BROWARD COUNTY ADDS NEW LOCATION TO APPLY FOR RESTRAINING ORDERS

Fort Lauderdale, FL – In its continuing endeavor to expand public accessibility to the courts, the 17^th Judicial Circuit began this month to accept petitions for restraining orders at its West satellite courthouse in Plantation. Before now, the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale was the only place Broward County residents could go to file. Plans to implement the process at the satellite courthouses in Deerfield Beach and Hollywood are in the works; however additional funding is necessary to make it happen.  

Chief Judge Peter M. Weinstein explains, “Restraining orders or, injunctions against violence, cover dating violence, domestic violence, repeat violence, stalking, and sexual violence. The process of applying for an injunction will be slightly different in the West Satellite, as the Clerk’s office will assist with, and accept the petition, but will electronically file it to the Central Courthouse. Once a judge has received the court file, petitioners will receive a response within one (1) hour.” The Clerk of Courts’ operating hours for restraining orders in the West Satellite are 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; the Central Courthouse hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

In cooperation with Clerk of Courts Howard Forman, the Broward County Chiefs of Police Association, and City of Sunrise Mayor Michael Ryan, Administrative Order 2016-5-UFC was drafted, ordering the change, and signed by Judge Weinstein.

Yves P. Laventure was sworn in today, March 14, 2016 by Chief Judge Peter M. Weinstein, as the 17th Judicial Circuit’s newest General Magistrate. 

Mr. Laventure grew up in South Florida and earned his undergraduate degree at Florida International University. He attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan and graduated with his Juris Doctor in 2003. Since August of that year, he has been employed at the Broward State Attorney’s Office, most recently as a prosecutor in the homicide division. 

In his role as a General Magistrate, Mr. Laventure will serve in the Probate and Guardianship division for the 17th Circuit. General Magistrates are judicial officers who assist circuit judges by holding hearings and providing recommendations in cases. Within the Probate and Guardianship division, General Magistrates also assist guardian application and background checks, and plenary and limited guardianships.

On Friday, February 19, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court held its annual robing ceremony, honoring Broward County’s newly appointed judges to the bench. Four new judges participated in the symbolic event in which each is administered their “judicial oath” in front of gathered family and friends. Pictured, from left to right are: Circuit Judge Ernest A. Kollra, Jr.; County Judge Stephen J. Zaccor; County Judge Nina W. Di Pietro; Circuit Judge Alberto Ribas, Jr.

Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, who presides over Broward County’s misdemeanor mental health court, has been appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. As the sole judicial representative on a national committee comprised of industry CEOs, members of congress, federal agencies, and more, Judge Lerner-Wren will help lead and advance suicide prevention awareness, and promote evidence-based strategies to improve mental health and wellness throughout our nation’s court systems.

The Action Alliance, established in 2010, is a public-private partnership advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Part of the organization’s approach is to influence systems changes and target certain vulnerable populations who are at higher risk.

“I believe this is a great opportunity to engage our nation’s problem solving court judges to advance suicide prevention and education as an urgent matter of public health and therapeutic justice,” said Judge Lerner-Wren. 

Governor Rick Scott has appointed attorneys Ernest A. Kollra, Jr. and Alberto Ribas, Jr. to fill two judicial vacancies in the circuit court of the 17th Judicial Circuit. Both new judges will be sworn in at the 2016 Judicial Robing Ceremony, Friday, February 19 at 1:00pm in the Central Courthouse Jury Room. Their official start dates have yet to be determined. 

Congratulations and welcome to the bench, Judge Kollra and Judge Ribas!