In June 2007, Melanie Morgan and Cheryl Pilate, both experienced criminal defense lawyers, joined together to form Morgan Pilate LLC. The founding of the firm sprang from their shared realization that they held similar, deeply rooted beliefs in the importance of the Bill of Rights and the rights of those accused of crime to obtain vigorous representation, no matter what charges they faced.
Morgan Pilate LLC is committed to upholding the Constitutional rights afforded to all who stand before the bar of the American justice system. We take criminal defense cases to provide our clients with the most vigorous defense possible, which protects their rights and helps to ensure that the criminal justice system functions as the Constitution intends.
We represent a broad clientele, and our expertise and experience in criminal defense extends from “white collar” crime cases to violent crimes to minor property crimes. In addition to trial and appellate representation, we also provide representation in “post-conviction” cases, where clients who come to us after their other appeals have failed may assert anew that their constitutional rights were violated during an earlier stage. As part of our post-conviction work, we have represented several individuals who were completely innocent of the crimes of which they were convicted. We have helped to obtain their exoneration and release, and we remain committed to the cause of uncovering wrongful convictions.
We have a steadfast commitment to factual investigation, which is critical in preparing for trial, negotiating, when appropriate, a favorable disposition, or in bringing a post-conviction action. We have found that the best results are achieved through working hand-in-hand with a skilled investigator who conducts interviews, gathers documents and uncovers new evidence beneficial to our clients. We also work closely with experts in a variety of areas, who enhance our ability to mount a successful defense. We have worked closely with experts in numerous areas, including psychologists, physicians, financial analysts, economists, fingerprints experts, audio and video enhancement experts, computer forensic experts, DNA scientists, and experts in eyewitness identification, use of force and police practices, as well as others.