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About Belkis
Biography
Belkis Plata was born in the Bronx, New York to a Puerto Rican father and Colombian mother. Belkis is fluent in Spanish. Belkis attended Paxon School for Advanced Studies and Mandarin High school. Belkis went on and graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology in 2007. During undergrad Belkis worked as an intern for the U.S. Marshals and the Guardian ad Litem Program. In the summer of 2008, Belkis, worked as a legal intern at Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. The following year she worked in Atlanta at the Fulton County District Attorney's Office in the gang unit. Belkis received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2010. While at UF Law, Belkis, worked for the Center of Race and Race Relations, the Reichert House Youth Academy and was a member of GatorTeam Child Juvenile Law Clinic.
Belkis practiced as a trial attorney at the Public Defender's Office in Jacksonville, Florida for nearly four years. Belkis began her career in Juvenile Court where she represented hundreds of children charged with both misdemeanors and felonies. Belkis was later assigned to Felony Court and thereafter was promoted to Major Crimes Attorney. During her time at the Public Defender's Office Belkis defended thousands of individuals charged with various crimes from petit theft to attempted murder. While at the Public Defender's Office Belkis was nominated as 2011 Employee of the Year, 2012 Trial Lawyer of the Year, and 2013-2014 Trial Team of the Year.
She is a member of the Florida Bar and is licensed to practice law in all Florida State Courts and in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Belkis is a Board Certified Juvenile Trial Attorney. She is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Human Rights Coalition, and the Florida Bar Association. She has been recognized nationally for her mentorship, client satisfaction and advocacy.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
16 years | 3,000 cases
Juvenile Law
30%
16 years | 1,500 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 15 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Plata Schott Attorneys and Counselors at Law
135 W Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL, 322023109
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Belkis Christina Plata's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
106 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (43)
Lawsuits & Disputes (18)
Juvenile (8)
Divorce & Separation (6)
Drug Crime (3)
Child Custody (2)
Child Support (2)
Expungement (2)
Gun Law (2)
Immigration (2)
Litigation (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (2)
Violent Crime (2)
Alimony (1)
Business (1)
Car Accidents (1)
Child Abuse (1)
Civil Rights (1)
Corporate & Incorporation (1)
DUI & DWI (1)
Family (1)
Insurance (1)
Landlord & Tenant (1)
Libel & Slander (1)
Sex Crime (1)
Showing 36 - 40 of 65 reviews | Case Results
Posted by Michael | February 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
A Real Bad Ass - A Warrior for Justice
I am a criminal defense lawyer with 18 years of trial experience. I say this because I have worked with some excellent lawyers and lots of bad ones. Belkis is one of the best defense lawyers that I have seen in action. She is a real bad ass. After reviewing other local lawyers, I hired her in June 2...
Posted by CHARSSEY | January 04, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Thank God for Belkis
Belkis is a true blessing. I was facing 2 years and thanks to Belkis majority of my charges were dropped. She is amazing and she takes every case seriously. Something that's really rare.
Posted by Jason | October 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best lawyer ever!!
I was at the point in my life where all odds were against me, I recently came home from a deployment and found myself looking at a life felony, when I thought all hope was gone in walks Mrs. Belkis Plata. She assured me that she would fight for me till the end and for me not to give up. She not only ...
Posted by Cici | August 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
An Amazing and On Point Lawyer!
Ms. Plata was amazing, she successfully helped my brother defeat a possible 2 year sentence for multiple charges including an VOP. He went to jail and by his 2nd court appearance, Belkis was able to get majority of the charges dropped. He was sentenced to 6 months with early release of completion of...
Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Litigation
Excellent Advocate for Stalking Victims
Ms. Plata helped me during a very difficult, sensitive case where I was a stalking victim in an injunction hearing. Ms. Plata understood the complexities of the hearing where I was required to sit across from my stalker and directly confront him, and made the process as easy as possible. I was very...
Belkis Christina Plata's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse as a fantastic and knowledgeable attorney. Has a stellar reputation in the community for providing high quality representation and results for clients!"
"Belkis is a highly skilled and trained attorney. She cares about her clients and is very down to earth and approachable as an attorney. She is great to work with as she provides insights into cases that are very unique and specific to her personality and experience."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great member of the legal community."
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"I endorse this lawyer. Ms.Plata is a skilled and valuable asset to our legal community."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Board Certified - Juvenile Law, Florida Bar
2016
National Excellence in Mentoring Award, Mentor.org
2016
Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
Alumna of the Year, Take Stock in Children
2012
Office of the Public Defender, Trial Lawyer of the Year - Nominee
2012
Office of the Public Defender, Trial Team of the Year - Nominee
2012
Office of the Public Defender, Trial Team of the Year - Nominee
2011
Office of the Public Defender, Employee of the Year - Nominee
2010
Pro Bono Certificate, University of Florida Levin College of Law
2010
Pro Bono Award, Florida Bar
2007
Pro Bono Award, University of Florida
2007
Woman Leader of the Year - Finalist, University of Florida
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Managing Partner, Plata Schott Attorney's and Counelors at Law
2010 - 2014
Major Crimes Attorney, Office Of The Public Defender
2009 - 2010
Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations, University Of Florida Levin College Of Law
Associations
2016 - Present
Human Rights CoalitionMember
2011 - Present
Jacksonville Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
Alpha Kappa AlphaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Florida v G.G
Charges Dropped
State of Florida v G.G
Charges Dropped
State of Florida vs C.T.
Charges Dropped
State of Florida vs. K. H.
Charges Dropped
State of Florida v K.A.
Charges Dropepd
Motion for Determination of Immunity and Motion to Dismiss (commonly called, a "Stand Your Ground" Motion)
Motion to Dismiss Granted
State of Florida v. J.B.
Child received juvenile sanctions
State of Florida v J.B.
Charges reduced from sex offense to mm battery
State of Florida v J.B.
Mandatory Minimum waived, probation sentence with early termination
State of Florida v. L.D
Charges Dropped
State of Florida v D.D.
Charges Dropped
Education
2010
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
University of Florida
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2017
Kids Court: Juvenile Law Overview
Juvenile Sentencing
2016
The Chat
Hot Legal Topics
2016
Legal Studies
The Law and You
2015
Mandarin High School
The Law and You
2015
Jacksonville Wedding Vendors Meet Up
Business Tips for Wedding Vendors
Publications
2016
2016
Florida Times Union
Officer punished after two Duval school investigations
2016
Goodwill
TSCI Alumna Wins National Honors
2016
Jax Daily Record
Pro Bono Spotlight
2016
2015
Florida Times Union
Youngest Latina to Own Law Firm to Be Honored in State Capital
2015
2015
Folio Weekly
HONORING NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S BETTER ANGELS
2015
Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children Alumna of the Year
2015
Civil Rights Movement
Jacksonville Lawyer Comes To The Rescue After Anti-Gay Florida Clerk Throws A Tantrum
2015
2015
2006
Gainesville Sun
There's someone to talk to
Languages
Spanish
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can two co defendants be separated to where they cant see eachother or make contact any more?
25 Jul 2017
Q&A
Can I get a capias warrant lifted after I have returned the item requested without having to go to court?
21 Jul 2017
Q&A
Can i just be kicked out of my home when im on felony probation in florida
19 Jul 2017