Larry Basford has been a prosecutor in the 14th Judicial Circuit for over 34 years. During his career, he has prosecuted thousands of cases. Larry has personally tried over 250 jury trials, including over 60 homicide cases. He understands that it takes a team effort by the victims, the witnesses, the law enforcement agencies and the dedicated staff and attorneys at the State Attorney’s Office for justice to prevail. Larry understands the devastating effect crimes have on victims and on our community. He knows the public must have faith that the criminal justice system is fair and works for everyone.
In addition to his trial experience, Larry has consistently been selected for leadership roles within the State Attorney’s Office. These positions include:
Chief Assistant State Attorney (2016-2020)
Chief of Major Crimes Division (2005-2016)
County Supervisor for Jackson County (1996-2004)
As Chief of the Major Crimes Division, Larry prosecuted homicide and white- collar crimes, and oversaw the office-wide homicide prosecution efforts.
In his latest position as Chief Assistant State Attorney, Larry was responsible for leading the prosecution efforts of 33 attorneys and helping manage the office budget and administration. He expanded the diversion programs for non-violent offenders to all six counties in the 14th Judicial Circuit. Larry also helped implement several innovative programs including Veterans Court and a Construction Fraud Task Force to protect the victims of Hurricane Michael. In addition to his administrative oversight, Larry continued to review and prosecute homicide cases.
Larry graduated with Honors from Marianna High School, Florida State University School of Criminology and Florida State University College of Law.
Larry has tried and convicted many of the most infamous murderers and defendants in the 14th Judicial Circuit. These include: the killer of Danielle Baker and her three children in Marianna in 2005; the two murderers of Canadian Air Force Major David Turenne outside his Forest Park home in 1996; the gang member who killed PCB Sgt. Kevin Kight on Easter Sunday 2005; and the DUI driver who killed four softball players leaving Harders Field in 2016. Larry also convicted the Sailboat Shooter of FWC Officer Dave Brady in 2015 and the Spring Break Shooter who shot seven victims at a house party on Thomas Drive in 2015.

The 14th Judicial Circuit is comprised of Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. There are only 20 State Attorneys in the State of Florida, and each one is elected by the voters within that judicial circuit. Each office also works closely with the Florida Attorney General in Tallahassee on matters of shared critical concern.