Hope, Healing & Second Chances at Pompano Community Court

All Posts in "Court Updates"

Hope, Healing & Second Chances at Pompano Community Court

It was an afternoon of transformation at Pompano Beach Community Court, where Judge Betsy Benson presides.

✨ A 23-year-old man in recovery proudly graduated.
✨ At least three people experiencing homelessness were connected with essential services.
✨ A mother of 7-year-old twins, who had been living in a laundromat, received immediate housing assistance and was connected with long-term support to help her rebuild.

There were hugs, tears, cheers, and smiles as this unique court changed lives with empathy, kindness, new direction, and hope. The court is located at the Anne Weaver Health Center, at 2011 NW Third Ave., Pompano Beach.

Pompano Beach Community Court—one of three in the 17th Judicial Circuit—takes on low-level misdemeanor cases and municipal ordinance violations by offering innovative alternatives like community service, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment. Community Court was created to help the homeless. Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood also have Community Courts.

Since January, Pompano Beach Community Court has:
✔️ Served 34 walk-ins
✔️ Heard 16 notices to appear
✔️ Connected participants with vital services through organizations such as SunServe, Broward Health, Care Resource, Henderson Behavioral Health, Legal Aid, Covenant House, Vocational Rehabilitation, Women in Distress, South Florida Wellness Network, BARC, and Serving Him Helping You Ministries.

This is what justice with compassion looks like. 💙

by Sallie James — September 19, 2025 in Announcements

17th Circuit Judicial Assistants Join Statewide Conference in Orlando

Judicial Assistants from the 17th Judicial Circuit recently joined colleagues from across Florida at the Judicial Assistants Conference in Orlando. Nearly 140 Judicial Assistants attended.

From exploring the role of AI in the courts—“A tool, a threat, or both?”—to sessions on cybersecurity, security for judicial assistants, work-life balance, and handling vexatious litigants, the conference was packed with valuable learning.

With circuit- and county-specific breakouts, inspiring speakers, and statewide networking, it was an amazing opportunity to learn, share experiences, and connect.

📍 Rosen Plaza & Resort, Orlando

by Sallie James — September 19, 2025 in Announcements

Courts Closed for Rosh Hashanah

In observance of Rosh Hashanah, all courts in the 17th Judicial Circuit will be closed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This includes:

Broward County Judicial Complex (Main Courthouse) – Fort Lauderdale
North Regional Courthouse – Deerfield Beach
South Regional Courthouse – Hollywood
West Regional Courthouse – Plantation

We wish a meaningful holiday to all who celebrate. Courthouses will reopen and regular operations will resume on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

by Sallie James — September 19, 2025 in Announcements

Women of Tomorrow Visit the Courts

High school students from Lauderhill STEM-MED Magnet School’s Women of Tomorrow program visited the courthouse on Wednesday for a hands-on learning experience.

They met County Court Judge Jackie Powell, Circuit Judge Michael J. Orlando, Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, and Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez.

From stepping inside a jury room to sitting in the witness stand—and even peppering the county’s chief prosecutor with questions—these students got an up-close look at how our justice system works.

👩‍⚖️⚖️ Nothing beats learning by doing!

by Sallie James — September 18, 2025 in Announcements

Celebrating the Investiture of Judge Marlon J. Weiss

Today we had the honor of celebrating Judge Marlon J. Weiss at his formal robing ceremony. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 19 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Jack Tuter, Judge Weiss now serves in Unified Family.

Born and raised in South Broward County, Judge Weiss went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his law degree from Emory University. Today’s ceremony was especially meaningful as his family, colleagues, judges, lawyers, court staff, and members of the Broward County Bar Association came together to support and celebrate him.

We’re so proud to welcome Judge Weiss to the bench and look forward to all that he will bring to our community.

by Sallie James — September 12, 2025 in Announcements

Broward County Drug Court Earns Prestigious Re-Entry Award

This week, our Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court received the Re-Entry Award from the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency at the 95th Annual Criminal Justice Training Institute on Sept. 10th in Orlando.

Judge Michael Davis, Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards, and Correctional Probation Supervisor Tammy Marcus proudly accepted the award, which recognizes outstanding programs that help individuals successfully transition back into the community after incarceration.

This recognition highlights our team’s exemplary work in rehabilitation, job training, and post-release support—efforts that reduce recidivism, promote second chances, and serve as a model for reentry success nationwide. 👏✨

💡 In addition, Broward County’s Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court has been designated a National Mentor Court—one of only 10 in the entire nation with this distinction.

(Pictured left to right: Michelle Whitworth, State President, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency; Judge Michael Davis; Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards; Department of Corrections Drug Court PTI Supervisor Tammy Marcus; and Nichole Landrum, Committee Chairperson for the FCC Re-Entry Award.)

by Sallie James — September 12, 2025 in Court Updates