Judge trades courtroom for a classroom Circuit Judge Charles Williams visited a local elementary school to mark Bucket Fillers Reading Day. The annual event, sponsored by the Embracing Our Differences organization, deploys volunteers to classrooms throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties to read and gift students with books that encourage kindness and positive behavior. November 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Not all heroes wear capes The Twelfth Judicial Circuit observed National Adoption Day on November 15, 2024. Sixteen families from around the circuit participated in a ceremony held at the Silvertooth Judicial Center, Sarasota. November 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Annual event aims to help veterans get back on the road Circuit Judge Lon Arend presided over the annual session of Veterans Amnesty Court, a component of Manatee County Stand Down event, a health and wellness expo that targets veterans. November 05, 2024 Read Full Article
Judges present professionalism award to local civil attorney The judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit are pleased to announce that Kim Bald is the recipient of the 2024 Lamar Matthews Professionalism Award in Civil Law. Chief Judge Diana Moreland presented the award to Ms. Bald on October 30th at a Manatee County Bar luncheon. November 01, 2024 Read Full Article
County court judges busy with canvassing board duties County court judges play an important part in a community’s election process by participating on the county’s canvassing board. The canvass process protects our right to vote by certifying that voting equipment correctly counts all votes and by verifying the accuracy and validity of votes. October 24, 2024 Read Full Article
Three court buildings to open Oct. 14 All north county court facilities in Sarasota will reopen on Tuesday, October 15th. This includes the Silvertooth Judicial Center, CJC and the treatment court office at Mound St. October 13, 2024 Read Full Article
Court leaders are watching the weather Court leaders are in communication with the leaders of all three counties in the circuit and are keeping an eye on the tropical disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico. Our primary concern is always that our employees and the public, who are required to come to court as litigants and jurors, can get to court facilities safely. October 04, 2024 Read Full Article
Application period for JCID begins Oct. 1st Attorneys who present a valid Judicial Center Identification Card (JCID) can enjoy an expedited security screening line -- when feasible -- during peak times at the judicial centers in Bradenton and Sarasota. September 30, 2024 Read Full Article
Healing through Mediation During a career in private practice, ADR Director Michelle Artman-Smith realized she found greater satisfaction in her work as an advocate for her clients when cases settled in mediation. The mediators were able to get agreements from some of her most high-conflict cases and her clients left mediations content with their decisions. September 18, 2024 Read Full Article
Opportunity for MDs and DOs in Guardianship cases Doctors of medicine (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are a necessary component in Guardianship proceedings but the Twelfth Judicial Circuit does not have enough physicians to meet the growing need. We have an opportunity that offers physicians another outlet to care for their community by helping protect its most vulnerable citizens in court proceedings. September 17, 2024 Read Full Article