A Formidable Force Armed With Effective Defense Strategies
Keeley
Karatinos
- Attorney
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense 50%
- Driver's License Defense
- Post-Conviction Relief
- Appellate Practice
Biography
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, Keeley managed residential and commercial properties in Gainesville before attending law school at Stetson University, College of Law (Gulfport, FL). Keeley 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. Keeley is licensed to practice law in Florida and West Virginia.
Keeley 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.
Keeley 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. Keeley 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.
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.
Keeley 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 license defense, post-conviction relief, and appellate practice.
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport/St. Petersburg, Florida
- J.D. - 2014
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: American Bar Association's Law Student Division, National Liaison, White Collar Crime Committee
- University of Florida
- B.A. - 2007
- Major: Russian Language and Political Science
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2015
- West Virginia, 2014
Honors
- Selected to Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars - Keeley Karatinos
- William F. Blews Pro Bono Award
- Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award
- Rising Star in Criminal Defense
Classes & Seminars
- Guest Lecturer at Masters of DUI- CLE, Florida Bar, 2021 to 2024
- Presented on the Fundamentals of Cross-Examination
- FACDL Blood Breath & Tears, 2022- Mock trial Defense Attorney
- Co-Presented on Jury Selection at the DUIDLA Conference in Houston, 2022
- Guest Advocate on Motions in Limine, 2023
- President of the East Pasco Bar Association, 2022 to 2023
- President of the Pasco County Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Past Positions
- Mander Law Group, Attorney, 2015 to 2021
- Honorable Angela Cowden, Intern
- Honorable Olin Shinholser, Intern
- Honorable Peter Estrada, Tenth Judicial Circuit, Intern
- Honorable Amy Williams, Intern
- Honorable Lynn Tepper, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Intern
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- Russian