About Maria
Maria Kazouris is a criminal defense attorney based in Tarpon Springs, Florida, with over two decades of experience in the legal field. She is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Connecticut. Her primary practice areas include criminal law, DUI & DWI, family law, divorce, employment law, and domestic violence. Born and raised in Tarpon Springs, Maria graduated from Tarpon Springs High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida in 1994, achieving a 3.86 GPA.
Maria then pursued her Juris Doctor at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut, graduating in 1998. During law school, she received honors for Academic Achievement in Juvenile Law, Service to the Community, and the Connecticut Title Insurance Company Award. After law school, Maria began her legal career as a law clerk for Yale Law School, where she conducted research and updated policies to align with federal regulations. She then worked as an associate attorney in New Haven, Connecticut, handling numerous personal injury claims and condominium administration cases. Seeking a change in climate, Maria relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida, and served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 7th Judicial Circuit, prosecuting offenses such as DUI, drug possession, theft, and battery.
In private practice, Maria has represented clients in many cases, from simple misdemeanors to serious felony charges. She has also handled civil cases, including contract disputes, auto accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, premises liability, and various business law matters. Additionally, Maria has served as General Counsel and Associate General Counsel to public employee labor unions, representing members in duty-related incidents, filing grievances, and negotiating contracts. She has trained and represented hundreds of law enforcement officers in matters involving the use of deadly force. Maria is bilingual in English and Greek, reflecting her cultural heritage.
She has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Keiser University, teaching Business Law and Criminal Law. In her spare time, Maria volunteers by assisting the New Haven Housing Authority and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice as their attorney. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Maria is a member of the Florida State Bar and the Connecticut Bar Association. She has been practicing law for over 23 years, offering legal services to clients in both states.
