I have been practicing for 30 years and I know and work well with everyone in the court system here in Volusia county. I was an Assistant State Attorney for ten years and have been in private practice for 20 years. I do not handle death penalty or serious cases because most of those are handled by the Office of the Public Defender. Those types of cases take up a great deal of time and leave less time to aggressively work upon a case you would more than likely need me for. I am most qualified in negotiations which are tailor made for the individual client. I work with the client's family to help defray costs and allow the client to have a highly qualified private attorney without breaking the bank.
Many clients are unaware of the consequences of criminal charges and are extremely nervous about going back to jail. I alleviate these fears and help the client work within the court system. I also help them put their lives back in order. This is the extra step I take and it helps people return to the family they love.
Often times a client is here temporarily, and I take care of them on behalf of their families. This leaves everyone feeling more secure. No one wants to be set adrift in a foreign jurisdiction without someone local to call for advice..even if it is not a legal question, I have been someone to turn to for information regarding this area. Once you are a client you may call me anytime, even ten years from now to help you remenber what happened and what to put on a job application, for example. Not many lawyers provide that level of service.
Practice areas
I represent primarily DUI and theft cases as well as drug possession charges. I am knowledgeable in the area of Developmental Disorders, as well as mood disorders such as manic-depression, OCD and addictionology as a means of remediation.
38 years, 9,250 cases
Languages spoken
English
Drees Law
444 Seabreeze Blvd.
Suite 620
Daytona Beach, FL, 32118
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Member in Good Standing | 1983 | 06/11/2021 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| DUI Prosecutor of the Year | Broward County Sherriff's Office | 1986 |
| Air Force Commendation Medal | United States Air Force | 1979 |
| Airman of the Year | United States Air Force Systems Command | 1979 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant State Attorney | State Attorney's Office 7th Judicial Circuit | 1989 - 1993 |
| Assistant State Attorney | State Attorney's Office 8th Judicial Circuit | 1987 - 1989 |
| Assistant State Attorney | State Attorney's Office 17th Judicial Circuit | 1983 - 1987 |
| Legal intern | State's Attorney Office 17th Judicial Circuit | 1981 - 1982 |
| Legal Intern patent law | Malin and Haley, P.A. | 1980 - 1983 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Depressive and Bipolar Support Alliance | member | 2000 - Present |
| Women Veterans Association | member | 1995 - Present |
| National Association for Research into Schizophrenic and Depressive Disorders | Member | 1994 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | Practicing member | 1993 - Present |
| Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Long term practicing member/committee aide | 1993 - Present |
| United States Supreme Court Bar | Practicing member | 1993 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida | Practicing member | 1993 - Present |
| National Association of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) | member | 1993 - Present |
| Volusia County Bar Association | Long term practicing member | 1989 - Present |
| Florida Bar/Supreme Court | Chairwoman Grievance Committee | 2000 - 2003 |
| Volusia County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Vice-president | 1995 - 2001 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Law Weekly | State V. Dunn | 2009 |
| Florida Law Weekly | State V. Pierce | 2008 |
| Florida Law Weekly | State v. Flassig | 2008 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Bar | Continuing Legal Education | 2016 |
| University of Florida | Advanced Lexis Certification | 1983 |
| Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 1981 |
| Troy State University-Florida Region | BAS Cumma sum laude | 1978 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| American Association of University women | Success as a female veteran and attorney | 2009 |
| Monthly meeting involving Statewide participants | State Law as it Relates to the Government Jobs | 2000 |
| National Insurance Crime Bureau | Insurance Fraud | 1993 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| State of Florida vs. Chad Pierce | Tip not basis for later stop |
| State v. Ernest M. Labrecque | All Charges Dismissed |
| State v. Flassig | Dui evidence of stop suppressed |
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Tue Sep 27 2016
Michael Stover, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 23, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I will never forget when I met Ms. Drees. She came into my office, I was a prosecutor, she, a defense attorney. We talked about life, my career and what I liked. She then proceeded to lay out the reasons, very nicely, that I was going to drop my case. Kitty Drees is the law, her ethical and legal prowess are unmatched.
Derek Jacques, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 10, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mrs. Drees is an excellent advocate for her clients. I would not hesitate to recommend her to a client in need. She is also an asset to the Avvo Community, providing invaluable resources to those seeking help.
Michael Haber, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I must confess that I have never met and that I do not know Catherine Drees. It's only because we both practice in the criminal realm and have had hundreds, if not thousands, of overlapping answers to questions right here on AVVO, that I have learned how knowledgeable and skilled that she is. Ms. Drees consistently exhibits the utmost of competence and professionalism while concurrently humanizing her answers, thus demonstrating a rare blend of intelligence, caring and compassion. Lawyers like Ms. Drees are few and far between. If you have a criminal related problem anywhere near Volusia County then you would be wise to contact Catherine Drees and schedule a consultation.
Jane Park, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 17, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Lindell Choat, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer as one well versed in the criminal law arena and one well blessed with an ability to understand people and the issues they encounter with an eye toward resolving those issues.
Wayne Morrow, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Catherine Ann Drees exhibits the experience, intelligence and integrity that the legal profession - at its finest - is all about. I endorse her without reservation. WM
Jonathan Millet, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 10, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Drees' advice is spot on; as shown by the answers she has posted to questions on criminal defense, she takes the time to answer questions in a common sense manner and plainly addresses legal issues.
Douglas Borthwick, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Kevin Landry, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. After reviewing many of Attorney Drees's responses to complicated legal matters it is clear that she has the utmost knowledge of criminal law and criminal defense. She is a great asset to the criminal defense bar and I wholeheartedly endorse her.
William Arnau, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Drees is a well respected and a very effective criminal defense attorney. She works tirelessly for her clients and consistently achieves excellent results.
Vickie Benson, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 6, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have know Catherine for over 20 years. I know her from our many years as assistant state attorney's in Volusia County, Florida. She is extremely professional and diligent on all matters that she handles. I have been pleased to refer many clients to her for criminal defense matters. I highly recommend her.
James Tanner, Criminal defense Attorney on May 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Simply put she cares about her clients and fellow attorneys. I highly endorse Catherine.
Martin White, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 4, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Gregg Stark, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Gregory Wagner, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 23, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
R. Jason de Groot, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 19, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Ms Drees for over 20 years. She has a commanding and determined presence in court and is the attorney you want on your side in any criminal matter.
Maria Kazouris, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 11, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Howard Lewis, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 9, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Drees in an outstanding attorney with an excellent reputation. She is a strong and zealous advocate for her clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse her services.
Robert Rawlins, Criminal defense Attorney on May 18, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Ms. Drees is a fine attorney. She truly cares about her clients and will fight to the bitter end for their rights!
Aaron Delgado, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 29, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Catherine and I work together frequently on cases and I am always impressed with her dedication to her clients' best interests. Catherine looks at a "client" and sees a person and a friend - she strives to holistically help clients and, in doing so, goes above and beyond the call of duty. Catherine is a zealous advocate for her clients and her tenacity is known and respected throughout the county.
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