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About Deanna
Biography
After spending more than ten years as an Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor, I left in 2003 to specialized in criminal defense. We take pride in aggressively representing our client's individual needs. We are proud of our stellar reputation and have never paid one penny in order to advertise for a client.
Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Sex Crime
15%
33 years
Violent Crime
15%
33 years
DUI and DWI
10%
33 years
Domestic Violence
10%
33 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 32 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
Deanna L. Kelley, PLLC
1042 North Milford Road, Suite 103, Milford, MI, 48381
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Deanna L. Kelley's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 34 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
success
She gets the job done. I had to hire her because without her help, I would’ve ended up with a felony on my record. I’m extremely grateful that she was able to prevent that. Even though the cost felt high at the time, the outcome was absolutely worth it.
Posted by Sahar | February 17, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Horrific experience extremely painful
I retained Deanna during one of the most traumatic periods of my life. At the time, I had filed a serious civil lawsuit against an attorney who had engaged in an inappropriate intimate relationship with me and later retaliated by involving his estranged wife in obtaining a restraining order. Instead...
Posted by Rahul | January 24, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Extremely Frustrated Hiring Deanna!
I rarely leave negative reviews, but I felt compelled to share my experience. Due to changes in immigration policies due to the new administration, I hired Deanna to help vacate my disturbing the peace convictions after she assured me on three separate occasions that she could advocate with the prose...
Deanna Kelley
Replied last February 17, 2026I pride myself on providing ethical and zealous representation to every client, and have never promised a specific outcome. Many attorneys avoid clients who are already in a tough position, but I believe those are the clients who need the most help, and I do everything I can do to provide it. Past clients will attest to the fact that I am clear and realistic about potential outcomes. I remember things differently than what you describe, but am ethically prohibited from commenting publicaly. You have my number, please feel free to text me to discuss your grievances.
Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
HIGHLY recommend!
Deanna’s name is highly regarded in the law community. Her name was given to me by several attorney friends in a time of need, I’m so thankful to have met her. She began working on my case within minutes of my initial call to her. Deanna was nothing but empathetic and hard working when resolving my ...
Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent legal representation
Deanna represented me in a 2nd DUI case out of the 52nd district court. She came up with a solution for the most favorable outcome in my scenario and was able to work with my specific judge to make this happen. The outcome was exactly what we were both looking for in my particular case based on the s...
Deanna L. Kelley's Lawyer Endorsements
"Deanna is a smart, compassionate, and effective advocate known for helping clients with tough problems."
"Deanna Kelley is a consummate professional. She is bright, honest, very hard working, well prepared, very well respected, and does a great job for her clients. She is a credit to our profession and is the kind of attorney I would want to have by my side if I ever needed counsel."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Deanna for over 20 years, and have seen her litigate both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. Deanna is an extremely talented attorney who aggressively fights for her client's rights. I have referred Deanna many clients over the years and they all have had extremely positive experiences with her. Not only did she passionately advocate for the clients, but she was very sensitive to the incredible stress that they were experiencing. I would highly recommend Deanna."
"Deanna is one of the most competent, knowledgeable and caring criminal defense attorneys I have consulted with and observed in my 30+ years of practice. I have recommended her to a number of business clients for use by their employees, friends and family members, and have had only enthusiastic and positive feedback regarding each matter handled by her, which is unique in her difficult and specialized practice area. I highly recommend and endorse Deanna."
"Deanna Kelley is an outstanding attorney. I have known her for many years. Deanna and I opposed each other many times while she worked for the Oakland County Prosecutors Office. She is always prepared, truly cares about her clients and has a very strong and positive presence in the courtroom. Deanna is a credit to our profession and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a Criminal Defense Attorney."
"I've been a colleague of Deanna for many years and will tell anybody and everybody that she is not only an exceptional criminal attorney who has no problem bulldogging down any prosecutor around, she is one of the most compassionate and caring people who walk this earth. And when it's your life on the line, it really helps when your lawyer is a bulldog, while at the same time truly cares about you and what will happen to you. Call Deanna, she's the best!!!!!"
"Deanna is a highly effective and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney well respected by both bench and bar. Deanna is an outstanding advocate and will zealously pursue every possible defense to obtain favorable results for her clients. I endorse this lawyer without reservation. Anyone that needs an attorney in the area of criminal defense would be wise to consult with her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Deanna Kelley is a top criminal defense attorney and great trial lawyer. She fights for her clients and has a proven track record with results. Anyone will be well represented with Deanna by their side."
"Ms. Kelley articulates thoughtful and reasoned analysis of criminal defense issues. She is an asset to the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Her answers on AVVO are always well thought out and thorough. She clearly has excellent experience and knowledge in her area of practice."
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Deanna Kelley and learning from Deanna for the past 8 years. She has a strong presence in the courtroom and is always prepared for whatever the prosecution or the court throws at her. She is skilled at exposing the weaknesses in the prosecution's case all while taking the time to explain to her clients the complexities of their cases."
"As a criminal defense attorney, if I were facing a criminal charge myself, there are colleagues whom I would turn to for help and those whom I would not trust. Deanna Kelley is one of about 4 or 5 that I would count on because she has proven herself again and again. Whether you're seeking a plea deal or planning to fight your charges all the way by taking it to Trial, Deanna is the lawyer who will pay attention to those important facts that lesser attorneys ignore, and her meticulously planned Trial strategies unravel like an intimidating checkmate that Prosecutors don't realize they're in until it's too late. I'm not being forced to write this review, so let the very fact that I felt compelled to give this endorsement stand as a testament to Deanna's prowess in the courtroom."
"Deanna Kelley is one of the best lawyers I have ever known. If I were arrested I would call Ms. Kelley. She is aggressive, compassionate, and incredibly intelligent. I endorse this lawyer."
"Deanna Kelley is an outstanding criminal defense lawyer and a well respected litigator. When she was a prosecutor, many defense lawyers dreaded her courtroom prowess and ability to communicate and persuade a jury. Deanna's ability to achieve amazing results for her clients is well known and many defense lawyers seek out her advice when an issue they are facing is unusually complex or difficult. Judges and prosecutors know that when Deanna Kelley appears in court, she will do everything possible to win! I highly endorse and respect Attorney Deanna Kelley."
"Deanna is a talented and hard working trial attorney. I have been privileged to work with her on several cases, and have been very impressed with her skills in and out of the court room. Her keen intellect, exceptional insight, work ethic, and background as a prosecutor make her a fantastic criminal defense attorney. I highly recommend and endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Top Women Attorneys in Michigan, SuperLawyers
2015
SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Top Women Attorneys in Michigan, SuperLawyers
2014
Top Women Attorneys in Michigan, SuperLawyers
2014
Top Contributor, AVVO
2014
Top Attorney, AVVO
2014
SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers
2013
10 Rating, AVVO
2013
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2013
dbusiness 2014 Top Lawyers, dbusiness Top Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Michigan Super Lawyers
2012
Fellow, Oakland County Bar Association
2003
Distinguished Service Award, Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
Work Experience
2003 - Present
Founding Partner/Managing Partner, Deanna L. Kelley, PLLC
2011 - 2014
Founding Partner/Managing Partner, Kelley Bilkovic Markus Vitale Law Firm
1993 - 2003
Assistant Prosecutor, Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
Associations
2020 - Present
Michigan Indigent Defense CommissionFaculty
2012 - Present
Oakland County Bar FoundationFellow
2003 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
Oakland County Bar Association
Member
2014 - 2014
Brain injury Association of MichiganLecturer at Legal Conference.
2004 - 2012
State Appellate Defender OfficeMember
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
US v GP
Charges avoided!
State of Michigan v AB
Violation of Probation dismissed!
State of Michigan v BG
Charges avoided!
People v PC
Charges avoided!
State of Michigan v JH; In re. MH
Charges avoided and parental rights preserved!
State of Michigan v BD
NOT GUILTY
People v KL
Case Dismissed
State of Michigan v KW
CHARGES DISMISSED
State of Michigan v TV
Jury Verdict of NOT GUILTY!
State of Michigan v RV
No criminal charges
State of Michigan v JY
Client spent 3 months in jail instead of 20 years!
KV v DE
PPO denied against client & granted against other party instead!
In the Matter of RY
No criminal charges
People v B. Jackson
Not Guilty
State of Michigan v DD
Case dismissed after Mrs. Kelley uncovered false statements by the police in the search warrant.
People v Charles L
Not Guilty
People v D. Davis
Case Dismissed
State of Michigan v JG
No jail. Probation terminated
People v Patricia T.
Prevented felony criminal charges.
People v Peggy R
Charges dismissed (10 felony tax fraud & embezzlement charges)
People v Michael B.
All charges dismissed (larceny)
People v John W
Found Not Guilty
People v Thomas A
Found Not Guilty
People v Frank P
Charges Dismissed (felony weapons & alcohol charges)
People v Ken H
Found Not Guilty of Criminal Sexual Conduct
Education
1993
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Speaking Engagements
2014
Annual Legal Conference
Legal Conference
N/A
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Women in the Law
N/A
Oakland Community College Police Academy
Laws of Suspect ID
N/A
Oakland Community College Police Academy
Suspect Identification
N/A
Oakland Community College Police Academy
Laws of Evidence
Publications
2020
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
Michigan Model Criminal Jury Instructions with ICLE Commentary
2019
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
Michigan Model Criminal Jury Instructions with ICLE Commentary
2018
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
Michigan Model Criminal Jury Instructions with ICLE Commentary
2017
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
Michigan Model Criminal Jury Instructions with ICLE Commentary
2016
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
Michigan Model Criminal Jury Instructions with ICLE Commentary
2015
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan)
Michigan Model Criminal Jury Instructions with ICLE Commentary
2014
The Institute of Continuing Legal Education
Michigan Model Criminal Jury Instructions with ICLE Commentary
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do I get my license fully reinstated after completing the interlocking program i had a hearing to get my restriction license
21 May 2014
Q&A
Can you fight being put on pbt's or the S.C.R.A.M. bracelet if your offense was not alcohol related?
08 Jun 2013
Q&A
My ex girlfriend stole my keys to my apartment while I was sleeping, can the police help me? she's crazy.
21 May 2013