Derek Debus is a dedicated military and criminal defense lawyer with a passion for protecting the rights of his clients. Derek primarily practices in the areas of military law, veterans’ benefits, and criminal defense.
Derek attended law school at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He graduated with distinction for pro bono service. He received recognition as a Trial Advocacy Fellow with the College of Law. While in law school, Derek served as a Staff Editor on law review and as Captain of a mock trial team. Additionally, Derek earned numerous awards for academic achievement, including being named a Willard H. Pedrick Honors Scholar and receiving CALI awards in Torts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and many other subjects.
Derek brings a great deal of prosecutorial experience, having worked for the Crown Prosecution Service in London, England, and city and county prosecutorial offices. In England, Derek worked on a variety of cases, ranging from simple assault to sexual abuse and terrorism. While working at the third-largest prosecutorial agency in the country, Derek prosecuted a wide range of cases — everything from DUI to homicide.
Derek is a service-connected disabled Marine Infantry veteran and former professional law enforcement firearms instructor and has developed a deep base of knowledge regarding firearms issues and self-defense. Derek also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Academe Grove, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing school safety. Derek also serves as a director for Bullshido, a media organization dedicated to debunking falsehoods in science, governance, and martial arts.
When Derek is not fighting hard for the rights of his clients in Court, he can be found expanding his nonprofit endeavors, writing, playing soccer or chess, or volunteering in his local community.
