Our Firm

Melissa Zeglen

Criminal Defense Attorney

Melissa Zeglen is a former prosecutor and experienced criminal trial attorney. She started her career at the State Attorney’s Office in Orlando Florida where she handled thousands of felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile cases, including serious and complex cases, such as first-degree murder, attempted murder, carjacking, robbery with a firearm, sexual battery and more. She then gained additional valuable experience with the Public Defender’s Office where she focused on post-conviction work, such as ineffective assistance of counsel, legal research and writing, juvenile resentencing, and more. With additional experience in civil insurance defense, Melissa brings a strong work ethic and a desire to provide highly effective, meticulous, and thorough representation to every client.  Attorney Zeglen is an active member of the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CFACDL) and the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA). Melissa graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy. She received her Juris Doctorate from Barry University in Orlando, Florida ranking in the top 15% of her class.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Florida, 2019

EXPERIENCE

  • Office of the State Attorney
  • Office of the Public Defender
  • Extensive experience handling criminal law cases, including the following:

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & ASSOCIATIONS 

  • Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (CFACDL)
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
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Whether representing a client in a criminal law or family law case, our superior knowledge and our extensive experience gives our clients strength and leverage, while our sage guidance, empathy, and compassion offer our clients the benefits of valuable clarity and wisdom.

At Longwell Lawyers, our team strives to ensure the best experience and outcome for our clients, by providing:

  • A deep knowledge of the law
  • An experienced and strategic approach
  • Excellent communication and guidance
  • Reasonable fees

Client Reviews

We Fight Hard For Your Rights

“Mark understands strategy. He understands procedure. And most importantly, he understands how to protect his clients”

I have known Mark Longwell for years and worked alongside him on numerous cases during my time as a bail agent. From a professional standpoint, I have seen firsthand how he operates inside the criminal justice system. Mark understands strategy. He understands procedure. And most importantly, he understands how to protect his clients while navigating complex criminal cases. Preparation matters in this field — and he comes prepared. As someone who has spent years in the bail industry, I do not make recommendations lightly. I have observed his professionalism, courtroom presence, and ability to manage serious cases with discipline and focus. If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Orlando who knows the system and knows how to move within it, Mark Longwell and his team are a firm I can confidently speak about from direct experience.

Brandy DeMello

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“We have never been in a situation like this before and didn’t know where to turn.”

We found ourselves in a situation where we needed a criminal defense attorney. We have never been in a situation like this before and didn’t know where to turn. A friend’s lawyer recommended Mark Longwell.
My husband called and left a message on Sat., Dec. 27. Mark himself returned the call within an hour. We hired them and they went right to work on my case.
There was an urgency as we were booked on a cruise 1/10 and I was told I could not leave the state of Florida. Our son was getting married on the ship and I didn’t know if I would be able to be there.
They made motions to allow me to leave the state and also to dismiss the case. Everything was running behind because of the holidays.
The morning of Jan. 6, Andrew called to tell me that my case was dismissed! I was never so happy or greatful in my life. A little later Mark called as well. They really went to work for me and I would recommend them to anyone.

 

Brian Ricci

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“In the courtroom, Mr. Longwell transforms. He is a **lion**—fearless, strategic, and unwavering.”

If you are searching for an attorney who is not only exceptional at his craft but also an extraordinary human being, look no further than Mr. Mark Longwell. From the very first moment you meet him, you can feel his compassion, sincerity, and commitment. He is the kind of attorney who treats you like a human being—not a case file, not a number, not an inconvenience. He listens, truly listens, and in today’s world that alone sets him apart. I cannot stress enough how rare it is to find someone of his caliber who makes the time to understand every concern, every detail, and every emotion that you’re carrying. In the courtroom, Mr. Longwell transforms. He is a **lion**—fearless, strategic, and unwavering. He stands up to anyone, no matter how intimidating the system may seem, and he fiercely protects his clients from being pushed around, overlooked, or taken advantage of. His courage and conviction are matched only by his legal skill and experience. What truly sets him apart is the **lengths he goes to** in order to secure the best possible outcome for the people he represents. He gives everything he has—knowledge, effort, time, and heart. You never feel alone with him in your corner. You feel safe. You feel heard. You feel defended. Anyone in need of a **solid, trustworthy, and exceptionally capable criminal attorney** should stop searching right now. With Mr. Mark Longwell, you are guaranteed not only outstanding representation but also one of the most reassuring and uplifting experiences during one of the most difficult times of your life. He is a rare combination of strength and compassion, and I am endlessly grateful for his guidance, integrity, and dedication. Simply put: he is amazing at what he does, and even more amazing as a person. GOD BLESS YOUR HEART, MIND and SPIRIT. You’re amazing at what you do and I pray that God continues to use you for the sake of His children.

 

st george

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“they are all very knowledgeable and have good communication and are great at their jobs.”
Had a great experience, they are all very knowledgeable and have good communication and are great at their jobs. Andrew was my lawyer and within a month my charges were dropped I never even had to go to court which is a relief. I can’t thank the team of Longwell lawyers enough. Might be costly but these guys are good at what they do
Kendall Gilliam

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“A well-deserved 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We won !”

I had the privilege of working with Attorney Mark Longwell and Attorney Elizabeth DiTomasso, and I could not be more impressed with the quality of their representation. From start to finish, they were professional, extremely sharp, and deeply knowledgeable about the law. What stood out the most was not just their expertise, but also the genuine care and compassion they showed throughout the process. This case was a domestic injunction as I was the respondent.Both Mark and Elizabeth took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed every step of the way, and always made me feel like my case was a priority. Their attention to detail and ability to anticipate challenges gave me complete confidence that I was in the best possible hands.It is rare to find attorneys who combine such a high level of skill with true dedication to their clients. Because of the outstanding experience I had, I can say with full confidence that I will use their services every single time in the future.If you are looking for attorneys who are not only talented and knowledgeable but also truly care about their clients’ outcomes, Mark Longwell and Elizabeth DiTomasso are the ones you want by your side. A well-deserved 5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We won !

Messiah Messiah

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“They offered me valuable guidance every step of the way and were always prompt, informative and respectful.”

I have a lot of respect and gratitude for Mark Longwell and his staff. They offered me valuable guidance every step of the way and were always prompt, informative and respectful. It had a very positive experience working with them. I highly recommend them!

Max

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“If you need the best help for you and for your family, this is your guy.”

There are a lot of attorneys to choose from when you need help. What drew me in originally was the great reviews of Mark and his team. At first I was a bit nervous if I made the right decision because there are so many attorneys out there that all say the same thing, that they’re the best. I had the opportunity to see Mark in practice today and i can tell you now, he is the REAL DEAL. If you need the best help for you and for your family, this is your guy. He doesn’t miss.

Randy Huguelet

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“I had a very great experience with attorney Mark Longwell and the law firms staff…”

I had a very great experience with attorney Mark Longwell and the law firms staff… I was very happy with Mr. Longwell the way he fought long and hard to get a favorable outcome concerning my case. He is very knowledgeable, compassionate and I never felt like a was being judged. He was always upfront and tells you how it is. If you are looking for a honest attorney and one that truly enjoys what he does then I highly recommend Longwell Lawyers..

Farhan K.

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“Attorney Ben Jones is Awesome and has been such a Blessing to our family!”

Attorney Ben Jones is Awesome and has been such a Blessing to our family! He has never failed any requests or concerns and gets the job done in a respectful and professional manner always. I appreciate his genuine kind being!

Jessica H.

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“We have never been in a situation like this before and didn’t know where to turn.”

We found ourselves in a situation where we needed a criminal defense attorney. We have never been in a situation like this before and didn’t know where to turn. A friend’s lawyer recommended Mark Longwell.
My husband called and left a message on Sat., Dec. 27. Mark himself returned the call within an hour. We hired them and they went right to work on my case.
There was an urgency as we were booked on a cruise 1/10 and I was told I could not leave the state of Florida. Our son was getting married on the ship and I didn’t know if I would be able to be there.
They made motions to allow me to leave the state and also to dismiss the case. Everything was running behind because of the holidays.
The morning of Jan. 6, Andrew called to tell me that my case was dismissed! I was never so happy or greatful in my life. A little later Mark called as well. They really went to work for me and I would recommend them to anyone.

 

Brian Ricci

read more

“In the courtroom, Mr. Longwell transforms. He is a **lion**—fearless, strategic, and unwavering.”

If you are searching for an attorney who is not only exceptional at his craft but also an extraordinary human being, look no further than Mr. Mark Longwell. From the very first moment you meet him, you can feel his compassion, sincerity, and commitment. He is the kind of attorney who treats you like a human being—not a case file, not a number, not an inconvenience. He listens, truly listens, and in today’s world that alone sets him apart. I cannot stress enough how rare it is to find someone of his caliber who makes the time to understand every concern, every detail, and every emotion that you’re carrying. In the courtroom, Mr. Longwell transforms. He is a **lion**—fearless, strategic, and unwavering. He stands up to anyone, no matter how intimidating the system may seem, and he fiercely protects his clients from being pushed around, overlooked, or taken advantage of. His courage and conviction are matched only by his legal skill and experience. What truly sets him apart is the **lengths he goes to** in order to secure the best possible outcome for the people he represents. He gives everything he has—knowledge, effort, time, and heart. You never feel alone with him in your corner. You feel safe. You feel heard. You feel defended. Anyone in need of a **solid, trustworthy, and exceptionally capable criminal attorney** should stop searching right now. With Mr. Mark Longwell, you are guaranteed not only outstanding representation but also one of the most reassuring and uplifting experiences during one of the most difficult times of your life. He is a rare combination of strength and compassion, and I am endlessly grateful for his guidance, integrity, and dedication. Simply put: he is amazing at what he does, and even more amazing as a person. GOD BLESS YOUR HEART, MIND and SPIRIT. You’re amazing at what you do and I pray that God continues to use you for the sake of His children.

St George

read more

“they are all very knowledgeable and have good communication and are great at their jobs.”

Had a great experience, they are all very knowledgeable and have good communication and are great at their jobs. Andrew was my lawyer and within a month my charges were dropped I never even had to go to court which is a relief. I can’t thank the team of Longwell lawyers enough. Might be costly but these guys are good at what they do

Kendall Gilliam

read more
Read More Reviews
Longwell Lawyers Team

Why Choose Longwell Lawyers?

We are committed to providing experienced, strategic, and client-focused legal representation in both criminal defense and family law. Our team brings decades of insight, proven results, and a personal approach to every case we handle.

  • Over 30 years of consistent, successful outcomes
  • Leadership from a former Florida state prosecutor
  • Custom legal strategies tailored to your situation
  • Multilingual support to serve diverse communities
  • Open, responsive communication at every step
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Exceptional Knowledge

We're highly-educated and never stop learning in order to best serve you.

an effective Strategy

We apply our knowledge in the courtroom to represent you with excellence.

HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE Communication

We're highly reachable and communicative at every step of the process.

Fair Pricing

We strive to give top-tier service at reasonable rates; we'll do it the right way.

DECADES OF SUCCESS AND GREAT RESULTS

We're highly respected in the legal community for our dedication to excellence.