County judges serve six-year terms and preside over most non-jury trials in county court. Often called “the people’s courts,” these courts handle a high volume of everyday disputes involving citizens.Their jurisdiction includes traffic offenses, misdemeanor criminal cases, violations of local ordinances, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims up to $8,000, and civil disputes up to $50,000.2024/2025 County court judge’s salary is $186,034To be eligible for county judge in Florida, a person must be a qualified elector of the county and a member of The Florida Bar for at least five years. In counties with populations of 40,000 or fewer, bar membership alone is sufficient.
Civic Positions/Experience
Orange County Judge, 2023 to Present; Assistant State Attorney 2013-2023; Law Clerk to the Honorable Kerry I Evander, Florida's Fifth District Court of Appeal, 2011-2013
Education
Elmira College 2008; the George Washington University School of Law 2011
The judge’s demeanor sets the tone for the courtroom. As a judge, I ensure that each person in the courtroom is treated with dignity and respect. In county court in particular many litigants are representing themselves, are unfamiliar with the judicial process, and tensions are high, often due to uncertainty about what to expect. I have learned that setting the tone by calmly explaining the process reduces the tension and allows for a more effective proceeding.
A judge also has to be efficient with their docket. I do this by scheduling hearings for a sufficient amount of time to allow each party an opportunity to be heard, being prepared in advance for each hearing, and setting reasonable case management deadlines and trial dates.
As a judge, it is important to be reasonable when setting case deadlines and understanding the high demands placed on our public defenders so that they have sufficient time to be prepared. When a defendant informs the court that they are not receiving adequate representation, often through a letter to the court or a statement in open court, the Court must timely conduct a Nelson hearing to determine if the defendant is receiving competent counsel and take appropriate steps including appointing new counsel if needed. It is also important for a judge to conduct full plea colloquies that ask the defendant if they are satisfied with their counsel before accepting a plea offer to ensure that the defendant has received adequate representation.
A judge must be committed to not only being impartial, but also avoiding any appearance of partiality. Judges take an oath to support the constitution, not a particular ideology or party. It is important for judges to evaluate each case independently on the merits of that case, without regard for any personal feelings or desires that judge may have for a particular outcome. As a judge, I take this responsibility seriously. I have demonstrated to this community that I am fair and independent by ensuring that each party has an equal and fair opportunity to be heard and by clearly articulating my reasoning in rulings so that the parties can see why the decision was rendered.
Our judicial system should be a place where everybody has access and equal justice under the law. Each party should receive a fair opportunity to be heard and an impartial judge who will listen to both parties, fairly consider the evidence, and faithfully apply the law.
Access to the justice system for all has been and continues to be something that can be improved. I would encourage changes that allow for increased access to the judicial system, such as virtual hearings and increased legal services such as those provided by the Self Help Center at the courthouse.
As a judge, I have learned that the best way to efficiently manage a high volume docket is by setting reasonable deadlines through case management orders, trial schedules, and timely ruling on outstanding motions. The parties can’t move their cases along if the judge isn’t working hard to conduct hearings and issue rulings. As a judge and a former prosector, I have years of experience handling and effectively reducing heavy dockets. When I started as a judge in county civil, I had approximately 13,000 cases. I am proud to say that after a year, that docket was reduced to approximately 8,000 cases as a result of my diligence and case management skills.
Education
Stetson University and Stetson College of Law
Campaign Phone
407-595-8114
I have been an Assistant Public Defender for the past 28 years. I've appeared before many different judges, representing people from many different backgrounds. I've seen firsthand how a judge's demeanor and courtroom management can affect the lives of the people who appear before them. I've also seen how the delays in our court system can adversely affect everyone involved and that "one size, fits all" solutions rarely work.
The method I would consider the most effective is to always show compassion and understanding, while also ensuring the case is handled efficiently. I would remember that every case involves real people with real problems. I would ensure that every person is treated fairly and is given an opportunity to be heard.
Having served as a public defender for the past 28 years, I fully appreciate the concerns that come with large caseloads. A judge can ensure that all criminal defendants receive adequate legal representation, by keeping track of each case and addressing any issues that arise. By conferring with the attorneys, a judge can address any issues that might be causing delays. By keeping communication open with the state and the public defender, the judge can verify that proper discovery is taking place and timelines are being met. This also allows a judge to know when extensions of time may be necessary so that adequate time can be given to a particular case or issue. A judge can also ensure that interpreters or experts are available, when needed.
Our entire system of government depends on the independence of the judiciary. Our system thrives because of the checks and balances that exist. The executive and legislative branches are both political, but the judicial branch is independent. Politics do not have any place in the judicial branch. A judge should only be loyal to the law and to the people the judge serves. Judicial independence can be preserved by the people voting in elections and choosing the judges that serve them. Judges must have the courage to make difficult decisions, even when they are unpopular with those in power. We need to rebuild the public's trust in our court system. We need to show through our actions that our job is to serve the people and follow the law.
My vision for the future of our judicial system is one in which it is representative of the community it serves. One where judges have earned the trust and respect of the people. A system people know they can turn to for help to resolve the disputes they are facing. Justice should never depend on someone's income, background, connections, or resources.
I would advocate for more diversion courts, where the underlying problems that people have can be adequately addressed and monitored. I would also advocate for better case management to reduce unnecessary delays and greater use of technology to improve access to the courts. I would advocate for finding real solutions to the underlying problems in a case, so the parties don't have to return.
The most effective methods are used by judges who are prepared, organized, and proactive in managing their dockets. Meaningful pretrial conferences, prompt rulings on motions, and realistic trial calendars help reduce unnecessary delays while giving attorneys time to prepare.
Keeping communication open between the court, parties, and court staff is key. Identifying issues early, such as discovery disputes, scheduling conflicts, or competency concerns, can prevent last minute continuances and keep cases moving. I would suggest making sure adequate hearing time is available and making sure court time is scheduled efficiently, with sufficient time allotted for each matter, to reduce unnecessary waiting and delays.
