L. Derek Byrd

Derek Byrd was born and raised in Sarasota. He graduated from Florida State University in 1990 with a B. A. in Criminology. He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut in 1995 graduating cum laude. After being admitted to the Florida Bar in early 1996, Derek went to work for the Public Defender’s Office in Sarasota, where he gained extensive and valuable trial experience. He opened The Byrd Law Firm in 1998. Mr. Byrd is Board Certified in Criminal Law. He is a Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Statewide Chapter. He also served as the President of the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers from 1999 – 2001. Additionally, Mr. Byrd is a Past President of the Sarasota County Bar Association. He is also a member of the Judge John M. Scheb Inn of Court. Mr. Byrd has served on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee. He is licensed in all State Courts and the Federal Court, Middle District of Florida. Mr. Byrd has written articles for the Defender magazine and spoken at FACDL seminars. He is a Life Member of FACDL, a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). His wife, Heather, is not only his partner in life but also his Partner in The Byrd Law Firm, and her practice is concentrated on family law. For more information on Derek please visit Derek's Byrd Law Firm page