Frank Mellace, Jr, Criminal Defense Attorney in Rome, New York
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law · 3.2/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
PrincipalatFrank Mellace II
Rome, NY
Practicing criminal defense in Rome since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 3.2 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Frank Mellace, Jr?
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Quick answer
Frank Mellace, Jr is a principal based in Rome, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. Frank has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frank Mellace II. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- Rome, NY
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Family Law
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law matters from Rome, NY.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Frank Mellace, Jr: Frank Mellace, Jr is a principal based in Rome, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. Frank has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frank Mellace II. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Frank takes on
Frank concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, family law, personal injury, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Frank handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Family Law
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense cases in Rome, New York
Frank takes criminal defense matters in Rome, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Rome, New York
Frank takes dui/dwi matters in Rome, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Rome, New York
Frank takes family law matters in Rome, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Rome, New York
Frank takes personal injury matters in Rome, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Rome, New York
Frank takes real estate matters in Rome, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frank agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Frank Mellace, Jr — criminal defense lawyer in Rome
Frank Mellace, Jr is a principal based in Rome, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. Frank has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Frank Mellace II. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Frank Mellace, Jr is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, dui & dwi, violent crime and 5 other areas of law. Frank received a B.A. degree from State University of New York College at Potsdam in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Frank practices at Frank Mellace II in Rome, NY.
Working with Frank on a criminal defense matter
Frank Mellace, Jr is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, dui & dwi, violent crime and 5 other areas of law. Frank received a B.A. degree from State University of New York College at Potsdam in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Frank practices at Frank Mellace II in Rome, NY.
Clients Frank works with
Frank reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and family law matters in Rome and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
St. John's University
J.D. · 1989
State University of New York College at Potsdam
B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Frank's state bar admissions
New York
1989 · ACTIVE
Frank studied at J.D. in St. John's University and B.A. in State University of New York College at Potsdam.
Law school and academic background
Frank completed J.D. in St. John's University and B.A. in State University of New York College at Potsdam. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Frank runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Frank has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Frank Mellace, Jr's office in Rome
Frank's primary office is at 314 N. James St., Rome, NY, 13440-5147. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Frank Mellace, Jr — 3.2/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Frank. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Rome.
3.2
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Frank Mellace, Jr claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Frank Mellace, Jr — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Frank usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Frank charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frank's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Frank will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Rome, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Frank
Frank discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Frank confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Frank's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Frank Mellace, Jr
How much does it cost to hire Frank for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Frank walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Frank offer a free consultation?
Frank charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frank's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Frank's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in New York typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Frank gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Frank take my case if I'm outside Rome?
Frank is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Frank will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Frank?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Frank will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Frank accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Frank's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Rome and Albany in New York
Frank handles criminal defense matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in New York
If Frank's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Rome handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





