Announcements
Behind every fair hearing is someone ensuring everyone is heard and understood. Our dedicated team of bilingual courthouse interpreters is always ready to step in when someone needs help understanding court proceedings.
Fluent in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French, these professionals are essential in serving South Florida’s diverse population. For all other languages, the court relies on contracted interpreters to ensure nothing gets lost in translation.
Their work is vital to upholding justice and keeping courtrooms running smoothly.
Thank you to our interpreters for being the voice of clarity in the courtroom.
Students from the “New Diversion: An Alternative for Youth” program, led by Community Reconstruction Inc., got a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the justice system during a recent visit to the courthouse. They met Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court, Judge Elijah H. Williams in Delinquency, and heard from Public Defender Tayron Lopez from the PD’s felony division.
The students witnessed the realities of juvenile detention, and heard powerful messages about making positive choices. A visit they won’t soon forget. 💬👣✨.
Judges Lauren M. Alperstein and Judge Christopher Wigand of the 17th Judicial Circuit shared their expertise at the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar Trial Advocacy Workshop, held July 23–27 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.
Judge Alperstein served as a workshop leader, while Judge Wigand delivered a lecture on practical trial tips. The intensive program offered attendees the opportunity to sharpen their courtroom skills, work with expert witnesses, and receive one-on-one feedback as they prepared and presented a full family law case. Participants were paired with opposing counsel and mentored in small groups led by experienced judges, magistrates, and Board-Certified attorneys.
We’re proud to have judges who not only excel in the courtroom but are also deeply committed to advancing legal education and fostering excellence within the legal community.
A team of dedicated court employees from the 17th Judicial Circuit was in Omaha, NE, this week for the 2025 Annual Conference of the National Association for Court Management.
This year’s conference focused on strengthening public trust in the courts through strategies that enhance the court user experience and foster effective collaborations. Sessions exploredbest practices in public information sharing, cultural responsiveness, support for individuals with limited English proficiency, assistance for self-represented litigants, and initiatives that promote access and fairness for all.
We’re proud to have sent our team there, gaining valuable insights to bring back to our community.
Pictured left to right: Alex Villoria, Meisha Kellyman, Marhea Lascano, Sheree Edwards, Jeremiah Ortiz, Joe D’Amico, Lizete Guete Ibarra and Rafael Ferrans.
Judge Edward H. Merrigan Jr., a highly decorated Major General in the U.S. Army, received a formal military sendoff during a retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C., complete with an honor guard, military bands, and heartfelt tributes. The ceremony was livestreamed on Facebook.
Now presiding in our Circuit Criminal division, Judge Merrigan founded the 17th’s Veterans Court in 2012, a specialized program helping veterans facing substance abuse or mental health challenges.
Major General Merrigan enlisted in the Army in 1994 and joined the Army Reserve in 1999, beginning his service as an International Law Officer with the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion in Perrine, FL. His distinguished career included a deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
During the Department of the Army and General Officer Retirement Ceremony, one speaker noted: “You represent the epitome of selfless service. Please accept our eternal thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.”
Thank you, Major General Merrigan, for your unwavering commitment to both country and community. Read our press release HERE. Watch the video HERE.
Congratulations to Judges Steven P. DeLuca and Ginger Lerner-Wren!
Both judges were honored with the prestigious Silver Gavel Award at the recent 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida in Bonita Springs for their 25+ years of dedicated judicial service. Thank you for your decades of commitment to justice and public service — the 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to have you on our team!
More than 80 court public information officers from across the country gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this week to exchange ideas on court communications, judicial security, and using social media to share the stories of the courts. Representing the 17th Judicial Circuit was our own Court PIO, Sallie James.
The conference featured innovative discussions, including the Arizona Supreme Court’s groundbreaking use of avatars to explain court decisions and a thought-provoking conversation about the pros and cons of livestreaming trials. Attendees also explored strategies for handling high-profile cases, highlighted by firsthand insights from the PIO who managed the intense national and international media attention surrounding actor Alec Baldwin’s Rust trial.
Participants toured the New Mexico State Capitol and Supreme Court, building connections and sharing expertise that will strengthen court communication efforts across the country. This conference was an invaluable opportunity to connect with experienced court communications professionals, share best practices, and build relationships that will serve the courts for years to come.
The 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida wrapped up this week in Bonita Springs after several days of continuing education, networking, and well-deserved recognitions.
Congratulations to Judge Jackie Powell, elected Vice President of the Fourth District Court of Appeal, and Judge Tabitha B. Eves, named President-Elect of the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court! Read our press release HERE.
Special thanks to Judge Kenneth A. Gottlieb, whose photography talents helped capture so many memorable moments throughout the week. #17thjudteam
The 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida is underway, and our County Court judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit are fully engaged!
With insightful sessions led by Florida Supreme Court Justices Jamie R. Grosshans and John D. Couriel, as well as contributions from respected judges across the state, this week is proving to be an invaluable opportunity to grow, connect, and sharpen skills.
From reviewing the latest legislative updates to exploring best practices in courtroom management, our judges are committed to staying informed and upholding the highest standards of justice. The conference in Bonita Springs, FL runs July 8-10th.
Students from J.P. Taravella High School recently got an inside look at the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab during a courthouse visit that concluded with a meet-and-greet with Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez.
Inside the lab, they explored how DNA helps identify suspects, got a firsthand look at the ballistics lab, learned about latent fingerprint identification, and stepped into the chemistry room where drug compositions are analyzed.
It was like stepping into a real-life episode of Forensic Files! They also learned what a public defender does and what it means to work as one.
Thank you to the dedicated Crime Lab and Public Defender staff for giving these students an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes experience.
