Debra Lynn Ferwerda
also known as Debbie Ferwerda
About Debra
Biography
Debra L. Ferwerda was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Communications from Florida State University. She attended St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, where she served on the Law Review and later graduated with honors with a Juris Doctor degree.
Ms. Ferwerda is a well-respected Central Florida Divorce and Criminal Defense Attorney who has earned a reputation for her integrity and no-nonsense approach inside and outside of the courtroom. She gives all her cases the personalized attention they deserve and the hard work it takes to win.
From 1996 to 1999, Ms. Ferwerda was an Assistant State Attorney for the Orange and Osceola County State Attorney’s office where she received extensive trial experience in Felony and Misdemeanor divisions prosecuting cases from DUI to Murder. In 1999, she resigned from the State Attorney’s office and became a founding member of Jacobson, Chmelir & Ferwerda where she now focuses on family law in addition to state and federal criminal defense.
Ms. Ferwerda’s extensive criminal trial experience has carried over to her marital and family law practice where she has tried numerous highly contentious cases throughout Central Florida. Since the inception of JCF in 1999, her family law practice includes but is not limited to divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, alimony, injunctions, contempt hearings, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and post divorce modification and enforcement. Whatever your family needs, she gives all her cases the hard work it takes to achieve a favorable outcome, whether through negotiated settlement, mediation, or trial if needed, in addition to the compassion and understanding needed to keenly assess each client’s situation.
At JCF, Ms. Ferwerda has also continued to expand her criminal trial experience and has represented and defended clients from charges including Murder, Drug Trafficking, Sexual Battery, Home Invasion Robbery, Grand Theft, Fraud, Violations of Injunction, Probation Violations, as well as numerous other criminal charges. Ms. Ferwerda has represented thousands of clients in the State of Florida, and has had well over 100 jury trials in her criminal trial experience. She has also had an extensive, successful Motion Practice including numerous successful Motions to Dismiss and Motions to Suppress at the County and Circuit Court levels.
No matter what your need is, Ms. Ferwerda will provide you with the care and competence you deserve.
* Ms. Ferwerda gained local notoriety after successfully defending a Warlock motorcycle club member in a triple homicide in 2014. See article – Warlocks murder suspect found not guilty
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 29 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Jacobson Chmelir and Ferwerda
351 E State Road 434 Ste A, Winter Springs, FL, 32708-2648
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Debra Lynn Ferwerda's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
65 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by Jonathan | April 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Life saver
In my case she did exactly what needed to be done she found out what had to be done and who she had to talk to. Then asked me to do some kind of community service for animals which I thought was weird, everyone did. In The end that community service is what really helped me out. She knew exactly what...
Posted by Lakysha | May 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Patience is a virtue
Debbie was not only a good lawyer but a good friend. I was wrongfully charged for a crime and the court system took us through an emotional roller coaster. At times I wanted to give up because I couldn’t see the light ( first Tim ever In trouble) I was a mess. Debbie reassured me everything was ok, e...
Posted by Carla | December 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent Attorney
Ms Ferwerda went over and above for my daughter concerning a very serious case and got her the very best sentence we could have wanted considering what she was charged with. She was very instrumental in helping me to get the bond money posted for her returned. She had to file a motion for the judge t...
Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2016 | Criminal Defense
horrible
Terrible experience..she wasnt prepared for court. If you do not throw money in her face she will not do anything for you. She claims she gave us a deal on what she charged for the case, which is probably why she didnt pay so much attention to us. She didnt have to agree to do anything for us and at ...
Debra Ferwerda
Replied last December 15, 2016This review was not written by a client but, rather, the frustrated girlfriend of a client charged in a criminal case, during the pendency of the case.. The final outcome of the case turned out very favorable to my client in the end and the girlfriend has since recanted and apologized but was unable to remove it from Avvo. Sometimes the legal process can be an arduous one especially in complex criminal cases but, usually, justice prevails even if it takes more time than many would like. I understood her frustration, albiet not exactly fair by her own admission, and was glad to ultimately have it resolved to my client's satisfaction.
Posted by anonymous | November 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Fierce and Professional Family Law Attorney
Debra was highly recommended to me and did a fantastic job assisting me with my legal situation. She put in great effort to my case which resulted in a great outcome for my situation. Unlike many lawyers, she took the time to listen to what I had to say and went above and beyond to assist me. Debra w...
Debra Lynn Ferwerda's Lawyer Endorsements
"I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Ferwerda first hand as we were both involved in a case together. I was handling the civil portion and she was handling the criminal. Ms. Ferwerda is beyond professional, ethical, and wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for representation in a criminal or family law case."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to be an opposing attorney against Attorney Ferwerda. Attorney Ferwerda can handle any situation in the courtroom. At trial she was very organized and collected, and at the same time fights for her clients with zealous representation. As a client, you can't ask for anything more, but as an opposing counsel, you appreciate her advocacy and the way she fights for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. She was efficient, organized, and very professional."
"I have mediated several cases for Debbie. She is always well prepared and a great advocate for her clients."
"Ms. Ferwerda exemplifies professionalism at the highest level. She is skilled and experienced in many areas of law. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred this attorney people on criminal matters. I have also sent this attorney clients on domestic violence injunction cases with criminal matters. I am pleased with how she represented them."
"I have had the opportunity to litigate cases against Attorney Ferwerda. Her calm but confident court demeanor in combination with her zealous representation of her client make her a worthy opponent. She endlessly represents the best interests of her clients and is a pleasure to work with."
"I have known Ms. Ferwerda for over fifteen years and would recommend her without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred many clients to Ms. Fewerda and all have been very pleased with her professionalism and knowledge of the law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a professional who knows the law. It's always good to have a reputable attorney on the other side."
"Debbie is professional, pleasant and well prepared. Would definitely recommend her to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney!"
Personal injury lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Mediation lawyer
Mediation lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Government lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Mediation lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Government lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Certificate of Appreciation, Legal Aid Society of Orange COunty
Work Experience
1999 - Present
Founding Partner, Jacobson, Chmelir and Ferwerda
1999 - 2014
Criminal Conflict Counsel, Jacobson Chmelir and Ferwerda
1996 - 1999
Assistant State Attorney, Orange County State Attorney's Office
Associations
2018 - Present
American Society of Legal Advocates
2011 - Present
U.S. Federal Court for the Middle District of FloridaAdmitted
2011 - Present
U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of FloridaAdmitted
1996 - Present
Florida BarMember
1996 - Present
George C. Young First Central Florida American Inn of CourtMaster
1996 - Present
American Inns of CourtMaster
Sample of Legal Cases
Not Guilty
Case dismissed
Education
1996
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor with Honors
1991
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2000
Criminal Justice
N/A
Lawyer Ethics
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers