Melinda Morris

Melinda Morris

Google Rating

4.9(248 reviews)

  • Morris Law Firm, P.A. - 111 2nd Ave NE #515, 111 2nd Ave NE #515 St. Petersburg, FL 33701
  • +1-877-353-8408
  • No email available
Juvenile/Dependency, Victims’ Rights, Criminal Law, Family Law

About:

Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing. Her experience as a former prosecutor along with her years of experience as a private criminal defense attorney allows her to effectively represent her clients charged with a wide range of criminal offenses. Extensive Criminal Law Experience While a felony prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office in Clearwater, Pinellas County, Ms. Morris prosecuted thousands of criminal cases including DUI, Domestic Violence / Violation of Injunctions, Juvenile Cases, Drug Offenses (including Drug Trafficking), Traffic Tickets, Driver License Suspensions, Assault / Battery, Resisting Arrest / Disorderly Conduct, Burglary / Robbery / Theft, Fraud / Worthless Checks, Outstanding Warrants, Bond Hearings, Violations of Probation, and White Collar Crime. As well, Ms. Morris served as a member of the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office DUI Manslaughter/Vehicular Homicide Squad, a Lead Trial Attorney, a Domestic Violence Prosecutor, and a Child Abuse Prosecutor. Ms. Morris has participated in 50 jury trials, and has first hand experience and jury trials for First Degree Murder, Manslaughter, Capital Sexual Battery, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Battery, DUI, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle and Petit Theft. Her local knowledge of the criminal justice system coupled with years of extensive work both prosecuting and defending cases enables her the ability to identify weaknesses in the State Attorney's case and pursue the best possible outcome for you. A Strong Legal Education that Benefits Clients Ms. Morris attended Stetson University where she received both a Juris Doctorate (Law Degree) and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Stetson University College of Law is ranked No. 1 for trial advocacy and No. 5 for legal writing by U.S. News & World Report and has provided Ms. Morris her outstanding legal foundation. Ms. Morris' MBA degree in addition to her JD degree enables her to understand the nuances and intricacies of business and corporate procedure, and allows her to provide outstanding representation for those clients accused of White Collar Crimes. Professional Recognition In 2008 Ms. Morris was named a "Rising Star" by Tampa Bay Times (TBT). Ms. Morris is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a member of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member of the St. Petersburg Bar Association.

Jurisdiction:Florida

Practice Area

Juvenile/Dependency

Advocates in CPS cases to separate perpetrator from protective parent, ensure safe visitation, reasonable services, and trauma-informed findings without punishing the survivor.

Victims’ Rights

Explains survivor rights in criminal cases, including notices, attendance, restitution, privacy, protection orders, and input at bail, plea, sentencing, and post-conviction hearings.

Criminal Law

Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.

Family Law

Handles divorce, custody, parenting time, and support with DV-informed safety planning, temporary orders, safe exchanges, discovery protections, and long-term financial stability.

Languages

English

Fees

Free Consultation

Education

Panama City campus
Florida State University
1996

Awards

Rising Star
Tampa Bay Times
2008

Associations

Member
Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - See more at: https://www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com/AttorneyProfile/MelindaMorris.aspx#sthash.S8Fn7JHM.dpuf
2009 - Present
Member
Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009 - Present
Member
St. Petersburg Bar Association
2009 - Present
Member
Florida State Bar
1999 - Present
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009 - Present
Member
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
2009 - Present
Member - Legal Committee
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
- Present
Member
Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association
2009 - Present
Member
Hillsborough County Bar Association
2009 - Present
Member
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009 - Present

Reviews


RATED 5.0

Jul 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Sharon Maxwell

"Very professional, attentive, and genuinely had my best interest in mind. Mr. Shapiro is the greatest, he always answered my calls/texts without delay and kept me informed about my case from day one, till the very end. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Morris as well, and she too was very knowledgeable, helpful, and experienced. I did research online before picking an attorney to represent me, and I’m more than happy with the results that Morris Law Firm provided for me."

RATED 5.0

Jul 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Jon Parker

"These guys did an awesome job and won!"

RATED 5.0

Jul 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Laura Camacho

"Highly recommend. Talked to a few lawyers and ended up working with Morris Law Firm. Melinda's professionalism, expertise and knowledge made me feel very confident and I am more than happy with the outcome. I'm very thankful to Melinda and her team."

RATED 5.0

Jul 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Christopher Sutton

"Mr. Shapiro is literally the best hands down! Made everything super smooth for me constantly. He always kept me updated on his progress and never took long to reach me back when I called him or texted him if I could give him 10 stars I would.I highly recommend him !!!"

RATED 5.0

Jun 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Jo P

"Highly recommend Seth Shapiro, Esq. and his team. Great responsiveness which truly helped through a very anxious time."