Attorney Information

Preparing for Court

ADA Information

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which requires that reasonable accommodations be provided on request to qualified persons with disabilities in order that they might fully participate in court programs, services and activities. Find contact information to request accommodations on the Court's ADA webpage.

Court Appointed Attorney

Visit the Circuit's Court Appointed Attorney webpage to learn how to add your name to the list, or find a link to submit your renewal application online. Both new and renewing attorneys must have a Twelfth Judicial Circuit account with attorney access to complete the online application process.

Forms

Download frequently used forms

• Acknowledgment and Waiver of Rights (Circuit Court)
• Stipulation to Transfer Case to South County
• Drug Court Request for Screening for Entry into the CIP

Expert Witnesses

Find listings for expert witnesses in criminal cases, court-appointed forensic experts to evaluate for intellectual disability and autism, competency and mental illness, guardianship examining committee members, and to assist with statewide compliance with §916.12(4), Florida Statutes, a link to the DCF Community Resource Guide, 2023.

Interpreter Information

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit is committed to providing qualified interpreters to limited-English-proficient persons in order to eliminate communication barriers that may prevent full participation in court proceedings necessary to ensure due process and equal access to the courts. It is our policy that a staff Spanish interpreter is assigned to be present at first appearances, misdemeanor arraignments, criminal traffic arraignments, felony arraignments, juvenile delinquency and dependency arraignments, as well as detention and shelter hearings. Court Administration requires that ALL other court interpreter requests be submitted online. As a courtesy, the Court also maintains a listing of public interpreters that are designated by the Florida Supreme Court as either Certified, Language Skilled, or Provisionally Approved.

Judicial Center Screening

Attorneys may apply for a Judicial Center Identification card to access expedited screening at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton or the Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota. The $25 application fee is waived for government attorneys. Visit our JCID page for more information or to apply.

Transcripts of Court Proceedings

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit uses a hybrid model for its court reporting services, comprised of the Official Court Reporters (OCR), which are stenographers, and Digital Court Recording (DCR). Each method provides a verbatim record of court proceedings that require the record to be made at public expense. Order official court transcripts or request audio recordings of court proceedings on the Circuit's Court Reporting webpage.

Court Technology Information

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit offers A/V equipment, and other technology support to attorneys. Through partnerships with Sarasota and Manatee County Governments, wireless internet access is available within the judicial centers. As a courtesy, the Circuit provides evidence presentation carts for court proceedings that may be reserved using our online request form.