LEGAL ADMINISTRATION
Jayde Coleman Stephens, First Assistant Public Defender,
Homicide Division Director
Jayde Coleman Stephens serves as the First Assistant Public Defender and Homicide Division Director for the Law Office of the Public Defender. She joined the office in 2015 and has represented clients in both misdemeanor and felony divisions, including serving as a felony mentor and felony division head. Her experience spans every stage of criminal litigation, with a particular focus on leadership, training, and high-stakes advocacy.
Ms. Coleman Stephens earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor from Barry University School of Law with high honors in litigation and an Advocacy Honors Certificate, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University. She maintains active involvement in legal and civic organizations throughout the community and has held leadership roles in multiple professional associations. Ms. Coleman Stephens is deeply committed to public defense and to ensuring principled, client-centered representation.
Dan Muller, General Counsel
Dan Muller serves as General Counsel for the Law Office of the Public Defender, a role he assumed in January 2025. He has been with the office since 2018 and previously served as an assistant public defender in the appellate division.
Mr. Muller earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Juris Doctor from Cornell University, where he served as Managing Editor of the Cornell Law Review. Mr. Muller began his legal career as an associate with an international law firm in New York City. He also served as a law clerk with Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. In his current role, he advises the office on legal and ethical matters affecting its operations and representation.
Guy Bradstock, Felony Trial Division Director
Guy Bradstock serves as Felony Trial Division Director for the Law Office of the Public Defender. He joined the office in 1996 and has practiced extensively in both misdemeanor and felony divisions. Over the course of his career, Mr. Bradstock has held multiple administrative and leadership roles, developing deep institutional knowledge and a reputation for steady, effective trial advocacy.
Mr. Bradstock earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa and his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. He chose public defense out of a strong belief in protecting the constitutional rights of clients and ensuring fairness in the criminal justice system. His long-standing experience and commitment to the mission of public defense continue to guide his leadership and work within the office.
Lisa Lott, Appellate Director
Lisa Lott serves as Appellate Director for the Law Office of the Public Defender, where she oversees appellate litigation, mentors appellate attorneys, and supports trial divisions on complex legal issues. She joined the office in 2011 as an assistant public defender in the appellate division and assumed her current role in 2013.
A double graduate of Tulane University, Ms. Lott earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and later a Juris Doctor, cum laude. Before joining the Law Office of the Public Defender, she practiced family law in private practice. She transitioned to public defense to focus her work on advocacy for individuals who need representation but cannot afford it.
Tosha Cohen, Assistant Appellate Director
Tosha Cohen serves as Assistant Director of Appeals for the Law Office of the Public Defender, where she practices as an appellate attorney and supports the office’s appellate advocacy. With more than 30 years of service to the office, she brings extensive appellate experience and institutional knowledge.
Ms. Cohen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Florida and a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, graduating with honors. She currently serves on the Tenth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission by gubernatorial appointment and is a member of The Florida Bar’s Subcommittee on Military and Veteran Affairs.
Amanda G. Cotto, County Court Division Director
Amanda G. Cotto serves as County Court Division Director for the Law Office of the Public Defender and has more than a decade of experience in public defense, including county court, juvenile, and felony representation. She previously served as a felony division head and has also represented clients in the office’s Highlands County location.
Ms. Cotto earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University. Prior to joining the Law Office of the Public Defender, she worked as a juvenile probation officer and gained experience during law school through public defense and judicial internships. She also assists with the office’s summer internship program, supporting the training of future public defenders.
Kristy Ratterree, Juvenile Division Director
Kristy Ratterree serves as Juvenile Division Director for the Law Office of the Public Defender and, since joining the office in 2006, has focused almost exclusively on advocating for children in juvenile delinquency court. In her role as Division Director, she oversees juvenile delinquency practice and works closely with attorneys, stakeholders, and community partners to promote fair and developmentally appropriate outcomes for youth.
Ms. Ratterree earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida and a Juris Doctor from the College of William & Mary. She chose public defense to advocate for vulnerable populations and to help ensure that young people in the community are treated with fairness and dignity.
Tara Wheat, Community Engagement & Recruitment Director
Tara Wheat serves as Community Engagement & Recruitment Director for the Law Office of the Public Defender, overseeing outreach, recruitment, external communications, and the summer internship program. She has been with the office since 2016, including nine years as an attorney in the Juvenile Delinquency Division.
Prior to entering public defense, Ms. Wheat spent 10 years as an educator in Polk County. This background in education and public service guides her work in supporting outreach, recruitment, and mentorship initiatives. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, cum laude, from Florida Southern College and a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Florida State University.