Ivonne Alecia Antonian

Ivonne A. Antonian earned her undergraduate degree from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Orlando, Florida. Ms. Antonian has devoted her entire career to criminal defense work. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida at both the trial and appellate levels. Ms. Antonian accepts cases throughout the entire state of Florida, including but not limited to Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Marion, Sumter, Sarasota, and Manatee Counties. Ms. Antonian fluently speaks, writes, and reads Spanish and is devoted to the effective representation of Spanish speaking clients.

Where did you begin your career?

I began my legal journey with the Public Defender’s Office of the Ninth Judicial Circuit. I then joined the Public Defender’s Office of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. I joined O’Brien Hatfield, PA in the spring of 2023, where I maintain a full caseload. As a result, I have experience in all state criminal defense areas, including but not limited to misdemeanor cases, traffic cases, mental health cases, and felonies cases. Over the course of my career, I have conducted motion hearings, sentencing hearings, bench trials, and jury trials. I have achieved successful motions to dismiss and suppress and earned not guilty verdicts after jury trials.

Why are you a criminal defense attorney?

Since I was a young child, I have always been the one to stand up to bullies. My family commented that I should become an attorney because of my quick responses and defending demeanor. As it turns out, I really enjoyed the art of debate, so naturally legal studies became my niche.

Immigrating to the United States of America from a South American country whose democracy is altogether diminished, I find great value in upholding the mantra of justice for all and ensuring that we maintain a free and just society. When my family and I moved to the United States, I quickly learned the effects the criminal justice system has on the accused and also everyone around them. On a personal note, my father was deported from the United States for driving without a valid license. This injustice inevitably influenced my career choices. I find great fulfillment in providing dignity and respect to my clients during difficult times. I truly believe that we are all deserving of those basic human values.