Marc Pelletier, Tim Sullivan, and Zachariah Wade limit their legal practice to representing only those clients charged with DUI and other criminal offenses arising out of Pinellas County, Florida. They are former state prosecutors with a wealth of background and experience in these specific areas of the law. The law firm of Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan has the highest attorney rating by Martindale-Hubble. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to read the following link:
Attorney Timothy Sullivan has a wide range of practical experience in the defense of criminal cases. His background also includes a focus on the specialized and unique training law enforcement relies upon in making a DUI arrest.
Tim attended Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics. While serving as president of his class, he worked as a paralegal at the area’s largest law firm.
After graduating from college with honors, Tim went on to attend Stetson University College of Law, where he was a Dean’s List student.
As a law student, Tim gained valuable experience serving as a law clerk for a United States Federal Judge in Tampa. He also completed a clinical internship for the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office.
Subsequent to graduating from law school, Tim was sworn in as a Pinellas County Assistant State Attorney. As a prosecutor, Tim learned street-level DUI enforcement tactics from the inside. He quickly rose through the ranks in the State Attorney’s office and was selected to run the North County Traffic court division. Tim was subsequently promoted to “Lead Trial Assistant” and supervised other Assistant State Attorneys in their prosecution of DUI cases.
Tim has invaluable insight into the strategies often employed by both police officers and prosecutors. He completed the same specialized DUI education and training that law enforcement officers attend. Tim became certified to operate and inspect the Intoxilyzer 8000.
Tim received a scholarship from the University of North Florida to attend the “DUI Drug Recognition Expert Program.” There, he studied alongside DUI Squad Officers in the complex area of Drug-Impaired Driver detection. This course is often considered the highest level of DUI training that a police officer can receive. Simply put, Tim’s intimate knowledge of his adversary’s strategies and tactics can translate into valuable insight used for the benefit of his clients in court.
In 2011, Tim completed an intensive continuing legal education program conducted at Harvard Law School through the National College of DUI Defense. This multi-day program is considered one of the premier criminal defense courses of instruction offered in the United States.
In 2020, Tim was elected by his peers to serve as the President of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In this capacity, Tim serves as a liason between the local criminal defense bar and the State Attorney’s Office, judges, law enforcement and clerk of court.
Tim is a member of the National College of DUI Defense, DUI Defense Lawyers Association, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
As an attorney at the law firm of Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, Tim’s superior commitment to excellence is considered an invaluable asset to their criminal defense team. The law office of Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan is “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell. This 140-year-old organization relies on the opinions of local lawyers and judges. An “AV” distinction is awarded only to law firms considered to possess the highest level of skill, integrity and ethical standards.
Tim resides in Dunedin, Florida with his wife, who is also an attorney, and two daughters. Tim and his wife are active members of their church in Clearwater and enjoy volunteering at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Youth Ranch. In his spare time, Tim enjoys playing tennis and is a die-hard Notre Dame fan.
Attorney Marc Pelletier has considerable skill and in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system. His experience and expertise is highly regarded by the local legal community.
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 one of the largest law firms 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.
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 later went on to receive the “Agency Service Award for Outstanding Performance and Service” in the execution of his duties as a State Prosecutor.
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. Marc also received intensive continuing legal education at Harvard Law School’s National College for DUI Defense.
In 2008, Marc was honored to receive the “Best of St. Petersburg, Attorney” award from the U.S. Local Business Association. The local criminal defense bar recognized Marc’s experience and knowledge in the law by electing him to serve as the President of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for 2010-2011.
In 2011, the online consumer lawyer rating organization “AVVO” honored Marc with its highest designation of “Superb.” The rating organization found that “Marc Pelletier has been widely recognized by the legal community for superb professional conduct and experience.”
As a member of the legal team at Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, Marc’s commitment to excellence and quality legal advocacy are an invaluable asset to the law firm. The law office of Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan is “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell. This 140 year old company solicits attorney reviews from local lawyers and judges. An “AV” distinction is awarded only to law firms that display the highest level of skill, integrity and ethical standards.
Attorney Zachariah Wade is a born-and-raised Floridian who grew up in Orange and Marion Counties. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Florida A & M University he earned his law degree from the Stetson University College of Law. During law school Zachariah became a member of the #1 Trial Team in the nation and competed across the United States. After law school Zachariah became an Advocacy Skills Trainer for the Stetson Trial Team and now fills the position of Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy with the College of Law.
Prior to joining our practice, Zachariah served the people of Pinellas County as an Assistant State Attorney. In his role as an ASA Zachariah earned his stripes in the courtroom and has handled cases that include drug crimes, domestic violence, DUI/BUI, violent crimes, sexual batteries, traffic fatalities, and murder.
Zachariah lives in Pinellas County with his wife and two children.
Attorney Frank Russo founded our law office in 1986. For over thirty-years he defended clients in Pinellas County facing DUI and other criminal charges.
Our Goal
Our goal is to defend each individual client with the utmost expertise and compassion – to win acquittals where possible, and where conviction seems inevitable, to obtain alternative sentences or treatment rather than imprisonment.
Take Advantage of a Free Consultation
You are invited to meet with us for a free consultation to discuss the individual facts and circumstances of your case. We believe that such a meeting will leave you confident in our ability to effectively represent you.
Christina Smith was raised in Port Huron, Michigan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors from the University of Michigan. After graduating, Christina moved to Clearwater, Florida and worked in the service industry where she trained employees in hospitality and customer service. Christina joined our office as our Client Outreach Coordinator in 2019. Through her hospitality background, she strives for positive client relationships. She displays a welcoming attitude and maintains your comfortability and assurance in our office.
Christina schedules appointments with clients, prepares and manages files, and will keep you informed of upcoming court dates. She also serves as a liaison between our clients and our local criminal justice system. Christina works closely with the Legal Assistants employed by the State Attorney’s Office in the scheduling of court dates and depositions. She frequently communicates with “Judicial Assistants” (Judge’s secretaries), and the Clerks of Court on a daily basis.
Christina works closely with our managing partner, Tim Sullivan, and all clients of his are welcomed to ask detailed questions and will receive timely case status updates from her. The attorney-client privilege extends to Christina and all information you provide her with will remain protected and confidential.
Christina resides in Largo, Florida with her family and is an active “dance mom.” Christina is currently furthering her education and is in graduate school at the University of Miami seeking a Master of Science in Finance degree.
Brandy Henson is a native of Floridian, whose legal career began in high school, when she started at a local family law firm as a file clerk working her way up the ranks to becoming a paralegal. Brandy graduated from the paralegal program at St. Petersburg College with top marks while also working full time. She has over 25 years of experience assisting attorneys in criminal law, family law, personal injury, insurance defense, worker’s compensation and Social Security Disability.
As Senior Partner Marc Pelletier’s paralegal, Brandy is responsible for maintaining his files and keeping his calendar accurate and up to date. She works to prepare his client files and keep clients informed of upcoming court dates and other important case updates. She serves as a liaison between clients, our office, and our local criminal justice system. She works closely with the State Attorney’s Office in the scheduling of court dates and depositions, frequently communicating with Judge’s assistants and the Clerk of Court to ensure your case stays on track and you stay informed.
All of Marc Pelletier’s clients are welcome to ask detailed questions and will receive timely case status updates from her. The attorney-client privilege extends to Brandy and all information you provide will remain protected and confidential.
After Graduating high school, Lauren moved from Akron, OH to St. Petersburg, FL in 2017 to attend Eckerd College. While at Eckerd, Lauren majored in Marine Biology and worked part-time at the Vinoy Marina as a stewardess and administrative assistant. Following her graduation from Eckerd College in 2021, Lauren was hired on full-time at the Vinoy Marina booking charters and assisting with any and all administrative needs.
Lauren has always had a passion for law and policy, so she made the decision to challenge herself and work for a law firm to obtain experience in the world of law. In November of 2021, Lauren began working here at Russo, Pelletier, and Sullivan as a Legal Assistant. During this time, she has gained experience in various aspects of law and our firm. Lauren served as legal assistant to Trial Attorney Zachariah Wade.
Hannah Mason was raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary School Education with a minor in Art and Special Education from the University of Mississippi. After graduating, Hannah moved to Jackson, Mississippi, and worked as a Criminal Defense Paralegal. Hannah joined our office as our Paralegal in 2022. She has previous experience in assisting attorneys in various practice areas including family law, personal injury, insurance defense, and medical malpractice.
Hannah aids our attorneys with evidence review, document drafting, and trial preparation. In this regard, she works closely with Tim Sullivan, Marc Pelletier, and Zachariah Wade. The attorney-client privilege extends to Hannah and all information you provide her will remain protected and confidential.
Hannah currently lives in Clearwater, Florida with her French Bulldog, Rebel.
Baypoint Commerce Center
The Koger Building
9721 Executive Center Dr N,
Suite 120
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Wilder Center
3000 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
Suite 100
Clearwater, FL 33765
