All Broward Courts will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. The affected courthouses include the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation and the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. All four courthouses will re-open on Tuesday.
The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit proudly announces the appointment of Marlon Weiss to the Broward Circuit Court bench. Governor Ron DeSantis made the appointment on 5/19/2025 to fill the vacancy created by the May 1st retirement of Chief Judge Jack Tuter. Judge Weiss has been a partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP since 2021. He previously served as a criminal appellate attorney in the Florida Attorney General’s Office and is a board-certified appellate lawyer. Earlier in his career, he clerked for the U.S. District Court. He is a father, an avid boater, kayaker, scuba diver and spearfisher. Congratulations and welcome to the 17th Judicial Circuit Court! Read our press release HERE.
Case managers, judicial assistants, magistrates and hearing officers from the 17th Judicial Circuit got a crash course in ex parte communications during a special May 9th training session conducted by instructors Maxine Williams – the Administrative Magistrate from the 15th Judicial Circuit, and Keith Schenk, a Magistrate from the Fifth Judicial Circuit. The duo made learning easy by testing participants with real life ex parte scenarios that varied in complexity. Magistrate Yves Laventure, of the 17th, also shared some of his own thoughts and suggestions regarding ex parte communications. More than 40 people attended. Great event!
The City of Fort Lauderdale honored retired Chief Judge Jack Tuter at an appreciation luncheon today at the Broward County Main Library, where he was praised for his dedication and support of Fort Lauderdale Community Court, which serves the unhoused. Also present were County Court Judge Florence Taylor Barner, who presides in Community Court, and the support staff that makes the Court hum. The 17th Judicial Circuit’s new Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips also attended, along with Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Police Chief William Schultz, City Manager Rickelle Williams and Chief Service Officer Jorg Hruschka, among others. Judge Tuter retired on May 1st after nearly 20 years as a judge. We miss you Judge Tuter. Congratulations!
The founders of “Bikers Against Trafficking” visited the 17th Judicial Circuit this week to discuss the long-term effects of human trafficking, point out often-missed red flags and explain what can be done to help. Patrick “Doc” Nave and his wife Diena “Rainey” were both trafficked as children, meeting years later in treatment. Determined to shine a light on human trafficking and help eradicate this horrific practice, the couple founded the nonprofit BAT in January 2016. Their goal: to restore hope and healing to those who have been trafficked. Doc has a Doctoral degree in therapy, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Masters Certified Addiction Counselor and is a Diplomate in Trauma Counseling. Rainey is the Business Manager and Trauma Counselor at Sojourners Recovery & Wellness Center AND Family4Today and an addiction counselor. Amazing event to highlight Problem-Solving Courts Month! Visit BIKERSAGAINSTRAFFICKING.ORG to learn more.
It took nearly a year but her success story was heart-stopping. Unhoused for nearly a dozen years, the Community Court participant now has her own place and her own keys. A new beginning, thanks to Hollywood Community Court. Here’s how it played out: the woman was referred to Community Court after receiving multiple charges for lodging/sleeping in public. During a 10-month period, she completed community service hours, completed all program requirements and followed up with service provider referrals and appointments. Meanwhile, Community Court worked with Broward Outreach Center, which secured her a slot in their residential program. Ultimately, they obtained housing with assistance from Broward County’s HOSS-D team and their permanent supportive housing program. Thank you Judge Corey Cawthon and your amazing support team for changing lives for the better.
