Nadia DeAbreu joins SAO as prosecutor

Nadia DeAbreu has known since she was 9 years old she wanted to be an attorney, and she’s now the newest prosecutor for the 14th Judicial Circuit, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Real-life experiences cut the path that led her to join the State Attorney’s Office, with perspectives from different angles.

State Attorney Larry Basford welcomes prosecutor Nadia DeAbreu.

“I knew, really, around 9 years old that I wanted to be an attorney because of everything I’d seen on TV,” DeAbreu said. “As a victim of a violent crime, I can sympathize with victims and their families. I remember feeling as though my case was mishandled, it is this experience that has made me passionate about serving my community by seeking resolutions that are equitable and fair.”

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DeAbreu graduated from the University of South Florida before heading to law school. She interned with criminal defense attorneys performing work for the indigent. She learned things there that she said will make her a better prosecutor.

“It really gave me some insight on the system and what can go wrong on the prosecutorial side, and what to look out for, what works best,” she said.

DeAbreu, who has family ties in the area, said seeking a job here was not a difficult choice. Attending Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Orlando and having family in this circuit gave her a taste of the different paces of life in Florida.

“I knew this was a better fit for what I wanted,” she said. “I like the people of Bay County, my husband is from neighboring Calhoun County, this is where I want to be.”

For more information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.