Cynthia Imperato has built a long career centered on public service, thoughtful decision-making, and steady commitment to the legal system. Throughout her work as a cop, prosecutor, judge, educator, and board member, she accepted demanding assignments and approached them with calm judgment. She mentored young lawyers, supported reforms to strengthen courtroom practices, and worked to make legal institutions more reliable for the communities they serve. Her professional path reflects years of dedication to improving systems that hold significant responsibility and require public trust.

She began her early career as a police officer in Tallahassee. Her time on patrol gave her a firsthand understanding of how cases begin and how law enforcement decisions can shape courtroom outcomes. This early experience remained an essential part of her approach as she later moved into prosecution and judicial service. Her academic background prepared her for that transition. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech, majoring in psychology and sociology, followed by an M.S. from the School of Criminology at Florida State University and a J.D. from the Florida State University College of Law. These degrees provided her with the analytical training needed for detailed investigations and high-level legal responsibilities.

After completing law school, Cindy Imperato joined the Office of Statewide Prosecution. Over thirteen years as a Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, she handled grand jury presentations and major cases involving multi-jurisdictional organized crime. Her caseload ranged from racketeering and homicide to home invasions, narcotics trafficking, white-collar fraud, police corruption, and gang-related violence. Many of these cases required coordination across county and state lines, which demanded careful planning and thorough preparation. During her tenure, she helped draft and revise Florida’s gang legislation. She also led the first successful state racketeering prosecution of a street gang. Her experience included speaking at the Florida Intelligence Unit in 1994 and 1995 and serving as an instructor at the first Multi-Agency Gang Task Force Conference in 1996. These roles strengthened her ability to present complex evidence clearly and ensure that prosecutions remained fair and focused on the facts.

In January 2003, Governor Bush appointed Cynthia to the Circuit Court bench. She served for thirteen years before retiring in 2016. On the bench, she handled criminal cases and contributed to judicial education throughout the state. Cindy trained members of Judicial Nominating Committees, chaired the Judicial Nominating Criminal Procedures Committee, and worked on statewide rule-making through the Criminal Rules Committee. Colleagues frequently sought her input on procedural and evidentiary issues. In 2006, she spoke at the 82nd Boot Camp graduation and received a Community Service Award from all minority Bar Associations in the state. She was also part of the Florida Judicial College video faculty, helping train new judges and presenting workshops on probation violations, jury instructions, and capital caseload management.

Education remained an essential part of her professional life. For nearly two decades, she served as an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Law, teaching Criminal Pretrial Practice. Earlier in her career, she taught criminal justice courses at Tallahassee Community College. She also presented at conferences on topics such as organized crime, street gangs, white-collar fraud, diversity in the judiciary, and evidentiary standards in complex prosecutions. Her 1993 publication, An Assessment of Florida Gangs and Recommendations for Law Enforcement, appeared in Women Police Magazine and continues to be cited in criminology research.

Cindy is a member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers and has been involved in several bar and judicial organizations. She served as President of the Stephen R. Booher Inn of Court from 2008 to 2009 and as President of the St. Thomas More Society of Broward County from 2012 to 2014. Her committee work includes the Florida Bar Criminal Law Section, the Executive Council for the Criminal Law Section, the Criminal Rules Committee, and the Professionalism Committee for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Through these roles, she contributed to curriculum development, jury instruction supplements, and improved resources for legal professionals.

Her community involvement has been extensive. She has served on boards including the American Red Cross, the Broward County Crime Commission advisory board, the PACE Center for Girls advisory board, and the Fort Lauderdale Pre-Law Magnate Program advisory board. She also worked with Women in Distress and Covenant House, supporting youth, families, and public safety. Her community service reflects the same steady approach she brought to her legal work.

Throughout her career, Cynthia Imperato demonstrated preparation, fairness, and commitment to her field. She leaves behind a legacy shaped by years of service, mentorship, and dedication to the principles that guide the justice system.