About Brian

About Brian
Brian Kramer’s career has given him experience across the legal system—as a public defender, civil attorney, prosecutor, administrator, State Attorney, and teacher.
That breadth of experience shapes how he approaches public service: with respect for the authority entrusted to a prosecutor, an understanding of how legal decisions affect people, and a commitment to careful and independent judgment.
Gainesville Has Always Been Home
Brian was born in Philadelphia in 1968 while his father was serving in the military. His family returned to Gainesville in 1969, when he was still an infant, and Gainesville has been home ever since.
He attended Myra Terwilliger Elementary School, Fort Clarke Middle School, F.W. Buchholz High School, and Santa Fe Community College—now Santa Fe College. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1990 and his law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1993.
Brian's connection to Gainesville extends across generations. His father, Dr. Dean Kramer, practiced gastroenterology in Gainesville for more than 50 years. His mother, Barbara Kramer, taught at Santa Fe College for 47 years. Their careers in medicine and education provided lasting examples of professional responsibility and service to the community.
A Broader View of the Legal System
Brian’s experience in different legal roles has given him a broader understanding of the justice system and the people affected by it.
Public Defender
Brian began his legal career representing people who could not afford an attorney. As an Assistant Public Defender in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, he handled misdemeanor, traffic, juvenile, and felony cases.
That experience gave him an early understanding of the importance of due process, effective representation, and the consequences that decisions within the criminal-justice system can have for defendants and their families.
Civil Attorney
Brian also practiced private civil litigation during two periods of his career. His work included commercial disputes, collections, probate matters, professional licensing and discipline, criminal matters, and family law.
Civil practice broadened his experience beyond criminal prosecution and required him to represent individual clients facing a wide range of legal and personal problems.
Prosecutor
Brian began prosecuting cases in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in 1995 and joined the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office in 1999.
During his career as a prosecutor, he has handled cases ranging from misdemeanors and juvenile offenses to financial crimes, sexual offenses, child abuse, violent crime, and murder. The variety of that work reinforced that cases must be evaluated individually, based on the law, the admissible evidence, and the circumstances of the people involved.
From the Courtroom to Office-Wide Leadership
When Brian joined the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office in 1999, his responsibilities initially centered on prosecuting cases. Over time, his work expanded to include supervision, office administration, public records, budgeting, personnel, and the operational needs of a six-county judicial circuit.
He served as the circuit-wide firearms prosecutor, Levy County Division Chief, Felony Division Chief, Public Records Custodian, and Executive Director. Each position provided a different perspective on how the decisions made within a prosecutor's office affect victims, defendants, law-enforcement agencies, employees, and the communities the office serves.
As Executive Director, Brian oversaw the office's fiscal and administrative operations while continuing to prosecute matters of special concern to the State Attorney. That experience taught him that effective prosecution depends not only on courtroom advocacy, but also on sound policies, responsible stewardship, capable employees, and systems that support careful decision-making.
State Attorney and Teacher
State Attorney
Brian was elected State Attorney for Florida's Eighth Judicial Circuit in 2020 and took office in January 2021. The circuit includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union Counties.
As State Attorney, he is responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases throughout the circuit and for leading the attorneys, victim advocates, investigators, and professional staff who carry out the office's work.
Teacher
Brian also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where he teaches Trial Practice. He also provides instruction for the Prosecution Intern Clinic and participates in professional training for prosecutors.
Teaching is a natural extension of public service. The legal system depends not only on the decisions made today, but also on preparing future lawyers to exercise authority ethically, thoughtfully, and effectively.
Family
Brian and his wife, Annette, have been married for more than 30 years. Their older daughter, Cassidy, is attending dental school, and their younger daughter, Hailey, is attending medical school.
The Kramer family's ties to Gainesville now encompass three generations and long careers in medicine, education, law, and public service.
Experience That Informs Judgment
No single professional role provides a complete view of the legal system. Brian's experience representing defendants, advising private clients, prosecuting criminal cases, administering a public office, teaching future lawyers, and serving as State Attorney informs the judgment he brings to his work today.
That experience does not eliminate difficult decisions. It provides a broader perspective from which to make them.
Approach to Justice    Leadership in Practice