Experience
Compassion
Integrity
ABOUT Sarahnell
Sarahnell Murphy is a Florida native who graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice and a law degree from Nova Southeastern. She began her career as a prosecutor here in the 17th Judicial Circuit.
She was hired by State Attorney Michael J. Satz to join the State Attorney’s Office in 1995. She began her career in the County Court Unit prosecuting DUI’s, ultimately becoming a supervisor. In 1997 she was promoted to the Felony Trial Unit and again became a supervisor. While working as a supervisor in the Felony trial unit she was responsible for the prosecution of DUI manslaughter cases. In 1999 she received the Outstanding Felony Prosecutor Award from Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. In 2001 she was asked to join the Career Criminal Unit where she prosecuted repeat offenders.
Sarahnell was appointed Assistant State Attorney in Charge of the Broward State Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit. While there she implemented Broward’s first diversionary program for first time offenders, with a focus on rehabilitation of the offender and reunification of the family. In 2010 she was awarded the Rebecca Lee Knox Community Leader Award by the Broward County Domestic Violence Council for her dedication.
In 2012, Ms. Murphy was appointed Assistant State Attorney in Charge of the Broward State Attorney’s Office Traffic and Misdemeanor County Court Division. She oversees twenty- two (22) county court divisions. She is also responsible for the daily operation of the three satellite courthouse divisions, and is a member of the hiring committee.
In her role she has expanded the misdemeanor diversionary program to allow offenders charged with the possession of small amounts of marijuana three opportunities to participate in order to avoid a criminal record. Additionally, she had created a driver’s license initiative program, with a focus on ensuring Broward drivers are properly licensed and insured.
Ms. Murphy is a member of the Florida Bar, the Broward County Bar Association, Domestic Violence Council, and a Board Member of the St. Thomas More Society. She has served two terms on a Florida Bar grievance committee including serving as the Chair. She has been honored by The Joseph J. Carter Professionalism Award which recognizes those in the legal profession who display the highest degree of professionalism in terms of respect for the law and the preservation of decorum and integrity of the legal system.
Sarahnell has been married for 21 years to her husband Rich. She is a mom to their two daughters, Ava (10) and Alexandra (6), and for the past 16 years a caregiver to her, 92 year old father, a world war II veteran who lost his sight to glaucoma.
Sarahnell has been married for 22 years to her husband Rich. They have two daughters, Ava (11) and Alexandra (7).
