Announcements
Yesterday, January 9, marked the successful launch of Community Court in Fort Lauderdale, a program that addresses the needs of at-large, homeless, petty crime and municipal ordinance offenders. Focusing on the root causes of each defendant’s issues, Community Court applies appropriate therapeutic and community service based punishments, in lieu of jail time and fines.
The City of Fort Lauderdale was one of five jurisdictions in the nation to receive a federal grant to implement the specialized court. The Seventeenth Circuit worked closely with the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, the State Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Public Defender and the Broward Sheriff’s Office to develop the program. A multiplicity of public and private service providers signed on to provide services to participants in the Community Court as well.
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.
Judge Frank Ledee was sworn in today, December 18, by Judge Kenneth Gillespie. Judge Ledee is one of 10 new judges coming on to the Seventeenth Circuit bench. He will be presiding in the Circuit Civil foreclosure division.
Congratulations and welcome to the bench, Judge Ledee.
