Judge Stefanie C. Moon was sworn in today, January 8, by Judge Gillespie. She took the bench today and will serve in circuit domestic violence division.

Judge Mariya Weekes was sworn in today, January 8, by Chief Judge Tuter. She took the bench today in the circuit criminal division.

Judge Jackie Powell was sworn in today, January 7, by Chief Judge Tuter. She takes the bench tomorrow as the circuit’s new first appearance court judge.

Judge Shari Africk Olefson was sworn in today, January 7, by Chief Judge Tuter. She takes the bench tomorrow in the Juvenile Dependency division.

Judge Susan Alspector was sworn in today, Monday, January 7, by Chief Judge Jack Tuter. She takes the bench tomorrow in the circuit domestic violence division.

The first Community Court in the state begins this Wednesday, January 9, when the Seventeenth Circuit holds its first docket at City Hall in Fort Lauderdale, beginning at 10:00 am. Community Court is a program that addresses the needs of at-large, homeless, petty crime and municipal ordinance offenders. It will focus on the root causes of each defendant’s issues, applying appropriate therapeutic and community service based punishments. Participants must choose to take an active role in their rehabilitation, and have numerous community resources available to help them achieve success.

Eligible crimes to be considered in Community Court include trespassing, disorderly conduct, open container violations, panhandling, etc. Community Court dockets will be heard once a week, every Wednesday, at City Hall. Additional locations may be established in time.