Venessa Bornost

Venessa Bornost’s legal career grew from a hands-on foundation in criminal justice. After studying criminology at Florida State University, she joined the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy, advanced to Narcotics Detective, and served on the Pinellas County SWAT Team, gaining extensive experience with drug investigations and tactical operations. In 2001 she entered Nova Southeastern University School of Law while continuing her law enforcement work and earned her Juris Doctor. After passing the bar in 2006, she served as a lead prosecutor for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County, trying cases from DUI and misdemeanors to felony drug and domestic violence matters. Believing many defendants lacked adequate representation, she founded Venessa Bornost, P.A. in 2008 to provide vigorous, client-focused criminal defense. Drawing on experience as both an officer and a prosecutor, she represents Tampa Bay clients with practical courtroom insight, integrity, and a commitment to fair, cost-effective advocacy.