L. Derek Byrd, Criminal Defense Attorney in Sarasota, Florida
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
MemberatThe Byrd Law Firm P.A.
Sarasota, FL
Practicing criminal defense in Sarasota since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
L. Derek Byrd is a member based in Sarasota, FL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. L. has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Byrd Law Firm P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- Sarasota, FL
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Sarasota, FL.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About L. Derek Byrd: L. Derek Byrd is a member based in Sarasota, FL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. L. has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Byrd Law Firm P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by L. Derek Byrd
L. concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, dv defense, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case L. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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DV Defense
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General
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Probation
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Sex Crimes
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Theft
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Violent Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Sarasota, Florida
L. takes criminal defense matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before L. agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Sarasota, Florida
L. takes drug crimes matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before L. agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Sarasota, Florida
L. takes dui/dwi matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before L. agrees to represent you.
DV Defense cases in Sarasota, Florida
L. takes dv defense matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before L. agrees to represent you.
General cases in Sarasota, Florida
L. takes general matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before L. agrees to represent you.
Biography
About L. Derek Byrd — Over 30 years of Florida criminal defense experience
L. Derek Byrd is a member based in Sarasota, FL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. L. has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Byrd Law Firm P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
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
Working with L. on a criminal defense matter
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…
Clients L. works with
L. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Sarasota and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
L. Derek Byrd's legal education and bar admissions
Quinnipiac College of Law
J.D. · 1995
Florida State University
B.A. Criminology · 1990
Jurisdictions
L.'s state bar admissions
Florida
1996 · ACTIVE
L. studied at J.D. in Quinnipiac College of Law and B.A. Criminology in Florida State University.
Law school and academic background
L. completed J.D. in Quinnipiac College of Law and B.A. Criminology in Florida State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice L. runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of L. Derek Byrd
L. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
L. Derek Byrd's office in Sarasota
L.'s primary office is at 2151 Main Street, Suite 201, Sarasota, FL, 34237. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of L. Derek Byrd — 5.0/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of L.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Sarasota.
5.0
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once L. Derek Byrd claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire L. Derek Byrd — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with L. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
L. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain L.'s office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; L. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Sarasota, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for L.
L. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. L. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
L.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about L. Derek Byrd
How much does it cost to hire L. for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. L. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does L. offer a free consultation?
L. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain L.'s office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check L.'s current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Florida typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. L. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can L. take my case if I'm outside Sarasota?
L. is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — L. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with L.?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. L. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is L. accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
L.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Sarasota, Miami and Tampa in Florida
L. handles criminal defense matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
More counsel
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If L.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Sarasota handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.