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.-
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 -
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 -
I researched other lawyers in the area, and none of them compared.
“Seth Shapiro, and Morris Law Firm in general, are consummate professionals. I researched other lawyers in the area, and none of them compared, both in price and assistance. Seth always made himself ...”
- Bill P. on Google -
This law firm gives everything they can to help you receive the best possible outcome.
“Amazing Experience! Highly Recommend!! Not having any idea what the next steps are in a bad situation requires someone with extreme knowledge. I used google to search for a local lawyer and found the ...”
- Amanda S. on Google
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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Drug Crimes Possession of Marijuana – Nolle Prosequi
Facts: The client was on probation for a previous felony charge of Possession of Marijuana when he was arrested again for Possession of Marijuana during a traffic violation and subsequent search of the client’s vehicle. The client faced a felony Violation of Probation on the original charge along with the new charges. The State Attorney was seeking jail time on the felony Violation of Probation.
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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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Drug Crimes Possession of Prescription Pills
Facts: The client was out with friends in downtown St. Petersburg when he was approached and subsequently searched by St. Petersburg police. Officers found the following pills in possession of the client: Klonopin, Prozac, and Geodon.
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DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving
Facts: Client arrested for DUI after by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Initially, the client was stopped for speeding after being clocked on radar going 76 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. The client consented to field sobriety tests which were recorded on video. The client admitted drinking two beers. Subsequent to arrest client refused to submit to a breath test.
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DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving
Facts: The client was stopped for speeding by the Florida Highway Patrol after being clocked traveling 70 mph in a posted 55 mph zone on I-275 in Tampa, Florida. The client was then taken by law enforcement to another location for testing. The client agreed to do field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for DUI. After his arrest, the client refused to submit to a breath test.
Recent News
Stay Up-to-Date-
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,
- Juvenile Defense,
- Marijuana Defense,
- Traffic Offenses
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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
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By: Melinda Morris 3 Big Problems With DUI Tests During COVID-19View Article
- DUI Checkpoints,
- DUI Defense,
- DUI Property Damage,
- DUI Refusal,
- DUI Wolf Pack,
- First Time Offender,
- Florida Criminal Law
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.