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!
The 17th Judicial Circuit wishes to congratulate Judge Jack Tuter who was named the civil trial judge of the year by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Fort Lauderdale Chapter. This prestegious honor was given at ABOTA’s annual Judge’s Night Dinner in January.
ABOTA’s mission is to uphold the jury system by educating the American public about the history and value of the right to trial by jury.
We are very proud of Judge Tuter for receiving this special recognition!
As part of a recycling campaign in anticipation of the move into the new courthouse, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court is clearing out shelves of old law books, and making them available to the public for free. Located in the 1st floor lobby area of the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the books may be picked up during regular courthouse business hours. The variety of different types of books can make for interesting reading for some, though the community is reminded that the books are obsolete, and may not accurately state current law, nor should they be used as such.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – In response to community requests, the 17th Judicial Circuit will begin allowing members of the public to seek injunctions against violence in Broward County’s West Satellite courthouse, in Plantation, in the spring of 2016. In cooperation with Clerk of Courts Howard Forman, Administrative Order 2016-5-UFC was drafted, ordering the change, and signed by Chief Judge Peter M. Weinstein.
Until now, injunctions against violence could only be sought at the Central Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The expanded access will make it easier for Broward County residents living in the western part of the county to seek an injunction by not having to travel to downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Domestic violence injunctions 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 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.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Designed to help the youngest of us all, the 17th Judicial Circuit court has established Early Childhood Court, a voluntary specialty court with an intensive program aimed at reunifying children in the dependency court system, aged newborn to five years old, with their families.
Presided over by Judge Hope Bristol and General Magistrate Randi Boven, Early Childhood Court seeks to heal, support and enhance child-parent relationships by utilizing child-parent psychotherapy, specialized parenting classes, increased visitation, and frequent court hearings about every 4 – 6 weeks. Monthly “family team meetings” consisting of a facilitator, the participant, and family and friends of the participant are also part of the program.
Families who meet the criteria to participate can expect to dedicate a year in the program.
Full details of the 17th Circuit’s newest specialized court can be found in Administrative Order 2016-4-UFC.
