Each Pinellas County Judge Has Their Own Approach

Every judge has a unique style, method  and pace in how they run their courtroom. Although several websites can be found that attempt to rate the reputation of judges, the accuracy of  a few anonymously left opinions of a couple disgruntled litigants must be questioned. Lets face it, nobody truly gets to know the good and bad traits of our local judges like the prosecutors and defense attorneys who appear in their court rooms on a daily basis. "Out of town" lawyers can often be at at disadvantage by not knowing the local customs and practices of  a  Pinellas county courtroom.

The Value of Knowing Your Pinellas County Judge

Knowing who your judge is can help shape the strategy of your case and the direction of your preparation. For example:

• Is your judge inclined to highly value and reward defendants who pay restitution to the victim up front?
• Does he have a reputation for believing that alcohol or dug counseling carries significant weight in his courtroom, and will he substitute those efforts in lieu of a jail sentence?
• If you elect to have a jury trial, but the jury returns a verdict of "guilty," is he likely to then send you to prison?
• Does your judge have a reputation for being progressive in his policies, or is he conservative in his interpretation of the law?
• Perhaps you have landed a judge that is open to new or novel legal theories?

The bottom line...
Wouldn't it be valuable to know these types of things well in advance?

Now, Let's Get You Started...
What is Your Felony or Misdemeanor Division?

1.) Felony criminal proceedings in Pinellas county are conducted in "Circuit Court" and are assigned to one of  ten  Circuit Court "divisions." These include specialty divisions such as those that handle violations of probation and drug court.  You can watch our short film about felonies and learn about the impact of a felony conviction by clicking here.

2.) Misdemeanor criminal proceedings in Pinellas county are conducted in "County Court" and are assigned to one of five County Court "divisions." These include specialty divisions such as "advisory court" and  Pinellas County's Domestic Violence Division that oversees  domestic battery cases.  You can watch our short  film about misdemeanors and learn about the ramifications of a misdemeanor conviction by clicking here.  Both Felony and Misdemeanor cases are heard at the Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center located at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, Fl 33762. See Map for directions.

3.) The chief administrative judges assign Circuit and County Court Judges to each particular courtroom division. These Judges sometimes rotate per "administrative orders" that become effective on January 1st and July 1st of each calendar year. You can check for the most up-to-date administrative judicial assignment order by clicking here.

Keeping the Same Criminal Court Division For Life

When you are arrested for the very first time, you are assigned to a felony or misdemeanor courtroom division. That assignment stays with you for the rest of your life. Thereafter, if you are ever re-arrested for a new criminal offense in the future, your new case will originate in the same felony or misdemeanor courtroom division and before the same judge. The theory is that these judges are in the best possible position to know your background and your potential for rehabilitation. Likewise, these judges are presumed to be in the best position  to fashion the most appropriate sentences if you are ultimately convicted of the new offenses.

How Do I Find Out Who My Pinellas County Judge Is? What Courtroom am I Assigned to?

The first step is for you to login as a "guest" to the Pinellas County Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). You can access this service for free. By checking the CJIS entries, you can determine what "division" your case is assigned to. Once you learn the "division" your case is assigned to, you can then use our chart below to identify the judge who will be presiding over your case.

Our website can provide you with additional information on how to obtain additional records associated with your Pinellas county criminal case and the benefits of sealing or expunging your criminal records.

Call for a Background on Your Pinellas County Judge & Further Help in Your Case

We are criminal defense attorneys who practice exclusively in Pinellas County. This means that we routinely appear in front of the same judges and negotiate daily with the local prosecutors. As a result, we have developed a strong background of experience and familiarity within our local criminal court system.  This extensive professional working relationship has afforded us the opportunity to learn the personalities and concerns of both the prosecutors and the judges. Such an insight can contribute immeasurable value in the preparation and strategy of our client's defense. Often the earlier we can get started on a case, the greater benefit we can extend a client. Call us to discuss who your judge is, the facts of your case and what options may be available. There are several possible solutions that may be appropriate to address your pending criminal charge.

Initial consultations are free: (727-578-0303)

How are the Pinellas Judges Currently Assigned? (Effective 01/01/12)

Pinellas County Misdemeanor Division Judges:

Courthouse Location:

Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center, 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762
Pinellas County Government Center, 29582 U.S. 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33761
Pinellas County Government Center, 1800 66th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Addtional Resources:

• Pinellas County Clerk of Court
• Pinellas County Judge's Directory
• Pinellas Chief Administrative Judge J. Thomas McGrady wins Jurist of the Year Award