Catherine R. Henry

Catherine R. Henry, the founder of Henry Defense, PLLC, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a seasoned criminal defense attorney dedicated to advocating for the rights of individuals facing criminal accusations in the state. Her approach is centered on effective communication and accessibility, ensuring that clients receive the utmost attention and support throughout the legal process. Committed to upholding clients' rights, she assertively challenges the state's case, holding it accountable to the highest standards of justice.

Ms. Henry's extensive knowledge and experience are foundational to constructing formidable defenses for clients while maintaining open communication to address concerns. Focusing on domestic violence, domestic battery (both misdemeanor and felony charges), stalking/aggravated stalking, violations of injunctions and violations of pretrial release conditions, she stands as a stalwart advocate for justice in the Florida legal landscape.

After graduating with a B.A. degree from the University of North Florida in 2009 and earning her law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 2015, Ms. Henry obtained her Florida law license in 2016. Actively engaged in professional associations, she currently serves as the St. Petersburg Bar Association Treasurer and is the CLE Chair for the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL). She has also held positions such as young lawyers director/pro bono at the Pinellas Chapter of FAWL and secretary of the Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL). Moreover, she was a former board member of the Sarasota Chapter of FAWL.

Commencing her legal career at the Public Defender’s Office in the 6th Judicial Circuit, Ms. Henry dedicated nearly two years to defending indigent clients in misdemeanor domestic violence cases. Initially focusing on misdemeanor cases, she successfully defended clients against charges such as injunction violations, domestic battery, assault, and stalking, achieving dismissals for many instances without resorting to trial. Progressing to the role of Baker Act attorney, she represented individuals facing involuntary hospitalization. In her final two years in public service, she collaborated with the American Civil Liberties Union to address pretrial detention concerns, aiming to secure affordable bonds and pretrial release for clients facing felony charges.

While in the Public Defender's Office, Ms. Henry acquired invaluable trial proficiency, consistently prioritizing client-centric representation – an ethos she continues in her private practice. Furthermore, she maintains a stellar professional reputation with a "Superb" rating, peer endorsements and positive reviews on Avvo.