Ellen D. Roberts, Esq.
Ellen Roberts is a native Floridian, born and raised in St. Petersburg, Fl. After graduating from St. Petersburg High School, Ellen proceeded to St. Petersburg Junior College and then the University of Georgia, with a degree in journalism. She married and moved to Germany with her husband and became a teacher for the United States Army while stationed there.
Upon her return to the United States, she completed a Masters degree in Education and then completed her Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University. Ellen began working for the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office in 1986.
In 1993, Ellen was instrumental in creating the Traffic Homicide Unit, which was responsible for investigating, reviewing and trying fatal criminal traffic cases. From its inception until her retirement in May 31st of 2012, Ellen was the Chief of the Unit. She investigated and tried hundreds of fatal traffic crashes. During her tenure as Chief, she continued to advance her education by completing over 500 hours of accident reconstruction training from the University of North Florida. She is a specialist in Forensic Mapping and Crash Data Retrieval.
This additional training provides Ellen with the essential tools necessary to execute an effective cross examination of defense expert witnesses. Ellen has lectured and presented on numerous occasions primarily in the area of investigating and prosecuting traffic homicide cases throughout Florida for the Institute of Police Technology and Management, Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, Florida Highway Patrol, MADD and numerous other organizations. During the 26 years as a prosecutor, she tried well over 100 jury trials, with the majority of these being high profile trials involving traffic fatalities. Ellen concluded her career by prosecuting John Goodman, the founder of the International Polo Club. The prosecution of Goodman for killing Scott Wilson received worldwide media attention. Ellen has received commendations from such prestigious organization as MADD, Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, Traffic Safety Commission and in 2011 she received the most significant award of her career, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Prosecutor of the Year Award.
Eight years ago, Ellen started a program where young people convicted of DUI manslaughter tell their stories in schools rather than going into prison. It has met with great success. When not working, Ellen can be found kayaking, taking photographs or spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren.
Ellen Roberts’ vast knowledge and training allows her to make significant recoveries for her clients and continue her career-long fight for accident victims and their families.
Education:
J.D., Nova Southeastern University
M.A., Education, University of South Florida
B.A., Journalism, University of Georgia
Bar Admissions:
Florida, 1986
Classes/Seminars Taught: Lecturer: “Direct and Cross Examination of Experts,” Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Coordinators, 2011, 2012 Lecturer: “How to Prosecute Traffic Infractions Involving Fatal Crashes,” Traffic Homicide Investigators of Palm Beach County, 2011 Lecturer: “How to Investigate and Prosecute a Traffic fatality,” Traffic Homicide Investigators of Palm Beach County, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011 Lecturer: “Cross Examination of Experts,” Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, 2011Lecturer: “Voir Dire,” Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, 2010 Lecturer: “Blood Draws,” Florida Highway Patrol, 2009 Lecturer: “Prosecuting the Drugged Driver,” Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, 2011 Lecturer: “Prosecuting Traffic Homicide Cases,” Institute of Police Management and Technology, University of North Florida, 2006, 2007, 2008Lecturer: “Event Data Recorders,” Institute of Police Management and Technology, University of North Florida, 2005 Lecturer: “Legal Updates,” Institute of Police Management and Technology, University of North Florida, 2003 Lecturer: “Prosecuting the Drugged Driver,” National District Attorney’s Association, National Advocacy Center, 2000
Awards and Honors: Dori Slosberg Foundation, Outstanding Service Award, 2012, Traffic Safety Commission, Outstanding Service Award, 2012 National Highway Safety Administration/National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators, Traffic Safety Prosecutor of the Year, 2010 Dori Slosberg Foundation, Driver Education Person of the Month Award, 2010 MADD Heroes of the Highway, Heart of MADD Award, 2009 MADD Heroes of the Highway, Outstanding ASA Award, 2008Traffic Safety Commission, Distinguished Service Award, 2005, 1997, 1989 Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association Distinguished Service Award, 1989 MADD Award, 1995 Delray Police Department Commendation, 1994 Professional Associations & Leadership
Activities: Member: Florida Justice Association Member: Florida Bar Association Member: Palm Beach County Justice Association Member: Palm Beach County Bar Association
