Melisa Lee Militello

Melisa L. Militello has dedicated over 30 years to practicing Criminal Defense in Central Florida. Originally from Bowling Green, Kentucky, she moved to Florida at the age of five. Melisa graduated from Hernando High School in 1983 and later earned a B.A. in Criminology & Law with a minor in Sociology from the University of Florida in 1992, followed by her Juris Doctor in 1995. A passionate Gator fan, Melisa began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Citrus, Sumter, and Marion Counties, where she prosecuted thousands of cases, including DUIs, major felonies, juvenile crimes, and domestic violence.

In 1998, she transitioned to the Florida Foster Care Review Project, ensuring that children in foster care received necessary services. Melisa then spent a decade in private practice in Inverness, Florida, focusing on Criminal and Family Law. In 2010, she joined the Offices of the Public Defender, handling over 3,200 criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Melisa's extensive courtroom experience covers jury trials, pretrial motions, and constitutional issues. In 2016 she opened her law firm of Melisa L. Militello, P.A. practicing in criminal defense. Her firm also practices family law.

As a former prosecutor and legal instructor, Melisa brings invaluable insights into law enforcement practices. She is active in several professional associations and enjoys travel, cooking, and family time. Her office is conveniently located near the old Courthouse in Inverness, Florida.