Morris Law Firm, P.A.
Dedicated to DUI and Criminal Defense
Morris Law Firm, P.A.
Dedicated to DUI and Criminal Defense
The Morris Law Firm is dedicated to criminal defense, and represents clients throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay Area (including St. Petersburg and Clearwater in Pinellas County, Tampa in Hillsborough County, Dade City and New Port Richey in Pasco County, Bradenton in Manatee County, Bartow in Polk County and Sarasota County, Florida) for the following types of misdemeanor and felony crimes:
* DUI or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
* Domestic Violence;
* Juvenile Offenses;
* Drug Offenses (including Drug Trafficking);
* White Collar Crimes;
* Traffic Offenses;
* Driver License Suspensions and Revocations;
* Battery / Assault;
* Theft;
* Burglary / Robbery;
* Firearm / Weapons Offenses;
* Violations of Probation; and
* Sealing / Expunging criminal records
DUI
Case No: 5149XXX
County: Pinellas
Facts: On August 9, 2009 client was found passed out twenty feet from his vehicle with no other cars or people around. During an accident investigation client admitted being the driver of the vehicle. A criminal investigation was then initiated and client invoked his Miranda Rights and refused to speak further to law enforcement. Client performed field sobriety exercises on video and later submitted to a breath test with results of .136/.143. Client had a prior DUI conviction from two years earlier.
Outcome: On November 23, 2009 client hired attorney the Morris Law Firm. On April 21, 2010, the Morris Law Firm successfully defended client at trial arguing client was not in actual physical control of the vehicle. Client was found Not Guilty.
Domestic Violence
Case No: CTC 08-016XXMMANO
County: Pinellas
Facts: Client accepted into Navy Seals program until domestic battery arrest put his acceptance in jeopardy. Navy would no longer accept client to serve in military with a domestic violence conviction. Alleged victim was client's wife. Client had no prior arrest record.
Outcome: Client hired attorney the Morris Law Firm in March 2008, and the Morris Law Firm was successful in getting the State to dismiss (Nolle Prosse) client's domestic battery charge.
Aggravated Battery
Case No: CRC 08-027XXCFANO
County: Pinellas
Facts: Client was a paralegal at a local Clearwater law firm. In February 2008 Client found out husband was cheating on her and an altercation ensued. Husband shoved client, pulled her hair and spit in her face. In response client grabbed a knife and cut fingers on husband's left hand. Husband called police and client was arrested for Aggravated Battery.
Outcome: Client hired the Morris Law Firm on February 10, 2008. The Morris Law Firm was successful in convincing the prosecutor not to file any criminal charges against the client.
Main
111 Second Avenue NE
Suite 515
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 388-4736
(727) 388-9639
Yes, a free initial consultation is offered over the phone or in person. On average, the initial consultation last about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the complexity of the case.
Every criminal case is handled on a flat fee basis. The legal fee is discussed in the initial consultation and consists of a legal fee for representation and trial. The fees are also outlined in the legal representation agreement that is provided to the client. In certain cases where time allows, a payment plan broken up over 60 - 90 days may be arranged.
Typically, criminal cases are handled on a flat fee basis, but in limited circumstances where civil representation is required in relation to a criminal case the hourly rate is $250.00.
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also available after hours for consultation via phone.
No
No
The Morris Law Firm has significant experience in DUI matters in the Tampa Bay Area. Attorney Melinda Morris was a former state prosecutor and served on the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office DUI Manslaughter / Vehicular Homicide squad.
DUI matters are complex and often require legal representation. Those charged with DUI in the Tampa Bay area of Florida face both the criminal charge of DUI as well as the administrative suspension of their Florida Driver's License by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
The Morris Law Firm can provide the legal services to help clients deal with both the criminal matter and the administrative issues affecting their driver's license.
Potential clients should be aware that the Florida DHSMV has a 10 day time limit to file for an Administrative Review Hearing to determine if the suspension of the driver's license was valid. This is a critical opportunity that should not be missed.
The Morris Law Firm will represent DUI clients throughout the entire legal process and extend every possible effort to minimize the negative impact that a DUI criminal charge can have.
In certain cases an arrangement can be worked out to represent a client in the investigative phase and work on the client's behalf to discourage the prosecutor from filing charges. This allows the client the opportunity to avoid criminal charges without having to pay the entire legal fee up front. However, once charges are filed as a general rule the courts frown on attorneys taking on only a portion of the case such as a bond hearing and then withdrawing from the case. It is best practice to represent the client on every aspect of the case once a criminal charge has been filed.
The Morris Law Firm concentrates on the client and their needs. Each client can expect legal representation that is experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate. Every client has my cell phone and I listen to their concerns and anxieties and do my best to put them at ease.
It is very important for clients to educate themselves as much as possible on legal issues. Being arrested for a crime is traumatic and stressful for clients, and when clients read about the law and the legal process it can help them feel more in control of their situation and take necessary action. Prosecutors can act quickly in making the decision to file formal charges and it best for a client to act quickly as well by educating themselves and hiring an attorney early who can intervene in the process and work to convince the prosecutor to reduce or drop the charges. Clients who educate themselves regarding the legal process are better equipped to preserve any evidentiary issues. For example, in DUI cases there is a 10-day timeframe for filing an appeal of a driver license suspension, so certainly being informed of the legal process can help a client hire an attorney and avoid missing this important deadline.
Yes, and in fact clients are encouraged to write a summary of their case from their perspective. This helps in understanding the client's position and to ascertain the legal issues and defenses applicable to their case.
No, and it is never recommended for a person with no legal training to represent themselves as they are at a distinct disadvantage in the legal process when up against a trained prosecutor.
Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former Assistant State Attorney with the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Pinellas County, FL, Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing. The experience prosecuting cases, along with Ms. Morris' extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney allows her to aggressively defend her clients.
Bar Number: 174531
Florida, 1999
Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former Assistant State Attorney with the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Pinellas County, FL, Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing. The experience prosecuting cases, along with Ms. Morris' extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney allows her to aggressively defend her clients.
Bar Number: 174531
Florida, 1999
The Morris Law Firm is dedicated to criminal defense, and represents clients throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay Area (including St. Petersburg and Clearwater in Pinellas County, Tampa in Hillsborough County, Dade City and New Port Richey in Pasco County, Bradenton in Manatee County, Bartow in Polk County and Sarasota County, Florida) for the following types of misdemeanor and felony crimes:
* DUI or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
* Domestic Violence;
* Juvenile Offenses;
* Drug Offenses (including Drug Trafficking);
* White Collar Crimes;
* Traffic Offenses;
* Driver License Suspensions and Revocations;
* Battery / Assault;
* Theft;
* Burglary / Robbery;
* Firearm / Weapons Offenses;
* Violations of Probation; and
* Sealing / Expunging criminal records
DUI
Case No: 5149XXX
County: Pinellas
Facts: On August 9, 2009 client was found passed out twenty feet from his vehicle with no other cars or people around. During an accident investigation client admitted being the driver of the vehicle. A criminal investigation was then initiated and client invoked his Miranda Rights and refused to speak further to law enforcement. Client performed field sobriety exercises on video and later submitted to a breath test with results of .136/.143. Client had a prior DUI conviction from two years earlier.
Outcome: On November 23, 2009 client hired attorney the Morris Law Firm. On April 21, 2010, the Morris Law Firm successfully defended client at trial arguing client was not in actual physical control of the vehicle. Client was found Not Guilty.
Domestic Violence
Case No: CTC 08-016XXMMANO
County: Pinellas
Facts: Client accepted into Navy Seals program until domestic battery arrest put his acceptance in jeopardy. Navy would no longer accept client to serve in military with a domestic violence conviction. Alleged victim was client's wife. Client had no prior arrest record.
Outcome: Client hired attorney the Morris Law Firm in March 2008, and the Morris Law Firm was successful in getting the State to dismiss (Nolle Prosse) client's domestic battery charge.
Aggravated Battery
Case No: CRC 08-027XXCFANO
County: Pinellas
Facts: Client was a paralegal at a local Clearwater law firm. In February 2008 Client found out husband was cheating on her and an altercation ensued. Husband shoved client, pulled her hair and spit in her face. In response client grabbed a knife and cut fingers on husband's left hand. Husband called police and client was arrested for Aggravated Battery.
Outcome: Client hired the Morris Law Firm on February 10, 2008. The Morris Law Firm was successful in convincing the prosecutor not to file any criminal charges against the client.
Main
111 Second Avenue NE
Suite 515
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 388-4736
(727) 388-9639
Yes, a free initial consultation is offered over the phone or in person. On average, the initial consultation last about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the complexity of the case.
Every criminal case is handled on a flat fee basis. The legal fee is discussed in the initial consultation and consists of a legal fee for representation and trial. The fees are also outlined in the legal representation agreement that is provided to the client. In certain cases where time allows, a payment plan broken up over 60 - 90 days may be arranged.
Typically, criminal cases are handled on a flat fee basis, but in limited circumstances where civil representation is required in relation to a criminal case the hourly rate is $250.00.
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also available after hours for consultation via phone.
No
No
The Morris Law Firm has significant experience in DUI matters in the Tampa Bay Area. Attorney Melinda Morris was a former state prosecutor and served on the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office DUI Manslaughter / Vehicular Homicide squad.
DUI matters are complex and often require legal representation. Those charged with DUI in the Tampa Bay area of Florida face both the criminal charge of DUI as well as the administrative suspension of their Florida Driver's License by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
The Morris Law Firm can provide the legal services to help clients deal with both the criminal matter and the administrative issues affecting their driver's license.
Potential clients should be aware that the Florida DHSMV has a 10 day time limit to file for an Administrative Review Hearing to determine if the suspension of the driver's license was valid. This is a critical opportunity that should not be missed.
The Morris Law Firm will represent DUI clients throughout the entire legal process and extend every possible effort to minimize the negative impact that a DUI criminal charge can have.
In certain cases an arrangement can be worked out to represent a client in the investigative phase and work on the client's behalf to discourage the prosecutor from filing charges. This allows the client the opportunity to avoid criminal charges without having to pay the entire legal fee up front. However, once charges are filed as a general rule the courts frown on attorneys taking on only a portion of the case such as a bond hearing and then withdrawing from the case. It is best practice to represent the client on every aspect of the case once a criminal charge has been filed.
The Morris Law Firm concentrates on the client and their needs. Each client can expect legal representation that is experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate. Every client has my cell phone and I listen to their concerns and anxieties and do my best to put them at ease.
It is very important for clients to educate themselves as much as possible on legal issues. Being arrested for a crime is traumatic and stressful for clients, and when clients read about the law and the legal process it can help them feel more in control of their situation and take necessary action. Prosecutors can act quickly in making the decision to file formal charges and it best for a client to act quickly as well by educating themselves and hiring an attorney early who can intervene in the process and work to convince the prosecutor to reduce or drop the charges. Clients who educate themselves regarding the legal process are better equipped to preserve any evidentiary issues. For example, in DUI cases there is a 10-day timeframe for filing an appeal of a driver license suspension, so certainly being informed of the legal process can help a client hire an attorney and avoid missing this important deadline.
Yes, and in fact clients are encouraged to write a summary of their case from their perspective. This helps in understanding the client's position and to ascertain the legal issues and defenses applicable to their case.
No, and it is never recommended for a person with no legal training to represent themselves as they are at a distinct disadvantage in the legal process when up against a trained prosecutor.
Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former Assistant State Attorney with the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Pinellas County, FL, Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing. The experience prosecuting cases, along with Ms. Morris' extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney allows her to aggressively defend her clients.
Bar Number: 174531
Florida, 1999
Melinda Morris has been practicing law since 1999 and is the managing attorney of the Morris Law Firm. As a former Assistant State Attorney with the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Clearwater, Pinellas County, FL, Ms. Morris has handled thousands of cases from investigation through sentencing. The experience prosecuting cases, along with Ms. Morris' extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney allows her to aggressively defend her clients.
Bar Number: 174531
Florida, 1999
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Morris Law Firm - St. Petersburg Florida Criminal Defense Attorney
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