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
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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
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Debra Lynn Ferwerda's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
65 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Alimony
Posted by anonymous | November 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Alimony
She understands your needs!
I was facing a deadline for loss of income due to illness and Debbie kept pushing through despite the reluctance of the other attorney to do anything and the problems caused by Covid. In the end I got a fair settlement amount which eliminated alimony!
Posted by Richard | August 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Alimony
Professional, diligent, and relentlessly committed!
Mrs. Ferwerda agreed to review my complicated and contemptuous modification of alimony case. Following an insightful consultation, she agreed to represent me at a moment of overwhelming frustration due to the incompetence and ineptitude of previous legal representations. Decisively, Mrs. Ferwerda mot...
Posted by Mukesh | August 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Alimony
Excellent, Tough, Highly Knowledgeable, Determined to get you desired outcome
My divorce case was very complicated that involved a child, alimony, child support, time sharing, marital debt, retirement savings. Did I mention tough opposing attorney? My case was not going anywhere with my previous attorney which made me realize that I need an Excellent, Tough, Highly Knowledgeab...
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