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The Byrd Law Firm P.A.Member
Mr. L. Derek Byrd
Pro

Mr. L. Derek Byrd

4.8
36 reviews

2151 Main Street, Suite 201, Sarasota, FL 34237

Assault, Battery, Burglary and 10 more

About Mr. L. Derek Byrd

Mr. Derek Byrd specializes in Criminal Law and is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a Criminal Trial Attorney. The Florida Bar considers Mr. Byrd an "expert" in criminal trial law. This is the highest level of recognition given by the Florida Bar. Board Certification is based on competency & experience within a defined area of law.

Derek Byrd was born and raised in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Derek grew up watching his father defend high profile criminal cases in the old Sarasota County Courthouse. His father's legal skills and the excitement surrounding the legal system inspired Derek to become a criminal defense attorney. Derek graduated with honors from Sarasota High School in 1986; he was also voted "Most Likely to Succeed".

Derek 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 (top 5% of his class). While in law school, Derek Byrd concentrated his studies on criminal and trial law. He served as Notes and Comments Editor for the Law Review Journal.

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 his private criminal law practice in 1998. Derek Byrd has defended over 2,000 criminal cases and over 95% of his practice is devoted to criminal defense.

Derek Byrd served as President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Sarasota Chapter, from 1999-2001. Mr. Byrd is currently the President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers statewide chapter which has close to 2000 members. Additionally, Mr. Byrd is the President of the Sarasota County Bar. Mr. Byrd is also a member of the Judge Scheb Inn of Court. Mr. Byrd 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. Mr. Byrd is a Life Member of FACDL, a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the American Bar Association, Florida Bar-Criminal Law section, and the Sarasota County Bar Association. Finally, Mr. Byrd is an active Little League Baseball coach, coaching All-Star and Travel Ball teams.

Mr. Byrd is recognized by his peers as a "Super Lawyer" and is listed in "Best Lawyers" in America. Mr. Byrd has appeared on Bill O'Reilly, Nancy Grace, Court TV, ABC, CBS NBC, and FOX networks as a legal commentator. Recently, Tru TV televised a first degree murder trial where Mr. Byrd was lead counsel.

Since 2006 through the present, Derek Byrd has been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top lawyers in the nation.

Derek Byrd Belongs To:

The Florida Bar Association

Sarasota County Bar Association - PRESIDENT

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

National Trial Lawyers Association

Judge Frank Scheb American Inn of Court

Who's Who in America

FACDL - PRESIDENT

 

Mr. L. Derek Byrd (Sarasota, Florida) View website

Awards

Silver Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 3 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.0 or higher.
Champion Badge Silver
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Mr. L. Derek Byrd got this award in 2021

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Mr. L. Derek Byrd got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for L. Derek

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Overall Rating
4.8
See All Reviews
36
5.0
Lawyers.com
5
4.6
Martindale
24
5.0
Avvo
7
Showing 1-5 of 5 client reviews from Lawyers.com
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5 stars
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4 stars
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3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
October 22, 2021
Hired Attorney

To be the man you got to beat the man and Derek Byrd is your Man. Derek does not accept what the state offers he fights for what is right and wrong. Best

DUI/DWI
Posted by anonymous
March 04, 2021
Hired Attorney

Mr. Byrd listened to the circumstances of my arrest, explained my legal situation, and took care of the issue from there. Throughout the process Mr. Byrd kept me appraised of developments, and ultimately resolved the issue through strong actions to my satisfaction. I felt very comfortable in the hands of The Byrd Law Firm.

Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
April 13, 2020
Hired Attorney

Derek and his team are at the forefront of the best of the best category. If you're looking for a law firm that fights for you like you're family, I highly recommend The Byrd Law Firm.

Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
April 13, 2019
Hired Attorney

I, my family, friends and Associates have used Mr Byrd over the decades. He presented our cases honestly, fairly, effectively and successfully in all of them. Thank God. He an amazing attorney and human. I will always respect him as a great man. All that know him will stand up for him anytime. Thank you Mr Bird for all your professionalism, kindness, respect and above all...your legendary legal skills. Bless you and yours.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
April 13, 2019
Hired Attorney

Mr. Byrd is an amazing attorney, human and just neat guy. He's represented myself, my family and friends that I've referred, honestly, fairly and thank God successfully. He has one of the sharpest legal minds that I have met and I've known personally hundreds of attorneys over the years. I should mention how much I thank him for all of his magical gifts that God had given him and he shares with his clients and others. Thank you Mr. Byrd!!! And thank you Lord. Mike

 
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Assault
  • Criminal Law 2
    • Sex Crimes
    • Theft
  • Domestic Violence
  • Other 8
    • Battery
    • Burglary
    • Criminal Trial Law
    • DUI
    • Drug Offenses
    • Manslaughter
    • Murder
    • Probation Violations

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1996, Florida
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Quinnipiac College of Law
    Class of 1995
    J.D.
    cum laude
    Other Education
    Florida State University
    Class of 1990
    B.A.
    Criminology
    Legal Certifications
    Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Mr. L. Derek Byrd was admitted in 1996 to the State of Florida.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Mr. L. Derek Byrd has a 4.6 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    The Byrd Law Firm P.A. has 3 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Mr. L. Derek Byrd attended Quinnipiac College of Law.

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