Deb Barra has been a lawyer in Central Florida for 22 years. She has served as a prosecutor for both Orange and Osceola Counties, top legal advisor to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and is currently a criminal defense attorney.

As a prosecutor, Deb tried over 150 jury trials. Her trials included homicides, sex crimes, and numerous high-profile cases involving corrupt public figures. Deb was also part of the team that successfully prosecuted Jim Martin for his attempted murder of Hall of Fame Boxer Christy Martin.

While at the State Attorney’s Office, Deb held several managerial positions including Chief of the Sex Crimes Unit, and Chief Assistant State Attorney. As the Chief Assistant, Deb reviewed all cases involving use of deadly force by law enforcement. In this role, Deb also performed a 6-month investigation into the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Her investigation involved reviewing all evidence collected by the FBI and local law enforcement. During an international press conference that was noted in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Associated Press, Deb shared her findings with the public in what was considered the most comprehensive review of what took place the night of the Pulse shooting.

Deb has also appeared on local news to offer commentary on criminal law matters and had cases she has handled featured on national media including 48 Hours, “True Crime” on VH1, Court TV, and Sports Illustrated.

In addition to helping with casework while working at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Deb worked on a variety of civil issues involving employee disputes, civil rights violations, and agency policies. She also assisted in training both sworn and nonsworn personnel.

Despite spending most of her career working on the prosecutor/law enforcement side of criminal justice, one of the most meaningful moments in her professional career came in her role as a criminal defense attorney. Deb represented a young man who was wrongfully accused of sexual battery. His choice was to plea to 20 years in prison or take the case to trial. Deb represented him at trial and at the conclusion of the case, the jury acquitted the young man of all charges.

Deb is a graduate of Dr. Phillips High School, Flagler College, and earned her law degree at the University of Florida.