Keeley Karatinos was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. She attended the University of Florida, receiving Bachelors degrees in Russian Language and Political Science. Upon graduating, Ms. Karatinos managed residential and commercial properties in Gainesville before attending law school at Stetson University, College of Law (Gulfport, FL). Ms. Karatinos served as the National Liaison for the White Collar Crime Committee in the American Bar Association's Law Student Division. She received the William F. Blews Pro Bono Award, and the Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award. She graduated cum laude with a Concentration in Advocacy from Stetson University College of Law in 2014. Ms. Karatinos is licensed to practice law in Florida and West Virginia.
Ms. Karatinos focuses heavily on researching and writing to advocate for her clients. Prior to becoming a criminal defense attorney she interned for numerous judges throughout the State of Florida, including the Honorable Angela Cowden, the Honorable Olin Shinholser, and the Honorable Peter Estrada in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, the Honorable Amy Williams and the Honorable Lynn Tepper in the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Ms. Karatinos was selected as a Rising Star in Criminal Defense by SuperLawyers in 2020 and in 2021. Ms. Karatinos defends her clients accused of committing a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to crimes of violence, allegations of sexual abuse, drug sales and possession, DUI, traffic related offenses, Class E and Commercial driver license defense, theft charges, and more. Ms. Karatinos regularly defends clients in DMV hearings and has compiled a significant record of winning DMV hearings on the merits, and when the situation requires, on appeal. Ms. Karatinos presented on the fundamentals of cross examining a law enforcement officer at the Florida Bar's 2021 Masters of DUI continuing legal education course.
In 2021, Ms. Karatinos opened her law firm in the heart of downtown Dade City with the purpose of providing exceptional legal services for a reasonable fee.
Ms. Karatinos speaks Spanish, Russian, and English. She uses her knowledge of language, culture, and the law, to defend her clients accused of a crime or who are otherwise facing the deprivation of their rights, privileges, or liberty. Ms. Karatinos has a deep-seated belief in treating everyone with dignity and compassion.
She focuses on criminal defense, driver's license defense, post-conviction relief, and appellate practice.
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, Florida
- J.D. - 2014
- Honors: cum laude
- University of Florida
- B.A. - 2007
- Major: Russian Language and Political Science
Bar Admission
- Florida, 2015
- West Virginia, 2014
Past Positions
- Mander Law Group, Attorney, 2015 to 2021
Honors
- Rising Star in Criminal Defense
Languages
Classes & Seminars
- Masters of DUI- CLE, Florida Bar
Presented on the Fundamentals of Cross-Examination
Mock trial for Blood Breath & Tears, 2022
Co-Presented on Jury Selection at the DUIDLA Conference in Houston, 2022
President of the East Pasco Bar Association
President of the Pasco County Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
