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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 1 - 5 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | November 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Juvenile Law, Criminal defense
Mrs. Belkis represented our child in the most critical time needed, when our child was facing Aggravated Battery charges, a felony charge to a minor. She was a pleather of knowledge with years of expertise in her field and believed in our child as we did! She handled our family with such professional...
Posted by anonymous | September 14, 2021 | Personal Injury
Hit by someone that ran a red light
The light turned green and the two cars in front of me went. I started driving and was hit pretty hard by someone that ran a red light. I had never been the driver in an accident and I was in pain, anxious and didn’t know what to do next. I reached out to Plata Schott Law. I felt supported through...
Posted by Brian | January 08, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Business
The best in the business
Belkis is very professional and always on point. I reached out to her to help me get my business license started and she went over and beyond with helping me understand everything I need to know about owning my business she’s a great lawyer and also a great business woman!! Thanks again
Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Divorce
Ms. Belkis helped me with my divorce. She was able to help me understand the laws and what needs to happen. At times she was my voice of reason and also had patience while I was on my emotional roller coaster in the beginning. She answered emails and questions quickly and even helped when she hersel...
Posted by anonymous | April 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
AMAZING!!
Words can't describe how great miss Plata is. We hired her when my husband was arrested. She made the process so much easier for me and my family. She always answered all our questions in a timely matter, and always gave us updates. On our last court date, the emotions she shared really showed us how...
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."
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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