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Brevard

Brevard County Judges
Brevard Magistrates
Brevard Hearing Officers

Circuit Wide

All Circuit Judges
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Seminole

Seminole County Judges
Seminole Magistrates
Seminole Hearing Officers

Circuit Judges handle all Circuit Court matters. Included are Felonies, Civil suits exceeding $15,000, Domestic Relations, Probate & Juvenile. Listed below is our panel of circuit judges in alphabetical order

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Marlene Alva

Judicial Assistant:
– Collette Colgrove

Division: E | CRIMINAL

Office: (407) 665-4926 | Email

EDUCATION:

Stetson University College of Law – Juris Doctor 1977
University of Central Florida – B.A. Psychology 1974

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Admitted to the Florida Bar 1977
Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer since 1987

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Office of the State Attorney 18th Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney, 1977-1980
– Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tallahassee, Florida
– Field Counsel for Northern Florida, 1980-1981
Office of the Public Defender 18th Judicial Circuit
– Chief Trial Attorney, Brevard County, 1982-1984
– Chief Assistant Public Defender, 1984-1992
– Law Office of Marlene M. Alva, 1997-2003

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed Seminole County Court Judge by Governor Lawton Chiles, March 1992
Seminole County Judge, March 1992- January 1997
Seminole County Court Administrative Judge, 1995-1996
Appointed Circuit Judge 18th Judicial Circuit by Governor Jeb Bush, August 2003
Circuit Judge 18th Judicial Circuit, October 2003-Present
Administrative Judge Circuit Criminal Division, 2011, July 2015 – July 2018
Administrative Judge Circuit Civil Division, 2012
Associate Justice Fifth District Court of Appeal, 2008 and 2012

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Florida Bar Association
Seminole County Bar Association
Seminole County Community Leaders and Elected Officials
Past President Volie A. Williams Inn of Court
Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Volie A. Williams Inn of Court
Brevard County Civilian Military Council, 45th Space Wing, 2003-2015
Former member 18th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Seminole County Bar Association Award for Judge of the Year May. 2017

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

NOTE: Not all Judges and General Magistrates post their policies and procedures online. Some judges prefer to provide their procedures after contacting the Judicial Assistant. If you do not see any policy and procedures listed for desired judge, please contact the Judicial Assistant directly. All other policy and procedure manuals are found here.

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Tesha Scolaro Ballou

Judicial Assistant:
– Jeanne Deveau

Division: P | CR

Office: (321) 264-6756 | Email

EDUCATION:

New England School of Law, J.D.
Stonehill College, B.A., magna cum laude

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, 2015-2019
– General Magistrate, Dependency and Guardianship
Department of Children, 2009-2015
– Community Development Director/Deputy Regional Managing Director
– Region Program Manager
– Assistant Regional Legal Counsel
Division of Insurance, 2007-2008
– Counsel to the Commissioner
Division of Professional Licensure, 2006-2007
– Administrative Hearings Counsel
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, 2001-2006
– General Counsel
CNA Insurance, 1999-2001
-Litigation Specialist
Office of the State Attorney, 1997-1999
– Acting Division Chief, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit
– Assistant State Attorney, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit and Fifth Judicial Circuit

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Circuit Judge, Criminal Division, Titusville, Florida.

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Brevard County Bar Association, Member
Brevard Bar Foundation, Member
Brevard County Association of Women Lawyers, Member
Brevard County Civilian Military Council, 45th Space Wing
Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court, Member
Faculty, Advanced Judicial Studies
Faculty, Judicial College Phase II
Faculty, Florida Conference of Circuit Judges
Juvenile Court Rules Committee, Dependency Subcommittee, Term 2021
Judicial Wellness Committee
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee, Co-Chair (Past)
Central Florida Family Law Inn, Board Member
Seminole County Bar Association, Board of Directors (Past)
Seminole County Inn of Court
– Ethics Chair (Past)
– Programs Co-Chair (Past)
Seminole County Association of Women Lawyers, Member
Seminole County Community Leaders and Elected Officials
Orange County Bar Association, Member
Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Member (Past)
Florida Association of Police Attorneys, Member (Past)
Lake Mary Rotary Club
– Chair Family of Rotary (Past)
Speaker, Girls Unity Club, Rock Lake Middle School

AWARDS:

Steve Griggs Family of Rotary Award, 2019
Pro Bono Service Award, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, 2017

Calendars and Dockets

Titusville Courthouse 506 S. Palm Ave. Titusville, FL 32796-3501

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Melanie Chase

Judicial Assistant:
– Jennifer Jones

Division: M | CR

Office: (407) 665-4996 | Email

EDUCATION:

JD, University of Florida College of Law,
BA, Rollins College (Summa Cum Laude)
AA, Seminole State College (with Highest Honors)

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Supreme Court of the United States (Admitted 2006)
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (Admitted 2003)
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (Admitted 2003)
The Florida Bar (Admitted 2002)

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Administrative Judge, Criminal/Felony Division
Administrative Judge, Civil Appeals Division
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Diversity Liaison
Bar-Bench Liaison, Seminole County
Civil and Family Division
Criminal Division

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

– LEGAL LEADERSHIP (Present):

Judicial Liaison, Seminole County Florida Association of Women Lawyers
Board of Directors, Seminole County Bar Association
Board of Directors, Seminole County Inn of Court
Board of Directors, Florida Council of Bar Association Presidents
Fellow, The Florida Bar Foundation
Co-Chair, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee

– LEGAL LEADERSHIP (Past):

President, Seminole County Bar Association
President, Seminole County Inn of Court President
President, Florida Council of Bar Association Presidents (Statewide)
President and Director, Seminole County Legal Aid Society
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Service Awards Committee
Co-Chair, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee

– COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (Past and Present):

Chair, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (Appointed by two Governors)
Vice-Chair, Seminole County Planning and Zoning Commission
Seminole County Board of Adjustment
Code Enforcement Magistrate, City of Oviedo
President, Private Business Association of Seminole
Brevard County Civilian Military Council, 45th Space Wing
Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity in Seminole County
Seminole County Affordable Housing Commission
Board of Directors, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Orlando Chapter
Chair, South Seminole Hospital Women’s Advisory Council
Board of Directors, Early Learning Coalition of Seminole
Board of Directors, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
Districting Commission Advisory Board, City of Winter Springs
Member, SERTOMA (Service to Mankind)
Community Leaders and Elected Officials Member
Board of Advisors to The Village (providing transitional living to children aging out of Florida’s Foster Care System)

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Seminole County Bar Association’s Judge of the Year
Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit
Seminole County Bar Award for Outstanding Professionalism
“Women Who Mean Business” Finalist, Orlando Business Journal
Seminole County Legal Aid Society Past President’s Award
Edward C. Smith Award from Seminole County Legal Aid Society (awarded for “Outstanding Contributions to Pro Bono Projects and the General Betterment of the Community”)
Seminole County Legal Aid Society’s 18th Judicial Circuit Public Service Award

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingDirectionsProcedures

Picture of Circuit Judge Charles Crawford

The Honorable:
– Charles Crawford

Judicial Assistant:
– Karenina Milad

Division: N | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 617-7258 | Email

EDUCATION:

Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
- Juris Doctorate, May 1992
- President –Sports & Entertainment Law Society; Law Week Board of Directors
Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
- Bachelor of Science – Sports Management, December 1987
- Delta Phi Kappa Academic Honor Fraternity; Golden Key Honor Society

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Licensed Texas Bar, May 1993
Licensed Florida Bar, September 1993
Licensed to practice in the United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas and the Middle District of Florida
Law Office of Charles G. Crawford, P.A., Melbourne, Fl, February 1999 – December 2006
Cianfrogna, Telfer, Reda, Faherty and Anderson, P.A., Titusville, fl, March 1998 – February 1999 – Private practice included all family law matters, criminal representation, civil litigation, guardianships and estate planning.
State Attorney’s Office, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Viera, Florida, August 1997 – March 1998
Orange County District Attorney, Orange, Texas, April 1994 – August 1997 – Previous government practice included prosecution of child abuse and sex crimes, all felonies, misdemeanors as well as the prosecution of child dependency cases.

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Circuit Court Judge, 18th Circuit Court, Viera, Florida Elected November 2006 – present.

Judicial experience includes all family law matters, juvenile dependency and delinquency, civil litigation, domestic violence and currently serving on the dependency bench.Since beginning his Judicial Career Judge Crawford has instituted several innovative and thoughtful programs in the 18th Circuit including: A Special Needs Docket for children in foster care with mental or physical disabilities allowing their case to be reviewed twice as often as previously set. Along with Brevard Family Partnership he instituted the county’s only supervised visitation program for parents seeking to reunite with their children while involved in a reunification case plan with the Department of Children and Families. With the help of his courtroom deputies and countless volunteers Judge Crawford maintained a playroom at the Courthouse for children forced to go to court along with a children’s clothing and toy/bicycle room making sure every child that came to court left with a much needed necessity and a toy. Setting of trials within 90 days of any request, litigants no longer wait a year for trial.Within the first 5 months of being assigned to the felony criminal division Judge Crawford resolved all cases assigned to him where inmates have been in Brevard County Jail in excess of 2 years therefore reducing the jail population and unnecessary delays.

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Friends of Brevard Lacrosse – Founding Board Member; President
Viera Suntree Little League – Challenger Coach; Founding Board Member
Lacrosse Coach – Viera High School
Florida Bar Legal Needs of Children Committee – Former Member
Brevard County Bar Association – Member; Board of Directors, 2000-2002
Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court – 1999-2002
Children’s Justice Act – Former Protocol Taskforce Member
Southeast Texas Food Bank – Former Board Member
Mickey Mahaffey Children’s Advocacy Program – Former Board Member
Southeast Texas Women & Children’s Shelter – Advisory Board Past President

SPEECHES/LECTURES:

Justice Teaching Instructor, Viera High School and Endeavor Elementary
Florida Department of Children and Families Statewide Convention
Space Coast Marine Institute
Orange County, Texas Sheriff’s Office
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
Parent to Parent
Families Experiencing Down
Brevard County Legal Aid
Hidden Potentials
Boy Scouts of America
Melbourne Alumni Panhellenic

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Lisa Davidson

Judicial Assistant:
– Chris Trammell

Division: F | CJ/G

Office: (321) 617-7281 | Email

EDUCATION:

JD, Duke Law School, 1977
BA, University of Michigan, 1974
Meridian High School, Meridian, MS, 1970

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Circuit Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit, 1998 – Present
County Judge, Brevard County, 1994 – 1998
Associate Judge, Fifth District Court of Appeal, December 2010, July 2004, November 1999
Associate Judge, Fourth District Court of Appeal, October 2007, July 2002, December 2000

DIVISION ASSIGNMENTS:

Guardianship & Foreclosure, 2017 – Present
Guardianship, Probate & Foreclosure, 2015 – 2017
Civil, 2013 – 2015
Delinquency, 2011 – 2013
Civil & Family, 1998 – 2001, 2008 – 2011
Criminal, 2004 – 2008
Dependency, 2001 – 2004

JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS:

Administrative Judge, Foreclosure Case Management Committee, 2016 -2017
Administrative Judge, Guardianship, Probate, Mental Health (Brevard) 2016 -2017
Administrative Judge, Bar Bench Liaison (Brevard) 2015-2017
Administrative Judge, Staff Attorneys (Brevard) 2012 – 2017
Administrative Judge, Juvenile Drug Court (Brevard) 2011 -2013
Administrative Judge, Civil Division (Brevard) 2008 – 2011, 2013 – 2014
Administrative Judge, Jury Management (Brevard) 2005 – 2008
Administrative Judge, Juvenile Division (Brevard) 2001 – 2004, 2011 – 2013
Administrative Judge, Professionalism Committee, 2005 – 2011
Administrative Judge, Family Division (Brevard & Seminole) 1999 – 2001

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Private Practice, Brevard County, 1982 – 1993
Assistant State Attorney, Broward County, 1980 – 1981
Assistant Public Defender, Broward County, 1978 – 1980

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

STATEWIDE JUDICIAL ACTIVITIES:

Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, Member 1995 – 2017; Chair 1998 – 1999, 2007 – 2008
Director of Florida’s Judicial Mentor Program, 1999 – 2008

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPOINTMENTS:

Select Committee on Justice Teaching Initiative, Chair, 2006 – 2014
Mentor to New Judges, 1996 – Present
Steering Committee on Families & Children, 2000 – 2004, 1996 – 1998
Florida Courts Technology Commission, 1999 – 2003
Commission on Professionalism, 1996 – 1998

GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENTS:

Guardian Ad Litem Working Group, 2002
Governor’s Task Force on Domestic Violence, Co-Vice Chair, 1999 – 2001
Commission on Minimum Standards for Batterers’ Intervention, 1995 – 1999

FLORIDA BAR ACTIVITIES:

Pro Bono Committee, 18^th Judicial Circuit Co-Committee Chair, 2015 – present
Judicial Administration Evaluation Committee (JAEC) 2011 – 2017
Rules of Judicial Administration (RJA), 2005-2011, Chair 2009 – 2010
Family Law Section of the Florida Bar Executive Council, 1996 – 2004
Legal Needs of Children, 2003 – 2005
The Florida bar Journal/News Editorial Board, 1997 – 2003
Family Law Rules Committee, 1998 – 2001
Family Law Section Subcommittee on Domestic Violence, Chair

LAW RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Brevard County Bar Association
Seminole County Bar Association
Law Related Education Committee, 2000 -2001
Professionalism Committee, 1998 – 2009
Brevard County Association of Women Lawyers
Florida Association of Women Lawyers
Brevard County Domestic Violence Task Force, Chair and Founder, 1995 – 1997
Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court, 1992 – 2002; Emeritus elected 2003; President, 1999 – 2001; Executive Committee, 1992 – 2002, 2007 – 2008

PREVIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, Board of Directors (Brevard County)
Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County, Inc., Board of Directors
Rotary Club of Suntree
The Haven, Board of Directors
Project Response, Board of Directors
Children’s Community Theater, Board of Directors
Indialantic Elementary School, PTSC

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

The Distinguished Judicial Service Award for Pro Bono Service, Presented by Chief Justice Charles T. Canady, 2020
Distinguished Judicial Service Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Contributions, Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc., 2018
Founders’ Award, Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers, 2017
Outstanding Jurist Award, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Brevard County Bar Association, 2000, 2007, 2013 and 2016
William E. Gladstone Award (statewide award for judicial leadership and service to Florida’s children), 2004
Recognized by Florida Supreme Court and Governor for Dedication to the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program, 1993 and 2003
Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), 50th Anniversary Golden Star Award, 2001
Palm Bay High School’s Guardian of the Constitution Citizenship Award for fostering law related education in Brevard County, 2001
Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc.’s Judge of the Year, 1999
Resolution, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, recognizing work on children’s issues, 1997

All Calendar Docket times, dates, and courtroom assignments are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the presiding judge. Please check back often to verify if changes have been made. Not all of the judges post their calendars online.

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– David Dugan

Judicial Assistant:
– Monica Gabbard

Division: D | CIVIL

Office: (321) 617-7279 | Email

EDUCATION:

Fletcher H.S. Neptune Beach, Fl, 1971
University of Florida – B.A. Criminal Justice, with Honors 1975
Stetson University College of Law, with Honors 1978
- Member, Stetson Law Review
Judge Advocate General School with Honors 1978

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

JAGC (U.S. Army) 1978-1981.
- Provided trial defense to service members facing general (felony) courts martial and/or special (misdemeanor) courts martial.
- Appointed Senior Defense Counsel, responsible for the supervision and training of other Division trial attorneys.
- Provided general legal advice and representation to service members and their families.
Private Practice 1981-1998 Brevard County, Florida – Civil practice focusing on business and construction matters.

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Brevard Administrative Judge, 2016-2018
Circuit Judge, Brevard and Seminole Counties, 1998-Present
First elected in 1998 to begin service January, 1999. Re-elected in 2004 and 2010 without opposition
Division assignments:
- Civil/Family Combined Division
- Domestic Violence
- Felony Criminal
- Civil/ Foreclosure
Judicial Leadership Positions:
- Acting Chief Judge July 2008-June 2009
- Brevard County Administrative Judge July 2008-June 2009
- Administrative Judge – Criminal Division
- Administrative Judge – Civil Division
- Administrative Judge – Foreclosure Division
- Administrative Judge – Domestic Violence
Established the Brevard County Domestic Violence Court in 1999
Justice delayed is justice denied. Judge Dugan has served as the administrative judge in each division to which he has been assigned. As administrative judge, he has supervised the timely, efficient, and fair provision of judicial services to the attorneys and citizens of Brevard County. Judge Dugan and the team of judges and staff in each division have created systems and attitudes leading towards caseload reductions and timely case resolution. Judge Dugan is sought out by attorneys, agencies, and other judges for case management and resolution advice.

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Past Member of Rotary Club of Melbourne and Rockledge Rotary Club. Past President of the Melbourne Rotary Club; past director of Rockledge Rotary Club.
Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Active member 1982 to present
- Better Business Council (Board 1990-1997, Chair 1996)
- Chamber Board 1993-1998
- Chamber President 1998
- Member of Committee of Past Presidents, 1999 to present
- Chair of Brevard County Council of Chambers, 1998
Easter Seal Society of East Central Florida – Past Chair
Boy Scout Leader 1992-2001
Prior youth sports leadership/coaching positions, including soccer and basketball
Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Previous instructor for youth and adult Tae Kwon Do classes
Member of planning committee and presenter for The Summit of Seven Youth Leadership Conference, an annual program directed to the youth of our community
Space Coast Civilian/Military Organization
Annual panel member of Melbourne Community Forum
Panel member in other community forums, including Foreclosure Forum

LAW RELATED ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Former Member, 18^th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee
Member, Brevard and Seminole County Bar Associations
Member, Public Safety Coordinating Council
Member, Brevard County Domestic Violence Task Force
Member, Planning Committee for Salvation Army’s Supervised Visitation and Exchange center

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Florida Court Public Information Officers Community Outreach Award in 2019
Florida Today’s Volunteer of the Year Award, 2018
Summit of Seven “Man of the Year” Award in 2016, recognizing two decades of service to the organization. The Summit of Seven is an annual event designed to introduce teenagers and young adults to role models.
2001 Governor’s Peace at Home Award presented by Governor Jeb Bush for “outstanding accomplishments and contributions in protecting the public and preventing domestic violence.”
Finalist for award presented by the State of Florida during “National Crime Victim’s Rights Week.”
The Domestic Violence program created by Judge Dugan was recognized by Best Practices Institute of the National Center for State Courts.

MILITARY SERVICE:

Captain, U.S. Army, serving overseas 1978-1981
Army Reserves, 1981-1984

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– John D. Galluzzo

Judicial Assistant:
– Stephanie Mausser

Division: P | JUV/P/MH/G

Office: (407) 665-5398 | Email

EDUCATION:

BA Criminal Justice University of Central Florida
JD Nova Southeastern College of Law

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Past President Seminole County Bar Association
Past Chairman 18th Grievance Committee and Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee
Past Chairman Seminole County Criminal Law Section
Board Certified Criminal Trial Law (past)

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Assistant Public Defender 18th Judicial Circuit
Associate Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Owens & Watts
Assistant State Attorney 18th Judicial Circuit
John D. Galluzzo, P.A.

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Chief Judge 18th Circuit, 2015-2017
Past Administrative Positions in the Courts:
- Administrative Judge Seminole County;
- Administrative Judge Civil Appeals,
- Administrative Judge Circuit Criminal Division;
- Administrative Judge; Guardianship and Probate Divisions

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Brevard County Bar Association
Seminole County Bar Association
Civilian Military
Supreme Court Trial Court Security Workgroup

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Seminole County Bar Award for Chief Judge Service
Alan A. Dickey (Judge) Judicial Service Award
Thomas A. Whigham Award for Service
Seminole County Judge of Year Award
Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency Chapter VII Distinguished Service Award, 2017

OTHER COMMUNITY ROLES:

Former Babe Ruth Baseball Coach
Former Pop Warner Football Coach Oviedo and Hagerty High School Affiliations
Former Youth Lacrosse and JV High School Lacrosse Coach

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Juvenile Justice Center 190 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Robin Lemonidis

Judicial Assistant:
– Lori Todd

Division: E | CRIMINAL

Office:(321) 617-7283 | Email

Biography Coming Soon

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Kenneth L. Lester Jr.

Judicial Assistant:
– Debbie Whitehead

Division: B | JUV/P/MH/G

Office: (407) 665-5342 | Email

EDUCATION:

William R. Boone High School, Orlando, 1971
BS, Accountancy, University of Central Florida, 1977
MS, Accountancy 1978
JD, University of Florida College of Law, 1980
Military, U.S. Navy, 1971-1977. Active Duty, 1971-1973

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Fowler, Williams and Airth, 1980 to 1982
Greenberg & Lester, Litigation in Civil and Criminal Matters, 1982 to 1990
Kenneth R. Lester, Jr., Sole Practitioner, Litigation in Civil and Criminal Matters, 1990 to 1996

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

First elected to Circuit Court in 1996
Re-elected in 2002, 2008 and 2014
Served primarily in the Criminal Division and Juvenile/Dependency/Probate Division
Former Division Chief of Criminal, Criminal Appeals, Juvenile and Dependency/Probate Courts
Former Jury Judge
Former Administrative Judge, Seminole County
18th Judicial Circuit Court Mentor Judge

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Former President, Seminole County Bar Association
Former President, Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society
Former Chairman, 18th Judicial Circuit Florida Bar Grievance Committee
Member, Seminole County Bar Association
Member, Florida Bar Association
Admitted to practice before U.S. District, Circuit and Supreme Court of the United States of America
Former Chairman, Seminole County Legal Memorial Committee
Lifetime Member, V.F.W.
Member of American Legion Campbell Lossing Post 53
Member, C.L.E.O.
U.S.A. Wrestling, Bronze Level Coach

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Military Awards for Service Including Combat Action for Vietnam Campaign
Various and sundry awards from State, Local and Law Related Entities Pertaining to Circuit Judge Performance

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Juvenile Justice Center 190 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

Picture of Circuit Judge Jeffrey Mahl. Opens in new window.

The Honorable:
– Jeffrey Mahl

Judicial Assistant:
– Theresa Novak

Division: X | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 617-7260 | Email

EDUCATION:

Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Kent College of Law

Juris Doctorate with High Honors, 1983

Elmhurst College

B.A. with Highest Honors, 1979

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Office of the Attorney General State of Florida, 1996-2009

Senior Assistant Attorney General – Civil Trial Attorney

Private Practice 1983 – 1996 – Civil Trial Attorney

Civil trial practice in both State and Federal Court
Sole or lead counsel in over 200 cases tried to judgment
Including 41 jury trials. 3 trials received national media
Coverage 6 trials receive statewide media coverage eight trials received local coverage.
Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney 1993-1998

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Circuit Judge Brevard County, 2009 to present

Appointed to the Circuit Court by former Governor Charlie Crist, 2009. Re-elected in 2012, and term expires in January of 2019.

Division assignments:

Civil – July, 2017 – Present
Criminal – January, 2015 – July, 2017
Juvenile Dependency/Family Combined Division – June, 2012 – January, 2015
Civil – June, 2011 – June, 2012
Civil/Family Combined Division – January, 2010 – June, 2011

Past Administrative Positions in the Courts:

Administrative Judge, Civil Division
Administrative Judge, Children’s Services Council
Administrative Judge, Jail Oversight Committee

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Cyber-Safety volunteer speaker at Brevard County Public Schools
Speaker under the Justice Teaching Program
Member and officer of several High school booster clubs
Bulldog Wrestling Club (AAU, youth wrestling) Board member 2005-2009
Bulldog Wrestling Club Copper level coach (USA Wrestling) (youth wrestling)
Assistant Wrestling Coach from 1998 to 2009 (AAU and FAWA)

LAW RELATED ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Member, Brevard County Bar Association

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Nancy Maloney

Judicial Assistant:
– Kim Hopping

Division: B | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 617-7274 | Email

EDUCATION:

JD, Rutgers Law School, Newark, NJ
MA, Columbia University, NY, NY
BA, New York University, NY, NY
AA, Brevard Community College, Cocoa, FL

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Elected to the Circuit Bench, November 2014
Served in: Family, Delinquency and Felony

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Post-Doctoral Fellow/Legal Affiliate, United Nations, Crime and Justice Research Institute, Rome, Italy
Legal Intern, United Nations, Crime Prevention Criminal Justice Bureau, NY, NY
Member, Middle Temple Hall, Inns of Court, London School of Economics, London, UK
Constitutional Litigation Clinic, Rutgers Law School, Newark, NJ

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Senior Staff Attorney, Child Welfare Legal Services, Florida Department of Children and Families
Assistant Public Defender, 18th Judicial Circuit, Division Chief for Juvenile
Counseling Director, Upward Bound
Teacher Adjunct Faculty, Mercer County Community College, Trenton, NJ

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Citizen Member/Editorial Board, Florida Today Newspaper
Citizen Advisory Board, WMFE 90.7 National Public Radio/TV
Board Member/President of Board/and of Counsel, Children’s Home Society of Florida, (Brevard County)
Brevard County Bar Association
Seminole County Bar Association
Vassar B. Carleton, Inns of Court
The Florida Bar
The New York Bar
The Washington, D.C. Bar
The Supreme Court of the State of Florida
The United States Supreme Court
Juvenile Justice Council, Truancy Advisory Board
Country Acres Advisory Board
Teen Court
Moot Court
Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator
Florida Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate
League of Women Voters
The National Congress of Black Women, Inc.,
Cocoa Beach Daybreak Rotary Club

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Acknowledgement: Florida Today Newspaper Editorial Board
Acknowledgement: Children’s Home Society, Board Chair
10 Year Service Pin, Office of the Public Defender, 18th Judicial Circuit, FL
Teen Court Volunteer of the Year

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Donna McIntosh

Judicial Assistant:
– Charlotte Legette

Division: K | CI/FM

Office: (407) 665-4245 | Email

EDUCATION:

University of Florida, College of Law J.D., 1983, with honors
Stetson University, B.B.A. in Accounting, 1977, cum laude
Seminole State College, 1975
Lyman High School, 1973

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Admitted to the Florida Bar 1983
Stenstrom, McIntosh, Julian, Colbert, Whigham, and Simmons, P.A. 1984-2001 Partner
United States Peace Corps Volunteer (Guatemala) 1978-1980

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed Circuit Judge, May 2001
Florida Supreme Court Criminal Steering Committee, 2014 to present
Florida Conference of Circuit Judges Civil Justice Chair, 2013 to 2020
Florida Criminal Punishment Code Task Force, 2020

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

The Florida Bar since 1983
Seminole County Bar Association (President 1996)
Volie A. Williams Inn of Court
Former Member of Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee
Former Member of Central Florida Legal Services Board of Directors
Former Member of Barry Law School Advisory Board, Chair 1998
Former Member of Seminole State College Foundation

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Seminole County Bar Association Award for Judge of the Year, 2007 and 2016
The Florida Bar, Education for Justice Award 2007
Seminole State College, Distinguished Alumni Award 2006

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Civil Courthouse 301 N. Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771-1243

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Kelly McKibben

Judicial Assistant:
– Patti Anderson

Division: O | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 637-5594 | Email

EDUCATION:

Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, J.D. May 1994
University of Florida, B.S. in Psychology, December 1990

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Chief Legal Counsel/Deputy Chief Legal Counsel for District 7, Florida Department of Children and Families, August 2003 – December 30, 2005
Deputy Chief Legal Counsel/Managing Attorney for District 7, July 2002 – August 2003
Managing Attorney for District 7, Child Welfare Legal Services, June 1999 – August 2003
Senior/Supervising Attorney for Child Welfare Legal Services, October 1996 – June 1999
Attorney for Child Welfare Legal Services, April 1995 – September 1996
Law Clerk, Ruth S. Capra, P.C. in Birmingham, Alabama, June 1993 – November 1993 and March 1994 – April 1994
Intern/Volunteer for Investigator, Alachua County Public Defender’s Office in Gainesville, Florida, January 1990 – December 1990

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Circuit Judge, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, September 2013 to present (appointed by Governor Rick Scott). Served in the Family Division, Dependency Division, and Criminal Division
Assigned to Adult Drug Court since July 2014
Served as Administrative Juvenile Division Judge
County Court Judge, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, January 2006 to September 2013 (appointed to the bench in December 2005 by Governor Jeb Bush)
Served as Administrative County Court Judge and Acting Administrative County Court Judge

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Member of the Florida Bar since October 1994
Member of the State Bar of Georgia since 1994 (inactive status)
Former Board member of Brevard Family Partnership/Community Based Care of Brevard
Team Leader for Justice Teaching Program for Kennedy Middle School since Fall 2006 and Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Select Committee member supporting the Justice Teaching Program since 2014
Former Chair of the Brevard County Canvassing Board
Appointed as Bar Bench Liaison (Judicial Liaison Committee) for Brevard County, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit since July 2006
Former Member of the Long Range Planning/Stakeholders Group for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit
Member of the Brevard County Civilian/Military Council, 45th Space Wing since February 2006
Mentor judge for the Teacher Institute at the Florida Supreme Court since 2013
Member of the A. Max Brewer Memorial Law Library Board of Trustees since January 2013
Member of the award-winning Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court since 1999 and served as Mentoring Director, Program Director, and President. Also serve as the Achieving Excellence chair
Co-authored a chapter on adoption law in several editions of the Florida Juvenile Law and Practice Manual
Presented and continue to present at various speaking engagements to include groups of students of various ages, women’s clubs, Scout troops and elder groups. Also participate in mock trials/lessons in the law with local students
Serve as a Mentor Judge to newly appointed or elected judges
Member of the Brevard County Bar Association since 1995. Member of the Brevard County Bar Association Board of Directors from August 2005 to December 2005. Also an associate member of the Young Lawyers Division
Member of the Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers
Member of the University of Florida Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2003 to 2012. Served as Treasurer, President-Elect and President
President of the Brevard County Gator Club from July 1999 to July 2000 and July 2003 to December 2005 and Vice President of Academics for the Brevard County Gator Club from July 1996 to December 2005. Volunteer since 1996
Former appointed member of the Florida Bar Special Committee on Child and Parent Representation
Former chair and appointed member of the Children’s Services Council of Brevard County
Former member of the Court Process Workgroup of the Domestic Violence/Child Abuse Commission in Orange County
Former member of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Curriculum Workgroup
Former member of the Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Brevard from 1999 to December 2005
Former member of the Operations Board of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Brevard from 1997 to 1999
Former member of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee from July 2002 to June 2008
Former member of the Legal Needs of Children Committee from July 2008 to June 2014
Former member of the Public Safety Coordinating Council for Brevard County
Former member of the Professionalism Committee of the Conference of County Court Judges and of the Education Committee of the Conference of County Court Judges
Former appointed member of the Task Force on Children’s Justice
Participated in the High School Mock Trial Competition as a rating judge in February 2005 and as a presiding judge in 2006 and 2007
Former member of the Professionalism Awards Luncheon Committee and have served on the Law Day Committee
Provided legal training on various topics such as legislative updates, best practices in the initial response to child abuse investigations and the relation of Chapter 39 to domestic violence cases. Also presented on Attorney Ad Litem requirements
Provided numerous legal trainings at the annual statewide Dependency Court Improvement Summit
Presented at various judicial conferences on topics such as Child Hearsay, Dependency Case Law and Legislative Updates, Termination of Parental Rights, Sentencing in DUI cases, and Disqualification and Recusal
Participated in contract monitoring for the Broward County Office of the Attorney General Pilot Project and the former Alachua County State Attorney’s Office Pilot Project. This involved developing a monitoring instrument and reviewing many dependency case files from each office
Participated in “Club Sib”, a weekend reunion for siblings placed in different foster homes, in October 2000
Mentored a student at Fern Creek Elementary School in 2003 and 2004
Member of Women in Law and participated in the Dean Parham Williams Freshman Trial Competition, Governor Albert P. Brewer Client Counseling Competition and Street Law Program: Teaching juveniles about the law, while at Cumberland School of Law
Participated in a Judicial Externship with Judge Elise D. Barclay (Family Court) and completed International Studies in Canterbury, England while at Cumberland School of Law

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Recipient of the 2017-2018 Jurist of the Year Award from the Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Recipient of the William E. Gladstone Award in 2016 for making the greatest contribution to the courts in serving dependent children and their families
2014 Judge of the Year Award recipient, presented by the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. for mentor judge and volunteer activities
Named as one of three finalists for the Eckerd Youth Foundation Hero of the Year Award in March 2013
Received Davis Productivity Awards in 2006 for work with the Department of Children and Families
Received 2005 Outstanding Performance Team Award for the District 7 Legal Leadership Team in August 2005
Received Davis Productivity Awards in 2005 for the District 7 L.E.G.A.L. Training Team, the District 7 Legal News Monthly Newsletter Team, the Child Welfare Legal Services Case Law Conference Call Team and the Fostering Student Education Success and Stabilization Team (in conjunction with the Orange County Public Schools)
Received 2004 Outstanding Performance Award in July 2004
Received Davis Productivity Awards in 2004 for the District 7 Legal Leadership Team and the Child Welfare Legal Services Case Law Conference Call Team
Received Davis Productivity Awards in 2003 for the District 7 Legal Management Team and the Legal News Monthly Newsletter Team
Received three Davis Productivity Awards in December 2002 for 1) the L.E.A.D.E.R. Initiative and the internet* based trial notebook that was set up for all Department attorneys statewide, for 2) the Administrative Fines for False Reporting of Child Abuse Initiative, and for 3) the District 7 Legal Business Plan
Received Davis Productivity Award in December 2001 for the Special Operations Response Team, a team focused on achieving permanency more timely for many foster children in Orange County
Received Summit Award for Excellence in Legal Representation at Dependency Court Improvement Summit in August 2001
Received VISION Awards from the Department of Children and Families in May 2001
Received Summit Award for Best Practice for Outstanding Legal Training at Dependency Court Improvement Summit in August 2000
Received the Department of Children and Families District 7 Heart of Gold Award in May 2000
Received Distinguished Special Achievement Award from the Department of Children and Families in July 1998
Received Outstanding Gator Club Member Award in January 1999 for 1997-1998
Best Paper Award, Municipal Court Practice, Spring 1994
Pre-Professional Service Organization (PSO) “Outstanding Volunteer” Award for 1988-1989

PERSONAL HISTORY:

Married to husband Scott Crandall
Grew up in Clearwater, Florida and has been a resident of Brevard County since November of 1994
Enjoys spending time with family and friends, spending time outdoors, attending Florida Gators games, and also likes working with children

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
Michelle L. Naberhaus

Judicial Assistant:
– Theresa Goddard

Division: T | CIVIL

Office: (321) 617-7270 | Email

EDUCATION:

BA, University of Florida, 1997
JD, Levin College of Law, University of Florida, 2000

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Judge Naberhaus practiced in the areas of general civil litigation, insurance defense litigation, trust and estate litigation, and guardianship litigation. She began her practice in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuits with the law firms Conroy, Simberg, Ganon, Krevans, & Abel, P.A. and Peterson Bernard, P.A. During that time, she also served as an adjunct professor of Business Law at Florida Atlantic University. In 2009, she relocated to Brevard County where she became a shareholder with Gray Robinson, P.A. At the time of her appointment, she was serving as Of Counsel with Dean Mead, P.A.

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Circuit Judge, March 2020 – Present
- Civil Division, July 2020 – Present
- Family Division, March 2020 – July 2020
Acting Circuit Judge
- Family Division, Jan. 2019 – March 2020
County Court Judge
- Criminal Division, Jan. 2017 – Jan. 2019
Administrative Judge
- Mental Health Court, 2017-2018

PROFESSIONAL

Florida Conference of Circuit Judges
- Member, March 2020 through Present
Florida Conference of County Court Judges
- Board of Directors, July 2017 to July 2019
- Criminal Rules Committee
- Legislative Committee
- Sentencing Committee
- Specialty Courts Committee
Vassar B. Carlton American Inns of Court
- Master, 2016 to Present
- Barrister, 2010 to 2013
Florida Bar, Member since 2001
- Probate Rules Committee, July 2013 to June 2016
- Chair, Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee, July 2012 to June 2013
- Member, Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee July 2010 to June 2013
- Member, Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Committee 2010 to 2016
Brevard County Bar Association
- Member, 2010 to Present
- Board of Directors, July 2012 to June 2016
- Secretary & Fall CLE Chair, July 2015 to June 2016
- Chair, Judicial Candidate Forum, 2014
- Directory, Sponsorship, & CLE Committee, 2012 to 2016
Florida Association for Women Lawyers
- Member, July 2010 to 2014
- Chapter Representative, July 2011 to June 2012
- Membership Advancement & Promotion Committee, July 2011 to June 2012
- Communications Committee, July 2011 to June 2012
- Legislative Committee, July 2011 to June 2012
Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers
- Member, July 2010 to June 2014
- Secretary & FAWL Representative, July 2011 to June 2012
- Director, July 2010 to June 2011
Justice Teaching Program
- Trained as Volunteer in 2006
Martin County Bar Association
- Member, July 2003 to June 2010
- Probate, Trust, Real Estate, Property Law Committee, July 2006 to June 2009

CIVIC –

Brevard Cultural Alliance
- Director, March 2012 to June 2016
- Executive Committee, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Legal, March 2012 to June 2016
- Education Committee Chair, Jan. 2013 to Dec. 2014
Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
- Director, ex officio, Feb. 2014 to Jan. 2015
Girl Scouts of America
- Member/Parent Volunteer of the Citrus Council, 2014 – 2019
Guardian Ad Litem Program, State of Florida
- Volunteer, certified in 1999
- 18th Circuit, Fostering Independent Program Volunteer, Jan. 2010 to 2014
The Haven for Children
- Vice President of Board, July 2015 to June 2016
- Governance Committee Chair, July 2014 to June 2016
- Director, July 2014 to June 2016
Junior Achievement of Florida’s Space Coast
- Classroom Presenter, Trained in 2015
King Center for the Performing Arts
- Director, June 2015 to Sept. 2016
LEAD Brevard
- 4 Under 40 Award Recipient, Feb. 2014
March of Dimes
- Co-Chair of 2015 Signature Chefs Auction
Women’s Business Center (weVENTURE), Florida Institute of Technology
- Director, Oct. 2011 to Sept. 2016
- Executive Board – Past-Chair, Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Oct. 2012 to Sept. 2016
- Mentor, Ignite 360 Business Mentoring Program, 2012 to 2016

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Debra S. Nelson

Judicial Assistant:
– Debbie Hicks

Division: A | CRIMINAL

Office: (407) 665-4993 | Email

EDUCATION:

University of South Florida – B.A. Psychology 1975
South Texas College of Law – J.D. 1979

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Admitted to the Florida Bar, 1979
Admitted to the Texas Bar, 1979
Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 1981
Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, 1981
Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1985
Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, 1985

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

January 1980 – July1983
- Broward County State Attorney’s Office, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Chief Prosecutor Misdemeanor, Hollywood Court, Felony Prosecutor.
July 1983 – March 1986
- Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Staff Counsel, Tallahassee.
- Represented the Department in all personnel legal matters, employment discrimination, labor disputes, administrative law and civil litigation.
- Appeared before federal and state courts and administrative hearing officers.
- Registered lobbyist for the Department. Legal advisor on Cabinet issues.
March 1986 – August 1992
- Borroughs, Grimm, Bennett & Griffin, P.A., Orlando, FL. Commercial litigation practice.
- Partner: September, 1988 – August 1992.
- December 1989 – August 1992: Head of litigation Department.
August 1992 – June 1999
- Debra Steinberg Nelson, P.A., Orlando, FL. Litigation practice including: contract disputes, mortgage foreclosures, corporate disputes, family law (dissolution of marriage, custody, paternity), probate litigation fraud, unfair and deceptive trade practices, employment disputes, employment discrimination, real property disputes, aviation litigation, construction defects, mechanics liens, constitutional law claims, adversary proceedings in bankruptcy, administrative proceedings, class action lawsuit, and appellate matters.
Arbitrator for the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1992-1999.

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed Circuit Judge 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida, by Governor Jeb Bush May 1999.
Elected Circuit Judge 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida, September 2000 with 72% approval rate of the voters in Seminole and Brevard Counties
Juvenile Delinquency Division, June 1999 – July 2000
Civil, Family and Probate Division, July 2000 – June 2002; July 2004 – June 2007
Felony Division, July 2002 – June 2004; July 2007 – December 2012
Civil Division, January 2013 – Present
Administrative Judge in the Juvenile Division, Seminole County, November 1999-June 2000.
Administrative Judge for Seminole County, July 2000 – July 2001
Administrative Judge in the Family Division, Seminole County, July 2000 – June 2001
Administrative Judge in the Probate and Guardianship Division, Seminole County, July 2001 – June 2002
Administrative Judge for Appeals, Seminole County, July 1999 – June 2007
Administrative Judge Professionalism Committee, July 2009 – present
Acting Chief Judge, Seminole & Brevard Counties, July 2003- June 2005
Preside over Seminole County Adult Drug Court, October 2002 – March 2005
Served on Florida Supreme Court Pro Se Committee
Served on 18th Judicial Circuit Conflicts Committee
Served on Family Court Steering Committee Summit on Redefining Florida’s Family Courts
Served on Seminole County Court Operations Committee, June 2009 – December 2012
Serves on Trial Court Budget Commission – December 2010 – present

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Florida Bar Criminal Rules Committee 2007 – Present
Florida Bar Family Rules Committee 2004 – 2007
Florida Bar Civil Rules Committee 1999 – 2004
Seminole County Bar Association
Brevard County Bar Association
Volie A. Williams Inns of Court, President July 2004 – June 2005
Seminole County Community Leaders and Elected Officials

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Firm but Fair Administration of Justice to the Children of Seminole County awarded by: The Office of the Public
Defender, Office of the State Attorney, Guardian Ad Litem Program, Attorneys and Court Personnel, June 30, 2000-2001
Seminole County Community Child Advocate of the Year Award, 2001
Office of the State Attorney “Leadership Award”, 2010
Martindale Hubble “A.V.” Attorney Rating

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– George Paulk

Judicial Assistant:
– Lola Merrick

Division: M | CIVIL

Office: (321) 264-6759 | Email

EDUCATION:

JD, University of Florida, College of Law, 1985
BS, University of Florida, College of Business, 1982
AA, Florida State University, 1979
Merritt Island High School, 1977

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Supervising Attorney, Guardian ad Litem Program, Brevard and Seminole Counties, FL 2001-2014
Adjunct Professor, Business, Criminal Justice, and Paralegal Studies, 1999 to 2014
Attorney, Private Practice, Brevard and Seminole Counties, FL – Business, Family, and Criminal law; 1986 to 2001
Assistant State Attorney, 18th Circuit, 1987 to 1988
Admitted U. S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1987
Admitted Florida Bar, 1986

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Family Division and Domestic Violence, 2015 to present
Circuit Judge, 2015 to present

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Vassar B. Carleton American Inn of Court
Member, Brevard County Civilian/Military Council, 45th Space Wing
Member, East Coast Christian Center, Merritt Island
Prior Member (10 years), First Baptist Church Merritt Island
Prior Member (10 years), Park Avenue Baptist, Titusville
Prior Little League Coach, Cocoa and Merritt Island (10 years)

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Guardian Ad Litem Leadership Award, 2010
Junny Award from Protect Our Children, Inc., 2008 (in recognition of long history of representing children in need)
Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award, 1993 (for representing abused, abandoned and neglected children of Brevard County, FL)
18th Judicial Circuit Nominee for the Supreme Court Tobias Simon Pro Bono Award (for long-standing commitment to pro bono representation of children and families in crisis)

Calendars and Dockets

Titusville Courthouse 506 S. Palm Ave. Titusville, FL 32796-3501

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Jessica Recksiedler

Judicial Assistant:
– Vanessa Lau

Division: L | AJ/CI/FM

Office: (407) 665-4299 | Email

EDUCATION:

Florida State University, B.S., Accounting, 1994
Stetson University College of Law, J.D., 1997
Member, Phil Alpha Delta Honor Society
Member of Trial Team, Stetson University College of Law- 1995-1997

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

State Attorney, Lawson Lamar, Ninth Judicial Circuit –1997-1998

Assistant State Attorney

Kilgore, Pearlman, Stamp, Ornstein and Squires, P.A. 1998-2000

Associate attorney
Areas of Practice — Construction, commercial, probate and insurance litigation and criminal defense

Thompson, Recksiedler, & Evangelo P. A, f/k/a Thompson & Associates, P.A. 2000-2010

Associate-2000-2005
Partner -2005-2010
Areas of Practice —commercial, construction, insurance defense, personal injury, and probate litigation

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Elected Circuit Judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit November 2010
Circuit Judge Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, January 2011 to present
Administrative Judge Seminole County, July 2019 to present
Felony Criminal Division, January 2011 to July 2014, July 2018 to present
Civil/Family Division, July 2014 to June 2018
Administrative Judge for Technology for Seminole County, January 2011 to present
Seminole County Adult Drug Court Judge, January 2012 to present
Administrative Judge for Conflict Counsel Fee Review, October 2019 to present
Administrative Judge of the Civil Division for Seminole County, January 2015 to June 2018
Administrative Judge of the Appellate Division for Seminole County, July 2017 to June 2018
Administrative Judge for Juror Management for Seminole County, July 2017 to June 2018
Education Committee, Florida Conference of Circuit Judges January 2015 to present
5^th DCA Representative Florida Conference of Circuit Judges, August 2017 to August 2019
Florida Bar Referee for Florida Bar Disciplinary Action, December 2011 and June 2017
Associate Judge for 5th DCA, March 2012

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Board Certified in Civil Trials and Board Certified Civil Trial Committee 2008-2014; Vice Chair 2012-2013; Chair 2013-2014
Volie Williams Inns of Court – 2010-2014
Florida Bar Association
Seminole County Bar Association
Brevard County Bar Association- 2009-2012 and 2014
Orange County Bar Association- 1997-2010
Seminole County Community Leaders and Elected officials
Brevard County Civilian Military Council, 45th Space Wing

COMMUNITY:

Justice Teaching Volunteer– educate elementary students on the U. S. Constitution and Bill of Rights
Lake Mary Rotary
Lector at Church

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Civil Courthouse 301 N. Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771-1243

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Morgan L. Reinman

Judicial Assistant:
– Linda Pauken

Division: V | JUV DEL

Office: (321) 617-7272 | Email

PUBLICATIONS:

September 2010, “A View from the Bench: Service to the Community”, The Ex Parte.
Published in 1994 an audio cassette program entitled, “To Divorce or Not: The Financial, Legal and Emotional Aspects”.

EDUCATION:

Nova University, J.D. 1986; Dean’s List Spring, 1984
Florida Southern College, B.S. 1982; Dean’s List two semesters
Merritt Island High School, graduated with honors, 1979

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

President, Morgan Laur Reinman, P.A. 1995 to 2005
Reinman Harrell Graham Mitchell & Wattwood, P.A. 1988 – 1994: Partner 1993 to 1994, Associate 1988 – 1993
Associate, Caruso & Kabboord, P.A. 1987 to 1988
State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney 1986 to 1987
Legal Intern, 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney 1986 (provisionally certified by the Florida Supreme Court to practice law while in law school)

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Juvenile Mental Health Court Judge for 18^th Judicial Circuit, Brevard County, 2019 to present
Juvenile Drug Court Judge for 18^th Judicial Circuit, Brevard County, 2019 to present
Felony Administrative Judge for 18th Judicial Circuit, Brevard County, 2016 to 2019
Felony Mental Health Court Judge for 18^th Judicial Circuit, Brevard County, 2017 to present
Felony Administrative Judge for 18^th Judicial Circuit, Brevard County, 2016 to present
Juvenile Drug Court Judge for 18^th Judicial Circuit, Brevard County, 2009 to 2012
Juvenile Administrative Judge for 18^th Judicial Circuit, Brevard County, 2009 to 2011
Fifth District Court of Appeal of the State of Florida, Associate Judge, September 5, 2007
Family Administrative Judge for 18^th Judicial Circuit, Brevard County, 2005 to 2007
Appointed and elected Circuit Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida, 2003 to present

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Judicial Mentor Program, appointed by Supreme Court of Florida, August 14, 2019
American Bar Association 1987 – 2004
Association of Trial Lawyers of America 1987 -1994
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Brevard: Trustee 1994 to present, Secretary 1992 to 1993, Board of Directors 1989 to 1994
Brevard County Bar Association: Chairperson, Lawyer Referral Service Committee 2002 – 2003, President 2001 to 2002, President-Elect 2000 to 2001, Secretary 1999 – 2000, Treasurer 1998 to 1999, Board of Directors 1995 to 2002, Chairperson, Law Week 1988 and 1989, member 1986 to present
Brevard County Civilian/Military Council 2003 to 2016
Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc.: Board of Director, 1990 to 2003, Chairperson, Legal Supervision Committee 1992 to 1993 and 1997 to 1999
Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals, member 2008 to 2011; 2019 to present
Florida Real Estate Salesman License 1983 to 2016
Family Law Advisory Group 2001 to 2007: Chairperson 2003 to 2007
Family Law Network: Chairperson 2004 to 2007, Member 2014 to 2016
Juvenile Delinquency Stakeholders Group: Chairperson 2007 to 2011
Leo Goodwin Research Fellowship 1984 to 1985
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity 1983 to present
Seminole County Bar Association 2003 to 2008
Space Coast Tiger Bay Club 2006 to 2007
Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court: Member 1995 to 1999 and 2004 to 2007, Executive Committee 1996 to 1999, Secretary/Treasurer 1997 to 1999, Program Director 1996 to 1997
5th D.C.A. Judicial Nomination Commission, 2001 to 2002
18th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (Governor Appointed), 1990 to 1994: Chairperson, 1991 to 1992
Board of Governors, Young Lawyers Division 1987 to 1991: Member, Executive Committee 1989 to 1991
Family Law Section, The Florida Bar 1987 to 2007
S. District Court, Middle District of Florida (admitted April 1987)
The Florida Bar (admitted October 24, 1986)

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Judicial Award, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, State of Florida, August 2019
Judicial Award, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, Brevard County Chapter, May 2019
Nominee, Accomplishments and Achievements in Industry, Women of Excellence, Melbourne Regional Chamber, May 3, 2013
Letter of Appreciation, Palm Bay Police Department, June 28, 2011
Certificate of Participation, the National Judicial College “Enhancing Judicial Bench Skills”, 2010
President’s Award, Brevard County Bar Association, July 18, 2003
Appreciation Award for Extraordinary Service to the 18th Judicial Circuit from Chief Judge Bruce W. Jacobus, July 12, 2002
Award, Fair Housing Continuum, Inc., April 16, 2002
Award, Brevard County Bar Association (President), 2001 to 2002
2001 Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award, Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc., March 1, 2002
Award, Brevard County Bar Association (President-Elect), 2000 to 2001
2000 Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award, Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc., February 23, 2001
Award, Brevard County Bar Association (Secretary), 1999 to 2000
Certificate of Appreciation, Tropical Elementary School (Career Week), 1999
Award, Brevard County Bar Association (Treasurer), 1998 to 1999
Award, Brevard County Bar Association (Quiet Room), July 17, 1998
Award, Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court (Secretary/Treasurer), 1997 to 1999
Award, Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court (Program Director), 1996 to 1997
Certificate of Appreciation, Kiwanis Club of Cocoa Beach, October 10, 1996
Award, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brevard, January 26, 1996
Certificate of Appreciation, Merritt Island High School (Project Graduation), 1995
Award, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brevard (50/50 Raffle), June 21, 1993
Award, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brevard (Chairperson of the Art Auction), May 22, 1993
Certificate of Appreciation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brevard, January 27, 1993
Certificate of Appreciation, The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, June 28, 1992
Award, Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (Port Canaveral Seafood Festival), March 29, 1992
Certification of Appreciation, American Bar Association’s American Bar Endowment January 30, 1992
Award, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brevard (Secretary), 1992
Award, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brevard (Chairman), 1992
President’s Award, Brevard County Bar Association 1988 to 1989
President’s Award, Brevard County Bar Association 1987 to 1988
Certificate of Recognition, Central Florida Criminal Justice Institute (DUI Trial School), October 18, 1986

SPEECHES AND LECTURES:

Speaker, “Juvenile Delinquency Court”, Cocoa Rotary Club, September 15, 2020.
Presenter, Brevard Bar Foundation “2019 Community Leader of the Year” Award Dinner, May 2, 2019
Presenter, Brevard Bar Foundation Dinner, April 4, 2018
Presenter, Brevard County Bar Association, President’s Dinner, July 12, 2017
Presenter, Brevard County Foundation Dinner, April 6, 2017
Speaker and Presenter, Brevard Paralegal Association, April 14, 2016
Speaker, Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc., Brevard Chapter, October 17, 2015
Speaker, Family Court Judicial Forum, May 8, 2015
Speaker, “Pre-Trial Practice and Procedure”, Family Law Network, April 14, 2015
Speaker, “Consequences of Choices”, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, March 3, 2015 and September 30, 2014
Speaker, “Criminal Law Issues for the Family Practitioner”, Family Law Network, July 17, 2013
Presenter, Brevard County Legal Aid, Annual Pro Bono Awards and Recognition Gala, February 22, 2013
Speaker, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Career Day, February 8, 2013
Speaker, Indialantic Elementary, Career Day, May 3, 2012
Speaker, Youth Summit, Brevard County Weed and Seed/Project Safe Neighbors, April 20, 2011
Speaker, “Rights and Responsibilities of a High School Student”, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, 2011
Speaker, “What you need to know about Juvenile Crime in your Community”, Cocoa Beach Rotary, November 10, 2010
Presenter, Statewide Drug Court Graduation, May 13, 2011 and May 11, 2010
Speaker, “What you need to Know About Juvenile Crime and Your Child”, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s Parent Association, March 2, 2010
Speaker, “Legal Ramification of Poor Choices”, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, September 6, 2010
Presenter, Brevard County Bar Association, July 9, 2009
Speaker, “Working Effectively with Court Personnel” Brevard County Bar Association’s Fall CLE Afternoon Series, November 14, 2007
Speaker, Collaborative Law Training Seminar, November 2, 2007
Panelist, “Practicing with Professionalism; The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, September 29, 2006
Speaker, “3 Branches of Government” Law Day, Indian Harbor Montessori, May 2, 2006
Brevard County Bar Association, Annual Professionalism Awards Luncheon: presented the Non-Lawyer Award, April 13, 2006
Family Law Advisory Group, Divorce Symposium: gave Welcome, introduced speakers and participated in a Panel Discussion with the Judges, February 4, 2006
Brevard County Bar Association: spoke as a Continuing Legal Education Speaker on “Addressing All Issues in a Comprehensive Dissolution of Marriage Final Judgment and Preparation of the Proposed Order”, November 18, 2004
Speaker, Merritt Island High School’s Legal Studies Class, November 10, 2004
Brevard County Bar Association, 50th Anniversary Celebration: presented the Oral History of the Brevard County Bar Association, October 21, 2004
Brevard Paralegal Association, Fourteenth Annual Installation and Awards Banquet: Keynote Speaker, October 14, 2004
Brevard County Bar Association, 2003 Fifth Annual Awards Luncheon: presented the Non-Lawyer Award, April 9, 2003
Presenter, Brevard County Bar Association, Annual Awards and Installation Banquet, July 12, 2002
Equal Housing Opportunity: spoke as a guest speaker at their “2002 Fair Housing Litigation: Rights, Remedies and Rewards”, April 16, 2002
Presenter, Brevard County Bar Association, Annual Awards and Installation Banquet, July 12, 2001
Legal Secretaries of Brevard: spoke as a guest speaker on Litigation Procedures, September 30, 2000
Brevard County Paralegal Association: installed officers, April 19, 2000
Brevard Community College: spoke as a guest speaker at their Pro Se Divorce Clinic, 1999
Brevard County Lawyers Women’s Symposium: spoke as a guest speaker on“Balancing Personal and Professional Obligations”, April 24, 1998
Public TV Station: spoke as a guest speaker on Law Day
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: guest speaker
Brevard County Bar Association: installed officers
Brevard County Bar Association: spoke as a Continuing Legal Education speaker on “Child Support Guidelines: Old and New”
Brevard County Bar Association: spoke as a guest speaker at the dinner/roast for the Honorable John Antoon II
Brevard County Bar Association: spoke as a Continuing Legal Education speaker on “In Jason’s Best Interests: The Responsibilities of Lawyers In Custody Disputes”
Tropical Elementary School: spoke as a guest speaker for career week on being a lawyer
Kiwanis Club of Cocoa Beach: spoke as a guest speaker on divorce
Kennedy Space Center Credit Union: numerous lectures on divorce and adoption
Space Coast Credit Union: numerous lectures on divorce and adoption
Women’s Center: numerous seminars on divorce
Brevard County Professional Women’s Network: spoke as a guest speaker on “Foibles to Avoid as a Businesswoman in a Male Business Environment”
WMEL Radio Station: spoke as a guest speaker on divorce

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Charles Roberts

Judicial Assistant:
– Cathy Biddle

Division: J | FAMILY

Office: (321) 617-7289 | Email

EDUCATION:

Melbourne HS, Class of 1972
Brevard Community College, AA
University of Florida, BS
Stetson College of Law, JD 1981

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Civil Trial Attorney, 1982 – 2008

JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:

Brevard County Administrative Judge, 2011 to 2013
Administrative Judge, Civil Division, 2017 to present

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Circuit Judge, 18th Circuit, 2008 to present
Served in Civil/Family, Criminal, Civil

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Brevard County Bar
Circles of Care
Tied Together of the Space Coast
Brevard County Civilian/Military Council
National Wild Turkey Federation

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Volie Williams-Clarence Johnson, Outstanding Judge of the Year Award, 2015

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Michael Rudisill

Judicial Assistant:
– Dayna Griffin

Division: G | CI/FM

Office: (407) 665-4218 | Email

EDUCATION:

J.D., University of Florida College of Law
B.A., History (with Honors), University of Florida
Diploma, (with Honors) Winter Park High School

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Judge Rudisill began his professional career as a certified legal intern in the Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Upon graduation and passage of the Florida Bar Exam, he accepted a position as an Assistant State Attorney. Over the next few years, he prosecuted misdemeanors and felonies in both Orange and Osceola Counties. He gained extensive courtroom experience representing the people of the State of Florida.
Judge Rudisill later joined a private criminal defense practice (The Defense Group, Maitland) and fought for the rights of clients throughout Central Florida.)

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed to the Circuit bench in 2009
Won election to remain on bench, 2010
Re-elected without opposition, 2016
Civil and Family Division, 2009-Present
Civil Administrative Judge, 2018-Present
Juvenile Drug Court, 2010-Present
Legislative Liaison, 2010-Present
Former Administrative Judge for the Civil Appellate Division
Associate Judge, Fifth District Court of Appeal, (Summer 2011)

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Seminole County Bar Association
– Treasurer 2012
– Board of Directors, 2009-Present
Seminole County Inn of Court
– President, 2012/2013
– Ethics Chair, 2011/2012
– Treasurer, 2009/2010
– Board of Directors, 2009-Present
Brevard County Bar Association, 2009-Present
Florida Conference of Circuit Judges, 2009-Present
Brevard County Civilian Military Community Relations Council, 2009-Present
National Rifle Association, Life Member
Seminole County Community Leaders and Elected Officials (CLEO) 2009-Present
Tied Together of the Space Coast 2016-Present

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Seminole County Bar Association 2012 Mize-Dickey Award for Judge of the Year

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Civil Courthouse 301 N. Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771-1243

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

Circuit Judge Robert Segal. Opens in new window.

The Honorable:
– Robert Segal

Judicial Assistant:
– Debbie Lansing

Division: G | FAMILY

Office: (321) 637-5641 | Email

EDUCATION:

- BA – Political Science – George Washington University – 1988
- JD – Vermont Law School – 1991

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Assistant Public Defender
Private practitioner
General Magistrate

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed to Circuit Court by Governor Rick Scott in December 2018

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Christina Serrano

Judicial Assistant:
– Carmen Reyes

Division: C | FAMILY

Office: (321) 617-7256 | Email

EDUCATION:

Juris Doctorate, Stetson University College of Law, 2003
BA, Political Science/Criminology, Florida Southern College, 1998
Titusville High School, 1995

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Christina Serrano is the circuit judge for Group 9, of Florida’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. She won the seat in the general election on November 8, 2016. She is currently assigned to the Family Division.
Administrative Judge for Staff Attorneys

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Family Law Subcommittee Chair for Courthouse Reopening after Covid-19
Past President, Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers
Past Board Member and Past Treasurer, Brevard County Bar Foundation
Past President, Young Lawyers Division, Brevard County Bar Association
Past Board Member, Brevard County Red Cross
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity
Volunteer Teacher, Justice Teaching Program
Past Member, Toastmasters
AOTT Member, Melbourne Alumnae Panhellenic
Past Member, Seminole County Bar Association
LEAD Brevard Graduate
Vassar Carlton Inns of Court

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award
Served on the Florida Bar “Codes and Rules of Evidence Committee”
Served on the Florida Bar “Small Claims Committee”
ESGR “Patriotic Employer Award”, Secretary Department of Defense

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Melissa D. Souto

Judicial Assistant:
– Nicole Daniels

Division: J | CRIMINAL

Office: (407) 665-4939 | Email

EDUCATION:

Florida State University College of Law, 2001
University of Central Florida, BA 1998
Double Major Political Science and Liberal Studies

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Seminole County Sheriff’s Office 2010-2015
- Assistant and General Counsel
Law Office of Sherman and Souto, 2008-2010
Seminole County State Attorney’s Office, 2002-2008
- Assistant State Attorney
Volusia County State Attorney’s Office, 2001-2002
- Assistant State Attorney

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed to the Circuit bench in 2015
Assigned to Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Dependency, Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health (Baker Acts and Marchman Acts), Divorces and Domestic Violence Injunctions associated with Dependency cases
Administrative Judge for Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency 2017-present
Administrative Judge for Probate, Guardianship and Mental Health 2017-Present
Elected to the Circuit bench 2018

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Seminole County Bar Association, Board of Directors
Brevard County Bar Association
Volie A Williams inns of Court (Seminole County)
Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court
Seminole County Community Leaders and Elected Officials
Brevard County Civilian Military Council, 45th Space wing
Sertoma Seminole County Chapter
Student Advisory Council Seminole County Public Charter School (Past)
Florida Association of Police Attorneys (Past)
Volusia County Bar Association (Past)
Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society (Past)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (Past)
Golden Key Honor Society (Past)

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Distinguished Service Award- Seminole County Bar Association 2018
Sheriff’s Commendation 2014

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Susan Stacy

Judicial Assistant:
– Anne Brezina

Division: W | CI/FM
Office: (407) 665-4048 | Email

EDUCATION:

Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA)
Double Major: Finance and Marketing
Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
Labor Relations/Human Resource Admin
Juris Doctor (JD) – Emphasis: Employment Law

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Judge Stacy began her career in Education serving as a Recruiter, Counselor, and Administrator.
She continued her career in Human Resource Administration and Labor Relations, working at several multi-national corporations.
As a capstone to her career serving the public, she worked at and for a number of law firms and corporations provided legal services to individuals and corporate entities.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Ciba-Geigy Corporation
Temple University
Tosco-Oil/Circle K
Honeywell IAC-Manpower
Extern-Tax Division, State of Arizona
Aspey, Watkins & Diesel
Seyfarth Shaw
Stenstrom, McIntosh, Colbert, Whigham, Reischmann, & Simmons
Susan W. Stacy, Law Firm

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

The citizens of Brevard & Seminole Counties elected Judge Stacy Circuit Judge in 2015. She served the Juvenile Division, which includes Probate, Guardianship and Mental Health for 2.5 years.
Currently, Judge Stacy serves the Civil/Family Division, which includes Personal Injury and Real Estate Issues as well as a plethora of other legal issues and cases.

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Inn of Court-Professionalism Society
Seminole County Legal Aid, Former Director
Elder Care Coordinator-18th Seminole
Professionalism Committee-18th, Seminole
Boy Scouts of America
- Merit Badge Counselor
- Presentations: Citizenship
Seminole County Bar Association
Secretary of Church Women’s Counsel
Brevard County Bar Association (2010-2016)
Young Lawyer’s Division, SC, Founder

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Above & Beyond Award-Children & Community Services
First Shiloh Baptist Church-Honoree, Let Freedom Ring Celebration
Department of Juvenile Justice-Certificate of Appreciation, Brevard & Seminole Counties
Legal Aid, Seminole County, Attorney Recognition.
Former President of Inn of Court, Seminole County (Elected)
Former Director/Secretary SC Bar Association (Elected)
Former Director/Legal Aid Association, SC (Elected)
Director, Fla Bar Young Lawyer’s Division (Elected without Opposition to represent Circuit on State-wide Board)
Collegian of the Year-NE, Delta Zeta Sorority
Florence Hood Miner

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Civil Courthouse 301 N. Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771-1243

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Jennifer Taylor

Judicial Assistant:
– Barbara Opperman

Division: S | JUV DEP

Office: (321) 617-7287 | Email

EDUCATION:

University of Florida College of Law 1986
Participant International Law Review
Honors Graduate

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Admitted to the Florida Bar 1987
Board Certified in Marital and Family Law
General Magistrate, 18th Judicial Circuit 2004 – 2016
Law Office of Freyberg & Taylor 2003 – 2004
Brevard County Guardian Ad Litem Program, part-time counsel 2000 – 2002
Law Office of Thomas H. Yardley 1997 – 2003
Law Office of Hernan Castro 1990 – 1997
Tangel-Rodriguez & Castro 1987 – 1990

JUDICIAL CAREER:

Appointed Circuit Court Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit, 2016 to present
Family Law Administrative Judge, 2017 to present
Co-presenter at the 2012 Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies and 2013 Florida Conference of Circuit Judges

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Brevard County Bar Association Member
Brevard County Bar Association Board of Directors 1999 – 2000
Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court member 1999 – 2002, 2005 to present
Brevard Family Law Network chair, 2005 – 2016
Florida Bar Association Client Security Fund Committee Member 2001 – 2004
Florida Bar Association Grievance Committee Member 1999 – 2002, Chair 2003

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Frank R. Pound Presenter of the Year, Vassar B. Carlton Inn of Court, 2013
Silver Level Recognition from Florida Supreme Court for pro bono service, 2004
Brevard County Bar Association Professionalism Award, 2001

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographyCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– George B. Turner

Judicial Assistant:
– Christa Conklin

Division: A | CIVIL

Office: (321) 952-4703 | Email

EDUCATION:

Rollins College, B.S., Criminal Justice, 1977
Rollins College, M.S., Criminal Justice, 1980
Nova University College of Law, Juris Doctor, 1984

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

STATES ATTORNEY ‘S OFFICE:

Served as Assistant State Attorney to Norman Wolfinger, prosecuting a wide range of cases from 1985 to 1986.

PRIVATE PRACTICE:

Included criminal and family law, civil litigation, and personal injury.

LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER:

Police Officer, City of Melbourne, 1972 – 1981

JUDICIAL CAREER:

Elected County Court Judge, 2002- 2005
Elected Circuit Judge, 2005 – Present

JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP ROLES:

Brevard County Administrative Judge, July 2005 – December 2005
Chairman, Brevard County Canvassing Board, July 2003 – December 2005
Co-Chair, Courthouse Security Committee, July 2003 – Present

MILITARY CAREER:

United States Army Airborne Infantry and Rangers September 1969 – April 1972

MILITARY AWARDS & CITATIONS:

Silver Star
Bronze Star
Combat Infantryman Badge
Paratroop Jump Wings
Air Medal
Sharpshooter Medal
Army Commendation Medal

Calendars and Dockets

Melbourne Courthouse 51 S. Nieman Ave. Melbourne, FL 32901-1218

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

Go to top

The County Judges of Brevard handle all County Court matters. Included are Misdemeanors, Civil suits not exceeding $15,000, Landlord Tenant, Small Claims & Traffic. County Judges are often assigned to work as Circuit Judges. County Judges serve six year terms. Listed below are all of the Brevard County Judges in alphabetical order.

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Judy Atkin

Judicial Assistant:
– Shannon Morgan

Division: 11 | FAMILY

Office: (321) 637-5644 | Email

EDUCATION:

State University of New York at Albany, B.A., 1976
University of Miami Law School, J.D., 1980

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

General Private Practice, 1980 – 2007
Board Certified Marital and Family Law, 1994 – 2009

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Elected to a newly created seat on the county court bench, 2007

JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS (PAST & PRESENT):

County Court Administrative Judge
Public Safety Coordinating Council
Appointed by County Commission to serve on Pre-trial Services & Misdemeanor Probation Services Selection Committee
Administrative Judge, Veterans Treatment Court

COMMUNITY SERVICE (PAST & PRESENT):

Volunteer Tutor, Literacy for Adults in Brevard
Justice Teaching Volunteer
Volunteer, Attorney ad Litem for neglected, abused, or abandoned children
Volunteer, Big Sister, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program
Volunteer Judge, Brevard County Bar Association Mock Trials
Volunteer Judge, University of Central Florida Mock Trial Competition
Foster Parent
Member, Melbourne Municipal Band (Past President)
Member, Space Coast Flute Orchestra
Board of Directors, Literacy for Adults in Brevard
Board of Trustees: Law Library

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS (PAST & PRESENT):

Board of Directors, Brevard County Legal Aid
Member, Florida Bar Association since 1980
Member, Brevard Bar Association since 1982
Member, The Florida Bar’s Marital and Family Law Board Certification Exam Review Panel

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Rhonda Babb

Judicial Assistant:
– Henrietta Frazier

Division: 10 | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 637-5604 | Email

EDUCATION:

Judge Babb was a gifted student at Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn, New York and went on to earn an academic scholarship to Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
She graduated from Wellesley in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Literature and African American Studies.
Judge Babb received her Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1984. While there, she was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society.

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Judge Babb specialized in Immigration, Real Estate, Consumer, and Family Law while a sole practitioner in Brooklyn, New York.
Judge Babb gained invaluable experience as an administrative law judge for the City of New York Environmental Control Board. She also served as an arbitrator, conducting trials of small claims matters in the Civil Court.
Judge Babb served as a litigator for Central Florida Legal Services from 1994 until her judicial appointment.
She practiced state, federal and administrative law at both trial and appellate levels developing an expertise on landlord/tenant, consumer, and special education issues.
Member of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges
Member, Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers.

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Governor Jeb Bush appointed Judge Babb to the county court bench in 2002.
In 2004, Brevard’s County Court Judges unanimously elected Judge Babb to serve as administrative judge.

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Michelle Baker

Judicial Assistant:
– Lisa Walters

Division: 1 | CIVIL

Office: (321) 264-6996 | Email

EDUCATION:

University of Central Florida, B.S.
Stetson University College of Law, J.D.
Member, Stetson Law Review, Moot Court (won several Moot Court competitions including Best Oral Advocate, First Place Workers Compensation & National Tax Moot Court)

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Brevard County Court Judge, January 2009 to present

JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:

Administrative Judge, October 2012 to September 30, 2014
Team Leader of Justice Teaching in Brevard County Schools
Associate Professor/Faculty, New Judges College

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Sole Practitioner with emphasis on Family Law, 2001 to 2009
Associate, Cianfrogna, Telfer, Reda, Faherty, P.A., 1988 to 2001

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

Outstanding Pro Bono Award recipient in 1993, 2001, 2003, and 2004
(Presented by the Brevard County Legal Aid Society for providing legal representation to clients who could not afford to pay)
Order of Barristers

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS:

Past President, Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court
Member, Brevard County Bar Association
Member, Florida Bar Association (admitted 1989)
Member Rotary International, Past President Titusville Rotary and Current Assistant District Governor
Board Member Brevard Nature Alliance

Calendars and Dockets

Titusville Courthouse 506 S. Palm Ave. Titusville, FL 32796-3501

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Thomas J. Brown

Judicial Assistant:
– Nancy Hickman

Division: 6 | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 617-7285 | Email

EDUCATION:

BA, Political Science/Business Management, Eckerd College, 1985
JD with Honors, Stetson University College of Law, 1989

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Assistant State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit, 1993 to July 2016

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

County Court Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit, July 2016 to Present

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Chairperson, Florida Bar Grievance Committee, 2013 to 2016

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS:

Meritorious Public Service Award, The Florida Bar, March 2016
Brevard County Bar Association Professionalism Award/Government Attorney, 2009
Pride in Excellence Award, Trial Attorney of the Year, 1998
Victim’s Rights Attorney of the Year, 2001

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Kenneth Friedland

Judicial Assistant:
– Valerie Mackey

Division: 7 | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 264-6777 | Email

EDUCATION:

Melbourne High School
BA, University of South Florida
JD, University of Florida

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Office of Public Defender, 1981 to 1984
(Misdemeanor, Juvenile, Felony, Capital)
Private Practice, 1984 to 1995 (AV rating)
(Civil and Commercial Litigation, Family, Probate, Governmental – City of Titusville, Town of Melbourne Village, Brevard County Clerk of Court, Drug Task Force)

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

County Court Judge, 1995 to Present
(Civil, Criminal, Family, Canvassing Board, Florida Bar Referee, Mentor Judge)

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Brevard County Bar Association
Brevard County – Canvassing Board Chairman
Previously:
Vassar B. Carlton American Inns of Court- Emeritus and past President
Civilian Military Relations Council
Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program-former Chairman and Board Member
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brevard – Board of Directors and Big Brother
Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science – former President
Take Stock in Children – Brevard County School System
Brevard County Law Library Board of Trustees
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Florida Bar Grievance Committee

Calendars and Dockets

Titusville Courthouse 506 S. Palm Ave. Titusville, FL 32796-3501

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Benjamin Garagozlo

Judicial Assistant:
– Kimberly Pozgar

Division: 8 | CIVIL

Office: (321) 617-7266 | Email

EDUCATION:

Boston University, B.A.
Ohio Northern University, J.D.

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the County Court;
Presided over civil and criminal cases at the Melbourne Courthouse;
Former Brevard County Court Administrative Judge

JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:

Appointed to the Judicial Management Council by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, November 2012 through June 2015 (Reappointed by the Chief Justice to a second term beginning July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020);
Former County Court Administrative Judge

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Former Assistant District Counsel with the U.S. Justice Department / U.S. Homeland Security;
Former Assistant State Attorney, Brevard County;
Former Special Counsel with the Brevard County School Board;
Former attorney with the local Fraternal Order of Police;
Former Conflict attorney for the Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement;
Florida Bar member since 1987

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS

Former member of the Judicial Management Council;
Former member of the Education Committee – Conference of County Court Judges;
Former member of the Traffic Rules Committee – Conference of County Court Judges;
Former member of the Awards Committee – Conference of County Court Judges

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Meals on Wheels, former volunteer driver, providing meals to home bound seniors each week since 2008;
Scholarship Sponsor, providing annual scholarship to a deserving public high school graduate since 2004;

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

2017 – Space Coast Public Service “Norm Wolfinger Justice” Award;
2011 – CAPTF of Brevard Award for “governmental/legislative official”;
2010 – Brevard C.A.R.E.S. “Certificate of Appreciation”

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Kelly Ingram

Judicial Assistant:
– Mellisa Dix

Division: 2 | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 952-4702 | Email

EDUCATION:

University of Central Florida, BSBA, 1993
Florida A + M University College of Law, J.D., 2008

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Judge Ingram is a former Assistant State Attorney prior to going into private practice and then opening her law firm.

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Elected in 2016 and began her judicial career in January 2017
County Court Administrative Judge
Appointed by County Commission to serve on Pre-trial Services & Misdemeanor Probation Services Selection Committee

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS (PAST & PRESENT):

Brevard County Bar Association
American Bar Association
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Brevard County Association for Women Lawyers
Former Board Director for Community Treatment Center//Space Coast Recovery

Calendars and Dockets

Melbourne Courthouse 51 S. Nieman Ave. Melbourne, FL 32901-1218

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Katie Jacobus

Judicial Assistant:
– Sherry Tuttle

Division: G | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 617-7268 | Email

EDUCATION:

University of South Florida
Florida Coastal School of Law

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

County Court Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS:

Go to top

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– David C. Koenig

Judicial Assistant:
– Allana Edwards

Division: 5 | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 617-7262 | Email

EDUCATION:

University of Florida, B.A., 1985
University of Miami, J.D., 1990

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the County Court in January, 2014
Currently assigned to the criminal division

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Assistant State Attorney, Brevard County, 1990 through 2013
- Juvenile Division Chief -2001 to 2005
- Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Division, Chief Intake Prosecutor-2005-2013
Former Adjunct Professor, Law Enforcement Academy, Eastern Florida State College, Melbourne, FL
Adjunct Professor, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
Adjunct Professor, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Member of the Florida Bar-1990-Present
Brevard County Bar Association
Civilian Military Council

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Justice Teaching Volunteer, 2006 to present
Big Brother Volunteer, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Florida
Volunteer Mentor, Take Stock in Children
Board Member, Country Acres Children’s Home, Titusville, FL
Coach and Board Member, YMCA of Cocoa
Assistant Scout Master, Boy Scouts of America
Board Member, Space Coast Marine Institute

AWARDS & HONORS:

Victim’s Rights Attorney of the Year Award, 2005

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Aaron J. Peacock

Judicial Assistant:
– Tina Derwitsch

Division: 9 | CRIMINAL

Office: (321) 617-7236 | Email

EDUCATION:

Eastern Michigan University B.S. Criminology/Criminal Justice with Honors
Florida State University College of Law

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

1997-2004 Law Enforcement Officer City of Inkster Michigan
2007-2020 Office of the State Attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Appointed County Court Judge by Governor Ron DeSantis, June 2020

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Brevard County Bar
Viera Suntree Little League

Calendars and Dockets

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– David E. Silverman

Judicial Assistant:
– Kelsey Chase

Division: 4 | CIVIL

Office: (321) 617-7284 | Email

Judge Silverman lists his biography on his personal website.

Calendars and Dockets

For all calendars, dockets, scheduling, etc. please see the attorney resources page by clicking here. May require login using the JACs system. If the judge is not listed, please contact the Judicial Assistant. Judge Silverman also has described his requirements for scheduling on his personal website.

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

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The County Judges of Seminole handle all County Court matters. Included are Misdemeanors, Civil suits not exceeding $15,000, Landlord Tenant, Small Claims & Traffic. County Judges are often assigned to work as Circuit Judges. County Judges serve six year terms. Listed below are all of the Seminole County Judges in alphabetical order.

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable
– Jerri Collins

Judicial Assistant:
– Jane Damron

Division: R | CRIMINAL

Office: (407) 665-4982 | Email

EDUCATION:

Eastern Illinois University, BA
Mercer University, JD

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

1989-1990 Assistant District Attorney, Augusta Ga.
1990-1992 Assistant State Attorney, Seminole County, FL
1992-2001, Collins, Webster and Krause, P.A.
2001-2006, Assistant State Attorney, Seminole County, FL

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

2006 to present Seminole County Judge

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Seminole County Inns of Court
Member of the Georgia Bar
Seminole County Bar Association
Mentor Judge for the 18th Judicial Circuit
Florida Standard Criminal Jury Instructions Committee, Chair

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable
– James DeKleva

Judicial Assistant:
– Penny Garner

Division: S | CIVIL

Office: (407) 665-4132 | Email

EDUCATION:

B.S. Florida State University
J.D. Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, 1990

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Admitted to the Florida Bar Association in 1991
Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1993
Former Assistant State Attorney, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Seminole County, FL
Private Practice, 1993-2012

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Elected County Court Judge in 2012
Civil Administrative Judge for County Court

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

County Representative: Security Committee
Past Chairman, Canvassing Board, Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Committee
Past President, Volie Williams Inn of Court, Seminole County, FL
Past President, Seminole County Legal Aid Society
Past Board Member, Seminole County Bar Association
Judge, Barry School of Law Regional Mock Trial Competition
Past Member, Florida Prosecutors Association
Past Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Past Member, Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Past President, The Rotary Club of Seminole County, South
Past President, Crystal lake Estates HOA
Past Director and Coach, Pop Warner, Sanford Youth Football Association
Lifetime Alumni Association, Florida State University
Booster, Florida State Athletic Boosters

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

2014 Judge of the Year Award, Seminole County Bar Association
Thomas E. Whigham Community Service Award, Seminole County Bar Association
Twice recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Civil Courthouse 301 N. Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771-1243

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable
– Mark E. Herr

Judicial Assistant:
– Christine Hutchison

Division: F | CRIMINAL

Office: (407) 665-4910 | Email

EDUCATION:

Stetson University – B.A. – 1982
Mercer University School of Law – J.D. – 1985

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Admitted to Florida Bar – 1986
Admitted to the Middle District of Florida – 1987
Assistant State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida – 1986-1988
Private Practice – 1989-2000
Traffic Court Hearing Officer – 1998-2000

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Elected County Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit of Florida – January 2001
Administrative Judge, Criminal Division – 2007-2015
Administrative Judge, Criminal Division – 2017 – Present

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Seminole County Bar Association – 1986-present
Florida Bar Association – 1986-present
Rotary Club of Oviedo – 1990-2001
Rotary Club of Longwood – 2002-2004
Seminole Inn of Court – 2005-present
Conference of County Court Judges, Traffic Court Rules Committee – July 2014-June 2015
Judicial Needs Committee – 2015
Rotary Club of Lake Mary – 2016-present

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable
– Debra Krause

Judicial Assistant:
– Christine Olson

Division: Z | CRIMINAL

Office: (407) 665-4905 | Email

EDUCATION:

Seminole Community College – AA degree (Honors)
University of Central Florida, 1997 – BSBA degree (Cum Laude)
Stetson College of Law, 2004 – Juris Doctor (Honors)

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Former Member National Registry of Environmental Professionals (REP 6130) (REPA 1592)

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Elected November, 2012
Re-Elected 2018

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable
– Fred Schott

Judicial Assistant:
– Lacey Billick

Division: C | CRIMINAL

Office: (407) 665-4921 | Email

Biography Coming Soon!

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

JudgeBiographySchedulingCourthouseProced

ures

The Honorable
– John L. Woodard III

Judicial Assistant:
– Jeanie Carter

Division: U | CRIMINAL

Office: (407) 665-4906 | Email

EDUCATION:

B.A. University of Florida
J.D. Wake Forest University

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

Admitted to the Florida Bar — 1978
Admitted to U.S. District Court – Middle District of Florida – 1978
Admitted to U.S. District Court – Northern District California – 1978
Admitted to 11th Circuit Court of Appeals – 1981
Admitted to 5th Circuit Court of Appeals – 1981
Admitted to U.S. Supreme Court – 1982
Board certified, Criminal Trial Specialist by The Florida Bar since 1988 to present
Former Assistant State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit
Past President, Central Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association
Past Chairman, Orange County Bar Criminal Law Committee

JUDICIAL HISTORY:

Helped establish the County Court Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit 2007 to present
Seminole County Mental Health Courts; assisted with the Mental Health Team in obtaining federal grants for the funding of said court
2011 to present: Judge of the Mental Health Court in Seminole County
2011 to present: Judge of the Veterans Court in Seminole County

ORGANIZATIONS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:

Member, Seminole County Bar Association
Member, Volie Williams Inns of Court, Seminole County
Member, Canvassing Board, Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Committee, Chair 2010 to 2014; 2014 alternate
Member, Seminole County Mental Health Task Force
Past member, Complex Crimes Committee of The American Bar Association
Past member, Federal Practice Committee
Past member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Past member, Strike Force Committee, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Past member, Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, former President
Judge, Barry School of Law, Moot Court competition
AV rated in Martindale Hubbell – Preeminent Registry

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

2019 – Seminole County Bar’s Lifetime Achievement Award
2013 – Seminole County Bar Association Distinguished Service Award for the creation and implementation of Seminole County Veterans Court
2013 – Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service to veterans, Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Inc.
2012 – Gary Formet Award of Judicial Excellence
2010 – Mize – Dickey Award – Judge of the year

Calendars and Dockets

Seminole Criminal Justice Center 101 Eslinger Way Sanford, FL 32773-6707

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

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General Magistrates and Hearing Officers of Brevard are judicial officers that the Circuit’s Chief Judge appoints to perform certain quasi-judicial duties.

BREVARD GENERAL MAGISTRATES are responsible for cases involving: temporary relief (alimony, child support, and attorneys fees and costs in family law cases), contempt of court, support enforcement, mental health (Baker Act), substance abuse (Marchman Act), tuberculosis, sexually transmissible diseases, incapacity, guardianship (including guardian applications, background investigations and annual reports filed with the court), modification of prior rulings, dependency review hearings. As part of the Guardianship Law, General Magistrates assist the Probate Court with guardian application and background checks, and plenary and limited guardianships.
BREVARD HEARING OFFICERS are appointed to hear Family Division cases dealing with family support issues. The Findings and Recommendations entered by the Hearing Officer have the same force and effect as Orders entered by a Circuit Judge.

General MagistrateCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Leslie Castaldi

Administrative Secretary II:
– Frances Bernal

Office: (321) 637-5536

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

General MagistrateCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Kurt Erlenbach

Administrative Secretary II:
– Maureen Salamone

Office: (321) 637-5429

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

General MagistrateCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Kristen Smith-Rodriguez

Administrative Secretary II:
– Karen Flash

Office: (321) 637-5305

Moore Justice Center 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-8006

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

Hearing OfficerCourthouseProcedures

Child Support Enforcement

The Honorable:
– Linda Perez

Administrative Secretary I:
– Lakisha Wilcox

Office: (321) 952-4627

Melbourne Courthouse 51 S. Nieman Ave. Melbourne, FL 32901-1218

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

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General Magistrates and Hearing Officers of Seminole are judicial officers that the Circuit’s Chief Judge appoints to perform certain quasi-judicial duties.

SEMINOLE GENERAL MAGISTRATES are responsible for cases involving: temporary relief (alimony, child support, and attorneys fees and costs in family law cases), contempt of court, support enforcement, mental health (Baker Act), substance abuse (Marchman Act), tuberculosis, sexually transmissible diseases, incapacity, guardianship (including guardian applications, background investigations and annual reports filed with the court), modification of prior rulings, dependency review hearings. As part of the Guardianship Law, General Magistrates assist the Probate Court with guardian application and background checks, and plenary and limited guardianships.
SEMINOLE HEARING OFFICERS are appointed to hear Family Division cases dealing with family support issues. The Findings and Recommendations entered by the Hearing Officer have the same force and effect as Orders entered by a Circuit Judge.

General MagistrateCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Mary Nardi

Administrative Secretary II:
– Paola Fuentes

Office: (407) 665-4050

Seminole Civil Courthouse 301 N. Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771-1243

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page

General MagistrateCourthouseProcedures

The Honorable:
– Marcia Langlois

Administrative Secretary II:
– Paola Fuentes

Office: (407) 665-4050

Seminole Civil Courthouse 301 N. Park Avenue Sanford, FL 32771-1243

Policies and ProceduresVisit the Policies and Procedures Page