Debra L. Ferwerda, Esq.
- Admitted in 1996 In Florida
- St. Thomas University Juris Doctor
- Florida State University Bachelor of Science
- Florida Bar
- U.S. Federal Court for the Middle District of Florida
- U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida
- President 2020-2021 Seminole County Florida Association for Women Lawyers
- Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers
- Central Florida Inns of Court
- AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
- AVVO Rating Clients’ Choice Award winner
- AVVO Rating 10.0 Top Attorney
- Lawyers of Distinction
Debra Ferwerda is a well-respected Central Florida family law and criminal defense trial attorney who has earned a reputation for her integrity and no-nonsense approach inside and out of the courtroom. She gives all her cases the personalized attention they deserve and the hard work it takes to win.
In her early career, 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 practices state and federal criminal defense and family law. At Jacobson, Chmelir & Ferwerda, Ms. Ferwerda has expanded her criminal trial experience and has represented and defended clients from charges including:
- Murder
- Drug Trafficking
- Sexual Battery
- Home Invasion Robbery
- Grand Theft
- Fraud
- Violation Of Injunction Hearings
- Probation Violation Hearings
- Numerous Other Criminal Charges
Ms. Ferwerda has represented thousands of clients in the State of Florida and has had 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.
Ms. Ferwerda’s extensive criminal trial experience has carried over to her marital and family law practice which started in 1999, where she has tried numerous highly contentious cases throughout Central Florida. Her family law practice includes but is not limited to:
- Divorce
- Paternity
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Alimony
- Contempt Hearings
- Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements
- Post-Final Judgment Modifications 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.
In addition, Ms. Ferwerda has been honored by Martindale Hubbell with an AV Preeminent Rating which means the highest level of professional excellence. She has also been recognized with a Clients’ Choice Award and a 10.0 Top Attorney rating by AVVO.
In 2018, Ms. Ferwerda was involved with starting a Seminole County chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, an organization that promotes gender equality in the practice of law. Ms. Ferwerda is honored to be the President of the Seminole County chapter for 2020-2021.
Ms. Ferwerda was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She earned a degree in Business Communications from Florida State University. She attended St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, where she served as Articles Editor on the Law Review and later graduated With Honors with a Juris Doctor degree.
Ms. Ferwerda will provide you with the care and competence you deserve.
