Criminal Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida

Morris Law Firm, P.A.

111 Second Avenue Northeast
Suite 515
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
USA

(727) 388-4736 or(877) 353-8408

(727) 388-9639

www.criminalattorneystpetersburg.com

Contact Melinda Morris

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Law Firm Overview FREE CONSULTATION

Morris Law Firm, P.A. provides legal representation on the areas of criminal defense, DUI, domestic violence & drug charges. If you or a family member has been arrested the Morris Law Firm, criminal defense attorney understand the stress and pressures that you are currently experiencing. We know what is at stake, and that you may be facing the possibility of prison, jail or other severe penalties for DUI, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes or other criminal offenses.

At the Morris Law Firm, our goal is to protect your constitutional rights and do everything possible to get you the best result. By using our knowledge of the inner workings of the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County and surrounding areas of Tampa Bay and our extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney, we are able to help you assert every possible defense in your case as we vigorously fight for you.

The Morris Law Firm understands that your circumstances are unique and oftentimes urgent which is why we offer Same Day Representation services. This means that after your Free Initial Consultation, should you retain the Morris Law Firm, we can get started on your case the same day. The criminal justice system in Pinellas and Hillsborough County carries with it a myriad of complexities and requirements which are all critically time sensitive. The Morris Law Firm, a St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorney, can help you navigate the criminal justice system and work to secure your rights.

Areas of Law

Additional Areas of Law: First Time Offender; Misdemeanors; Driving while License Suspended or Revoked; BUI or Boating Under the Influence; Restraining Orders or Orders of Protection Against Domestic Violence; Mortgage Fraud; Grand Theft; Scheme to Defraud; Healthcare Fraud; Telemarketing Fraud; Accounting Fraud; Violation of Probation; Tax Evasion; Counterfeiting; Larceny; Lapping

Areas of Law Description

Morris Law Firm, P.A. offers legal services on the following areas of Criminal Law:

- First Time Offender

Many of the clients that the Morris Law Firm represents are first time offenders who have no prior record. If you have never been arrested or charged with a crime in the greater Tampa Bay area including St. Petersburg or Clearwater in Pinellas County, Brandenton in Manatee County, Sarasota in Sarasota County or any of the surrounding counties, then we understand the consequences both direct and indirect that can occur after an arrest. We know that this is a very stressful and uncomfortable situation. Individuals lose a lot of sleep, wondering what the criminal justice system has in store for them. Keep in mind that your lack of a criminal record can work to your advantage.

- DUI or Driving Under the Influence

Most people arrested for DUI's are largely concerned about the suspension of their driver license. If you refused to take a breath test after being arrested for DUI in Florida, or if the results of your breath test were .08% or above, your license will be suspended 10 days after the arrest unless you or your attorney file a written demand for an administrative hearing within 10 days of your arrest.

- BUI or Boating Under the Influence

The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience as a Boating Under the Influence (BUI) defense attorney. Attorney Melinda Morris served on the DUI Manslaughter / Vehicular Homicide Squad while a State Attorney, and was responsible for prosecuting very serious DUI and BUI cases from investigation through trial. As well, Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting DUI and BUI cases from the State of Florida. For a BUI Lawyer, this inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

- Domestic Violence

Private, intimate, and psychologically difficult, domestic violence cases are hard on suspects and accusers alike. Filled with laws and statutes that can forever destroy the bonds of a family, the waters of domestic violence and related problems should never be navigated alone. With dire consequences ready to begin from the moment of arrest, you cannot delay in securing your legal representation.

- Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile cases are unique, and having an experienced St. Petersburg juvenile lawyer who understands the nuances of juvenile law can make a big difference in your child’s future. It is advantageous to act fast to get an attorney involved in your child’s case so that an opportunity can be seized early on to either get your child’s charges dropped, or get your child in a diversion program, which if successfully completed will result in the charges being dismissed.

- Drug Charges

The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience in Drug crimes defense. Melinda Morris, managing partner of The Morris Law Firm, is an experienced Drug lawyer who was a State Attorney and was responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious Drug Offenses from investigation through trial. In fact, Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting drug crimes from the State of Florida. For a drug lawyer, this inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

- Traffic Offenses

If you have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and drive for a living it is imperative you do not pay the ticket without first consulting with an attorney. Paying the ticket can likely lead to losing your commercial driver license status and consequently your job. If you drive a company sponsored vehicle, paying the ticket can result in your employer no longer allowing you to drive that vehicle which could negatively affect your employment status. Hiring a Traffic Ticket attorney to represent you on a traffic ticket can potentially: prevent a conviction for the traffic offense on your driving record, save you points on your license, save you money by not having increased car insurance rates, and protect your employment status.

- Assault and Battery

The Morris Law Firm can help and has specific knowledge and experience in Assault and/or Battery defense. Melinda Morris, managing partner of The Morris Law Firm, was a State Attorney, and was responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious Assault and/or Battery Offenses from investigation through trial. As well, Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting Assault and/or Battery cases from the State of Florida. This inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

- Firearms and Weapon Offenses

The Florida Legislature passed sweeping legislation that provides for enhanced minimum mandatory prison terms for offenders who commit crimes with guns: Mandates a minimum 10 year prison term for certain felonies, or attempted felonies, in which the offender possesses a firearm or destructive device; Mandates a minimum 20 year prison term when the firearm is discharged; Mandates a minimum 25 years to life if someone is injured or killed; Mandates a minimum 3 year prison term for possession of a firearm by a felon; Mandates that the minimum prison term is to be served consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed.

- Theft Crimes

A person commits theft if he or she knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently: Deprive the other person of a right to the property or a benefit from the property; Appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property.

- Violation of Probation

If you are accused of violating you probation (VOP), you run the risk of having your probation revoked. A judge will sign a warrant for your arrest. Once you are brought into county jail, you may be kept there without bond. A Violation of Probation hearing under Florida law is very different than being charged with a new crime. Because you have already been sentenced to Probation, you have less legal protections than if you were charged with a new crime.

- Seal and Expunge Criminal Record

The Florida Legislature has determined that Florida criminal history records are public unless the record is sealed or expunged. A criminal history record is created when a person is arrested and fingerprinted, and includes the disposition of that arrest, whether it is a conviction, acquittal, dismissal of charges before trial, or other disposition.

- White Collar Crimes

A "white collar crime" is a class of crimes committed by professionals, business people and public officials that generally involves a deliberate attempt to mislead others. Most white collar crimes involve some form of theft or fraudulent representation for the purpose of obtaining money under misleading circumstances. Most white collar offenders are ordinary people who for a multitude of reasons make rash or uncharacteristically poor decisions. They see their way out of difficulty through illegal and fraudulent means. Often, a good defense can be found for these situations. Often, white collar crimes are prosecuted by the federal government. It is critical that your defense team be experienced in the federal court system.

* Employee Theft or Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the illegal allocation of currency or assets for individual use. In Florida the variance between Embezzlement and Theft is that the embezzled property is legally retained or retrieved by the embezzler. Embezzlement crimes are typically compelled in alliance with an inside investigation of some sort, since embezzlement customarily exist in places of employment. Charges of embezzlement can carry severe penalties regardless of the innocence or guilt of the offender. Accusations of embezzlement are degrading, and an act of dishonor. Many individuals charged with Embezzlement discover that the situations are humiliating and uncomfortable, causing a desire for employment changes, even if falsely charged. At The Morris Law Firm, Attorney Melinda Morris offers clients the knowledge and experience of white collar crimes.

* Healthcare Fraud

Health care fraud investigations are among the highest priority investigations within the FBI's White Collar Crime Program, positioned behind only public exploitation and commercial fraud. Like any white collar crime, it is best to speak with a legal representative before any business dealings or communicating with any law enforcement officer. Attorney Melinda Morris is ready to hear about your healthcare fraud case and assist you with this matter.

* Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud occurs when someone knowingly lies to obtain some benefit or advantage to which they are not otherwise entitled or someone knowingly denies some benefit that is due and to which someone is entitled. Depending on the specific issues involved, an alleged wrongful act may be handled as an administrative action by the Department or the Fraud Division may handle it as a criminal matter.