team-member

Melissa Braatz

Cranston, RI

Licensed for 11 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

Melissa has handled thousands of legal matters throughout Rhode Island. She is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, sits as Communication Chairperson for the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia. Melissa is a graduate of Salve Regina University where she earned her bachelor of arts and New England School of Law where she earned her juris doctorate. While a law student, Melissa was selected to compete as a member of the school's prominent mock trial team. She was also one of four from her law school selected to work with the New England Innocence Project in 2009/2010.Melissa understands that most people will need a lawyer at some point in their lives. She recognizes that her clients are usually going through a difficult time and she provides the compassion, respect and strong work ethic they deserve to help them reach their goals. She uses her knowledge and experience to get the best result for her clients, in every case.Attorney Melissa M. Braatz is licensed to practice in all state courts of Rhode Island as well as in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Melissa practices in the areas of criminal defense, family law, estate planning and personal injury.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Divorce and separation

Family

DUI and DWI

Language

English

Contact

Law Office of Melissa M. Braatz1000 Chapel View BlvdSuite 260Cranston, RI, 029201000 Chapel View BlvdSuite 260Suite 260Cranston, RI, 02920

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
October 6, 2020

Found myself with an issue that required legal representation and reached out to Melissa's office, within an hour I had a call back and consultation setup. From the very first moment I met Melissa to start reviewing my issue it was very obvious that she was not only capable of handling my case but would make sure that all areas of it were handled in a diligent and professional manner. Melissa was persistent, meticulous and so patient and I am so grateful to have found her. She truly stayed on top of every detail and made a terrible situation much less stressful knowing she was on my side.

Hope
April 26, 2020

6 years ago I hade Ms. Braatz as my public defender out of Washington County. She helped me not only win both of my cases but because of her the state expundged it all two weeks after my final court date. I'd recommend her to anyone

anonymous
February 28, 2019

I recently got divorced. I was devastated and beside myself when I was served by a Constable, It one of the hardest experiences in my life but Attorney Braatz was my savior from day one. From the initial consultation to post divorce she was there for me. It didn’t matter what time of day it was. Whenever I reached out to her or her staff I had answers to my concerns within minutes. I truly felt like she was in my corner. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney

anonymous
January 17, 2018

Melissa took our case on a holiday weekend and availed herself to defend my son within hours of contacting her. She took the time to explain all the potential ramifications to us and provided all the insightful wisdom we could have hoped for. This is the attorney you want in your corner.

Alyssa
April 21, 2017

While going through the most difficult time in my life Melissa’s counsel was invaluable. I was facing a felony charge and jail time for a crime I was falsely accused of committing. We both understood it was going to be a lengthy uphill battle, but Melissa showed nothing but confidence in my case from our first meeting. I felt protected by Melissa; she has a profound knowledge of the law and the processes of the RI court system. She always took the time to explain every step of that process to me and answer all the questions I had throughout the case. During my case and trial, Melissa kept in constant contact with me, and she prepared me for the battle ahead. Being on trial was not easy, but Melissa was amazing. She took on my fight as if it was her own, and she knew every aspect of my case like the back of her hand. Having to testify in my defense was by far hardest thing I had ever done in my life, but Melissa gave me the confidence to be able to get through it. Finally, when we heard the jury foreman read the not guilty verdict we were both so relieved that this long, nine month journey had come to an end. It was truly a blessing to have Melissa as my lawyer; I had complete trust and faith in her, and her abilities. She was empathetic and caring throughout the entire process, and her dedication to my case was incredible. Melissa is a person that I will always admire and look up to, she saved my future and gave me my life back. For that I am, and always will be truly grateful. Thank you again Melissa! Sincerely, Alyssa C.

anonymous
April 21, 2017

My experience with Melissa was excellent. She always treated me with courtesy, spent a lot of time listening, and genuinely cared. I would highly recommend her to anyone! Maureen

Amanda Valentino
April 20, 2017

Melissa is a dedicated and zealous advocate for her clients and I would recommend her to anyone.

anonymous
February 22, 2019

Melissa represented me then was unresponsive. I attempted to contact her and her assistant with questions but never heard back. There are many great attorneys around. I would go with someone else.

anonymous
October 6, 2020

Found myself with an issue that required legal representation and reached out to Melissa's office, within an hour I had a call back and consultation setup. From the very first moment I met Melissa to start reviewing my issue it was very obvious that she was not only capable of handling my case but would make sure that all areas of it were handled in a diligent and professional manner. Melissa was persistent, meticulous and so patient and I am so grateful to have found her. She truly stayed on top of every detail and made a terrible situation much less stressful knowing she was on my side.

Hope
April 26, 2020

6 years ago I hade Ms. Braatz as my public defender out of Washington County. She helped me not only win both of my cases but because of her the state expundged it all two weeks after my final court date. I'd recommend her to anyone

anonymous
February 28, 2019

I recently got divorced. I was devastated and beside myself when I was served by a Constable, It one of the hardest experiences in my life but Attorney Braatz was my savior from day one. From the initial consultation to post divorce she was there for me. It didn’t matter what time of day it was. Whenever I reached out to her or her staff I had answers to my concerns within minutes. I truly felt like she was in my corner. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney

anonymous
January 17, 2018

Melissa took our case on a holiday weekend and availed herself to defend my son within hours of contacting her. She took the time to explain all the potential ramifications to us and provided all the insightful wisdom we could have hoped for. This is the attorney you want in your corner.

Alyssa
April 21, 2017

While going through the most difficult time in my life Melissa’s counsel was invaluable. I was facing a felony charge and jail time for a crime I was falsely accused of committing. We both understood it was going to be a lengthy uphill battle, but Melissa showed nothing but confidence in my case from our first meeting. I felt protected by Melissa; she has a profound knowledge of the law and the processes of the RI court system. She always took the time to explain every step of that process to me and answer all the questions I had throughout the case. During my case and trial, Melissa kept in constant contact with me, and she prepared me for the battle ahead. Being on trial was not easy, but Melissa was amazing. She took on my fight as if it was her own, and she knew every aspect of my case like the back of her hand. Having to testify in my defense was by far hardest thing I had ever done in my life, but Melissa gave me the confidence to be able to get through it. Finally, when we heard the jury foreman read the not guilty verdict we were both so relieved that this long, nine month journey had come to an end. It was truly a blessing to have Melissa as my lawyer; I had complete trust and faith in her, and her abilities. She was empathetic and caring throughout the entire process, and her dedication to my case was incredible. Melissa is a person that I will always admire and look up to, she saved my future and gave me my life back. For that I am, and always will be truly grateful. Thank you again Melissa! Sincerely, Alyssa C.

anonymous
April 21, 2017

My experience with Melissa was excellent. She always treated me with courtesy, spent a lot of time listening, and genuinely cared. I would highly recommend her to anyone! Maureen

Amanda Valentino
April 20, 2017

Melissa is a dedicated and zealous advocate for her clients and I would recommend her to anyone.

anonymous
February 22, 2019

Melissa represented me then was unresponsive. I attempted to contact her and her assistant with questions but never heard back. There are many great attorneys around. I would go with someone else.

anonymous
October 6, 2020

Found myself with an issue that required legal representation and reached out to Melissa's office, within an hour I had a call back and consultation setup. From the very first moment I met Melissa to start reviewing my issue it was very obvious that she was not only capable of handling my case but would make sure that all areas of it were handled in a diligent and professional manner. Melissa was persistent, meticulous and so patient and I am so grateful to have found her. She truly stayed on top of every detail and made a terrible situation much less stressful knowing she was on my side.

Hope
April 26, 2020

6 years ago I hade Ms. Braatz as my public defender out of Washington County. She helped me not only win both of my cases but because of her the state expundged it all two weeks after my final court date. I'd recommend her to anyone

anonymous
February 28, 2019

I recently got divorced. I was devastated and beside myself when I was served by a Constable, It one of the hardest experiences in my life but Attorney Braatz was my savior from day one. From the initial consultation to post divorce she was there for me. It didn’t matter what time of day it was. Whenever I reached out to her or her staff I had answers to my concerns within minutes. I truly felt like she was in my corner. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney

anonymous
January 17, 2018

Melissa took our case on a holiday weekend and availed herself to defend my son within hours of contacting her. She took the time to explain all the potential ramifications to us and provided all the insightful wisdom we could have hoped for. This is the attorney you want in your corner.

Alyssa
April 21, 2017

While going through the most difficult time in my life Melissa’s counsel was invaluable. I was facing a felony charge and jail time for a crime I was falsely accused of committing. We both understood it was going to be a lengthy uphill battle, but Melissa showed nothing but confidence in my case from our first meeting. I felt protected by Melissa; she has a profound knowledge of the law and the processes of the RI court system. She always took the time to explain every step of that process to me and answer all the questions I had throughout the case. During my case and trial, Melissa kept in constant contact with me, and she prepared me for the battle ahead. Being on trial was not easy, but Melissa was amazing. She took on my fight as if it was her own, and she knew every aspect of my case like the back of her hand. Having to testify in my defense was by far hardest thing I had ever done in my life, but Melissa gave me the confidence to be able to get through it. Finally, when we heard the jury foreman read the not guilty verdict we were both so relieved that this long, nine month journey had come to an end. It was truly a blessing to have Melissa as my lawyer; I had complete trust and faith in her, and her abilities. She was empathetic and caring throughout the entire process, and her dedication to my case was incredible. Melissa is a person that I will always admire and look up to, she saved my future and gave me my life back. For that I am, and always will be truly grateful. Thank you again Melissa! Sincerely, Alyssa C.

anonymous
April 21, 2017

My experience with Melissa was excellent. She always treated me with courtesy, spent a lot of time listening, and genuinely cared. I would highly recommend her to anyone! Maureen

Amanda Valentino
April 20, 2017

Melissa is a dedicated and zealous advocate for her clients and I would recommend her to anyone.

anonymous
February 22, 2019

Melissa represented me then was unresponsive. I attempted to contact her and her assistant with questions but never heard back. There are many great attorneys around. I would go with someone else.