Don't fall for this scam!

There appears to be a local scam targeting our Hispanic residents – please don’t fall for this. The court has recently received several phone calls to the Court Interpreter request line from limited-English-speaking callers who were contacted by someone allegedly “on behalf of the court”. 

Amnesty Court paves way for Veterans to get back on the road

At the Fair Grounds in Palmetto, in a room adorned with nutrition and food posters and colorful prints of labels from vegetable crates, the veterans began filling out their paperwork shortly after 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 4th and waited for a chance to appear before Circuit Judge Lon Arend, the presiding judge of Veterans Amnesty Court.

Local judges involved in group that holds legal profession to higher standards

The American Inns of Court recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. The organization is dedicated to fostering “professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence,” in the legal field and judiciary through “example, education and mentoring.” At the local level, several judges are involved in chapters of the American Inns of Court, and they have kicked off their membership year with new officers, including Judge Dana Moss and Judge Jacqueline Steele, who are helming their respective organizations as president.

Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh

Options Court aims to give youth power to feel safe

On October 9th Circuit Judge Andrea McHugh presided over the Twelfth Circuit’s first session of Options Court. Modeled after a program in the Thirteenth Circuit, Options Court is focused on youths in delinquency and dependency court who have a history of running away from home.

Attorneys: Apply now for a JCID

Attorneys looking for a faster way to get through the security checkpoint at judicial centers in Bradenton and Sarasota have until November 30, 2023, to submit their application for the JCID card, which will be valid until November 30, 2024.

Accolades, Awards & Achievements

News, images of judges on & off the bench

Robe comes full circle

October 21, 2025

Judge Teri Dees is giving new life to a robe that belonged to a former judge, mentor and family friend.

Continue reading

Judge swears in new attorney

September 29, 2025

Judge Susan Maulucci administered the Oath of Attorney to new staff attorney.

Continue reading

Judges recognized for their work on juvenile bench

September 22, 2025

Judges Susan Maulucci and Gilbert A. Smith, Jr. were recognized by local child welfare officials at the recent Dependency Court Summitt in Orlando.

Continue reading

‘Listen more, speak less’

September 5, 2025

Sarasota County Judge David Denkin has retired after two decades on the bench. He was instrumental in establishing Sarasota's DUI Court, a problem-solving court for repeat DUI offenders. Read the article published in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune about his “legacy of second chances”.

Continue reading

Chief Judge honored with 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence

August 4, 2025

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Diana Moreland was presented with the Florida Supreme Court’s 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence, honoring her service to and leadership within Florida’s judicial branch.

Continue reading