The Byrd Law Firm, P.A.

Derek Byrd is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney who was born in Bradenton and raised in Sarasota. As a Board Certified lawyer, Mr. Byrd has met the Florida Bar's highest standards for special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in criminal law. He graduated from Florida State University in 1990 with a B.A. in Criminology and obtains his Juris Doctorate Degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut in 1995 graduating cum laude (top % of his class). In early 1996, after being admitted to the Florida Bar, Mr. Byrd went to work for the Public Defender's Office in Sarasota. He opened The Byrd Law Firm in 1998 along with his Wife and Partner in The Byrd Law Firm, Heather Byrd. He is a Past President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) as well as a Past President of the Sarasota County Bar Association. Mr. Byrd belongs to the Florida Bar Association, Sarasota County Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association, and the Judge Frank Scheb American Inn of Court.

Heather Byrd became a member of the Florida Bar in 1996 after earning her Juris Doctorate Degree from Quinnipiac College of Law in Hamden, Connecticut. Ms. Byrd's practice is primarily devoted to family law matters. She is a founding member of the Sarasota Collaborative Family Law Professionals, and a member of the Florida Bar Association, Sarasota County Bar Association, and Judge Frank Scheb American Inn of Court. Heather is also trained in accordance with IACP (International Academy of Collaborative Professionals) standards and requirements.

Drew Solnoki earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Stetson University and his Juris Doctorate Degree from Nova Southeastern University Law School. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2003 and immediately began working for the Public Defender's Office in Sarasota. Mr. Solnoki joined The Byrd Law Firm in 2008 where he focuses on criminal law and family law, He is a member of the Florida Bar Association, Sarasota County Bar Association, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Judge Frank Scheb American Inn of Court.