Robert Keating is a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney and Senior Trial Attorney at Michael & Associates Criminal Defense Attorneys. Since being licensed in Texas in 2014, he has represented individuals accused of a wide range of misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout the state. His practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, including driving while intoxicated (DWI), assault, drug offenses, weapons charges, and other serious criminal matters.
During his tenure at Michael & Associates, Mr. Keating has handled more than 225 criminal cases, representing clients facing allegations ranging from first-offense DWI and assault family violence to felony drug offenses and aggravated assault charges. His experience includes more than 70 intoxication-related matters, including first-offense DWI, repeat-offense DWI, and DWI cases involving elevated blood alcohol concentration allegations. This substantial criminal defense practice has provided him with substantial familiarity with the legal, procedural, and evidentiary issues that frequently arise in Texas criminal prosecutions.
Mr. Keating's criminal defense experience includes cases involving DWI, assault causing bodily injury family violence, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, manufacture or delivery of controlled substances, felony drug possession charges, unlawful weapon offenses, public intoxication, and probation-related matters. He represents clients at every stage of the criminal justice process, from investigation and arrest through negotiation, motion practice, and trial preparation.
Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Keating served for ten years in the United States Navy aboard attack submarines. His military service helped develop the discipline, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills that continue to inform his approach to criminal defense today. After leaving the Navy, he worked as a corporate trainer, refining the communication and public-speaking abilities that now serve him both in and out of the courtroom.
Mr. Keating attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale before earning his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, where he gained experience through internships with both the Dallas County District Attorney's Office and the Dallas County Public Defender's Office. These experiences provided valuable insight into how criminal cases are investigated, prosecuted, defended, and resolved. He was admitted to practice law in Texas in 2014.
In addition to his criminal defense practice, Mr. Keating has extensive knowledge of firearms laws and self-defense issues. He is an NRA-certified Pistol Instructor, Home Firearms Safety Instructor, and Range Safety Officer, and previously served as a Texas License to Carry Instructor.
Mr. Keating was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars from 2020 through 2024, a distinction recognizing outstanding attorneys who have attained a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition.
Today, Mr. Keating represents clients in Dallas, Fort Worth, and across North Texas who are facing DWI, assault, drug, weapons, and other criminal charges. Drawing on his military background, courtroom experience, and extensive criminal defense practice, he works to protect his clients' rights and help them navigate some of the most challenging situations of their lives.
