Law Offices of Russo & Russo

Attorneys Frank Russo,Tim Sullivan & Marc Pelletier handle criminal defense & DUI defense cases arising out of Pinellas County, Florida.

FRANK RUSSO: ATTORNEY

Frank’s background in the area of DUI and Criminal Defense is extensive. After graduating from the College of Business at the University of South Florida in Tampa, he attended Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. At that time, O.J. Simpson prosecutor, Marcia Clark, was finishing her studies at the school, as Frank became a member of the entering class. He participated in a clinical internship at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office; the Public Defender’s Office and even the U.S. Attorney’s Office. While gaining practical experience at the latter agency, Frank’s legal career got a “jump start” when he was selected to work as a law clerk on the John Delorean prosecution. The high profile case attracted worldwide media attention. Frank went on to earn the “American Jurisprudence Award” for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Constitutional Criminal Procedure.

After receiving his law degree, Frank was appointed as a prosecutor with the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office. It is that position that he credits with affording him the greatest practical experience. Four of his former co-workers from that agency have since gone on to become our local judges. He opened his own law office in 1986 and has limited his practice to the area of criminal defense. In 1996, Frank was chosen as the “campaign treasurer” for another senior prosecutor’s bid to the bench. He has guest-lectured to college students at both St. Petersburg Junior College and at the University of South Florida.

Frank completed an intensive continuing legal education program at Harvard Law School. He also attended Emory University for instruction related to breath-testing instruments. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration and the International Association of Chiefs of Police recently certified him in the proper administration of “field sobriety testing.” As a result of his post graduate education, Frank is among only a handful of Florida Attorneys certified to operate the Intoxilyzer 5000 and certified in the proper detection of impaired drivers. In 1998, Frank was honored as a “Leading American Attorney.” This distinction is conferred on less than 5% of all Florida lawyers and is recognition by his peers of preeminence in his area of practice. In 1999, Frank was selected for inclusion in the publication “Who’s Who In American Law.” In 2006, Frank was one of only two criminal defense attorneys selected to serve on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Gold Standards" Committee established to recommend changes to Florida DUI law.

The Law Offices of Russo and Russo have also been awarded an "AV" attorney rating by "Martindale-Hubbell®.” This 130-year-old highly respected organization solicits confidential opinions from members of the Bar and Judiciary. An “AV” lawyer rating is recognition of the highest levels of skill and integrity. It is the position of Martindale-Hubbell® that an "AV" rating:

Is a significant accomplishment-- a sign that a lawyer is
considered by his or her peers to be at the highest levels
of professional excellence.

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MARC PELLETIER: ATTORNEY

Marc has acquired considerable skill and in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Marc graduated with honors from both Virginia Commonwealth University and Stetson College of Law. While at Stetson, he was recognized for his superior academic achievement in the areas of Criminal Sentencing Issues, Advanced Criminal Trial Advocacy and Appellate Practice.

He has worked for the second largest law firm in the Southeast and clerked at the Virginia State Supreme Court. Marc was also employed by a nationally recognized criminal defense firm in Richmond, Virginia.

Marc’s greatest experience came after his appointment as a Florida prosecutor. After being admitted to the Florida Bar, Marc served as a Florida State Prosecutor. In addition to prosecuting violations of the law, Marc was responsible for lecturing police officers on DUI law. He was also an on site advisor to law enforcement agencies concerning the complex legal issues that sometimes arose at DUI checkpoints. As a result of his commitment to the fair administration of justice, he received the “Agency Service Award for Outstanding Performance and Service” in the execution of his duties as a State Prosecutor in 2003.

Marc’s specialized credentials include certification as a breath test operator from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and certification in the proper administration of field sobriety testing from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. He has also completed Advanced Continuing Legal Education Training in the areas of both DUI and criminal defense. In 2008, Marc was recognized as "The Best of St. Petersburg - Attorneys" by the U.S. Local Business Association.

Visit the following Russo & Russo websites for information on the following areas of the law:

Criminal Defense - http://www.defensehelp.com

Driving Under the Influence - http://www.duistpetersburglawyer.com

Ignition Interlock Devices - http://www.floridaignitioninterlocks.com

Social Security Disability - http://www.mydisabilitylawfirm.com

Personal Injury - http://www.injuryorarrest.com