Colleen DeGraff

Colleen DeGraff is a Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer — a distinction earned by only a very small percentage of all Florida attorneys. Board certification recognizes her expertise, extensive trial experience, and professional integrity. Over the course of her career, Colleen has represented thousands of clients, earning a reputation as an aggressive trial attorney with a strong focus on pretrial motion practice. With more than 16 years of courtroom experience, she has successfully handled cases of every level, from misdemeanor offenses to complex charges such as first-degree premeditated murder.

When someone is charged with a crime in Florida, Colleen provides aggressive, reliable, and results-driven representation in court. She has the experience, knowledge, and expertise to protect her clients’ rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Whether facing a misdemeanor, DUI, driving offense, drug possession, drug trafficking, a sexual offense, or any degree of homicide, clients can count on Colleen to stand by their side every step of the way.

Colleen is also committed to ensuring that constitutional rights are respected outside of the courtroom. Each quarter, she serves as a guest lecturer at the Eastern Florida State College Police Academy, where she instructs law enforcement officers from across Florida on proper interview and interrogation techniques. By educating officers, she helps ensure that citizens’ rights — including the right to remain silent and the right to counsel — are honored during investigations, detentions, and arrests.

Areas Of Practice

  • Criminal Defense
  • DUI
  • Felony Cases

Education

  • Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, Florida
    Juris Doctor (J.D.)

  • Additional Training
    Florida Public Defender Association – Defender College (Best Advocate Award, 2009)

Bar Admissions

  • Florida Bar

Awards

  • Criminal Defense Advocate of the Year (2023) – Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Brevard County
  • Presentation of the Year (2023) – Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court
  • Hat Trick Award (2011) – Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (for eight consecutive not-guilty verdicts)
  • Best Advocate Award (2009) – Florida Public Defender Association, Defender College

Experience

  • Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer (expert distinction held by fewer than 1% of Florida attorneys)
  • Over 16 years of courtroom experience
  • Thousands of clients represented in Brevard and Broward Counties
  • Aggressive trial attorney with extensive pretrial motion practice
  • Experience handling cases from misdemeanor offenses to first-degree premeditated murder
  • Guest Lecturer, Eastern Florida State College Police Academy – trains law enforcement officers on constitutional rights and interrogation practices