Colleen Adkins DeGraff

Mrs. DeGraff represented me as public defender in the 18th circuit florida; a very constitutionally troubled court. I am so greatful that she handled my depositions. Shortly after she took maternity leave and I was assigned another lawyer, James Lason, who then hid them from me and quickly set for trial, and just as quickly he was removed for having done so. Three years later and after numerous other court appointed lawyers I still am battling to get them introduced so as to be available for trial. In my opinion Mrs. DeGraff could easily go into private pratice and thrive, but she has dedicated herself to serving those who need it the most and doing so in a very troubled public defender system. The fact that she stands up for her clients in an environment that is hostile to those public defense lawyers that do, ( see the Judge Murphy removal), she has shown she is as solid as a rock. She is the real deal public defender dedicated to her clients position no matter who stands in her way. She's skilled, honest and hard working.