellas County. Melinda’s extensive knowledge of the Florida criminal justice system enables her to identify weaknesses in the State Attorney’s case. She uses her 20+ years of experience as an attorney to pursue the best possible outcome for clients. Melinda is a strong advocate for her clients, no matter the charge. She has represented those facing a variety of felony and misdemeanor offenses, including DUI charges, drug offenses, domestic violence and white collar crimes. As a criminal defense attorney, she also works with clients in sealing criminal records and probation violations.
Protecting the Rights of Out-of-State Clients
If you have been charged with a crime or have an outstanding warrant in Florida, but currently reside outside of Florida, we still can represent you in your criminal case. Morris Law Firm, P.A. may be able to appear in court on your behalf, ensuring you will not have to return to Florida to deal with your criminal charges. Our attorneys can make the process of dealing with criminal charges easier. We can correspond with you via e-mail and phone to effectively provide you experienced criminal defense representation. We are adamant about keeping you informed and working to defend your rights. This can significantly reduce the burden you face and allow you to move on with your life, while we defend your freedom and record.
Skilled Legal Counsel in DUI/Drunk Driving Cases
One of the most common criminal offenses in Florida is driving under the influence. This offense is heavily prosecuted and can carry a wide variety of penalties and repercussions. A conviction for DUI can be a heavy burden when applying for a job or even continuing your education. Melinda Morris is skilled on both sides of the law when it comes to DUI charges. As a state attorney, she served on the DUI Manslaughter / Vehicular Homicide squad and was responsible for prosecuting serious cases, beginning with the investigation through the trial phase. Additionally, she received special training on prosecuting DUI cases from the state. This inside knowledge and experience allows her to fight for the rights of clients facing a variety of DUI-related charges, including DUI with property damage, commercial DUI and even out-of-state visitor DUI. She understands how prosecutors work in these cases, and she knows how to build a strong defense against the charges.
Based on our experience in the practice area of DUI defense, the Morris Law Firm wrote a book – What You Must Know If You Have Been Arrested For DUI – A Former State Prosecutor’s Guide to DUI Charges in Florida – created with the intent to provide critical information about DUI arrests and legal proceedings in Florida to our clients and potential clients.