AboutÂ
Michael A. Graves, Public Defender
Fifth Circuit Public Defender, Mike Graves, is a native Floridian. After graduation from Palm Beach Gardens High School, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida. Mike received his J.D. from Stetson College of Law where he had his first twelve trials as a member of the Public Defender Clinic. For two years he served as an Assistant Public Defender in the 6th Circuit. Moving to the 5th Circuit, he was Chief Assistant Public Defender from 1984 to 1990. For the next 23 years Mike was a private practitioner in Lake County, the last 12 years as partner in Graves & Spivey, PA.
Mike was elected Public Defender for the 5th Circuit in 2012 and has been re-elected, without opposition, three times. He has tried over 250 cases to verdict, which include 15 death penalty trials.
Mike Graves is involved in a number of community organizations that include the Lake, Marion, and Citrus County Public Safety Councils, Teen Court, Sons of Amvets and the Florida High School Athletic Association where he serves as Chairman of their Section 2 Appeals Committee.