Florida Circuit Criminal Courts have jurisdiction in all criminal felonies and also hear appeals from the County Courts. Felonies are criminal offenses that are punishable by imprisonment in a state penitentiary or death. The 12th Circuit Criminal Division has four Circuit Judges in Sarasota County, four Circuit Judges in Manatee County, and two Circuit Judges in DeSoto County.
Florida County Courts have jurisdiction over criminal traffic cases and misdemeanor criminal cases. A misdemeanor is any criminal offense punishable by imprisonment in a county correctional facility for less than one year. The County Criminal Division has four County Judges in Sarasota County, four County Judges in Manatee County, and one County Judge in DeSoto County.
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We are in constant communication with our county clerks and law enforcement officials as well as other elected officials and health authorities. We will continue to update this site as the situation develops. We are also working with our sheriffs, state attorney and public defender to address those inmates who may be eligible for release or who can resolve their cases without further incarceration. View new procedures for attorney access to clients within the Desoto County Jail.
Updated 3-19-2020
The criminal division in DeSoto County is further divided into Divisions I, II. The following sections contain requirements, forms, and trial dockets for each division.
Judge Don T. Hall
Judge Danielle Brewer
The criminal division in Manatee County is further divided into Divisions I, III and V. The following sections contain requirements, forms, and trial dockets for each division.
Judge Gilbert Smith, Jr.
Judge Frederick P Mercurio
Judge Lon Arend
The County Judges in Manatee County have all adopted the following procedures for certain criminal matters beginning June 1, 2020 until further notice.
Judge Renee Inman
Judge Heather Doyle
Judge Mark Singer
The criminal division in Sarasota County is further divided into Divisions II, IV and VI. The following sections contain requirements, forms, and trial dockets for each division.
Judge Donna Marie Padar
Judge Charles Roberts
Judge Debra Riva
Judge Erika Quartermaine
Judge Maryann Boehm
The Clerk of Court will send out notices of the new court dates. Judge Boehm will continue conducting some criminal and civil non-evidentiary matters that both parties agree can be resolved without appearing in person by phone conference or zoom.
Judge David Denkin
Judge Phyllis Galen
The South County area (Venice) holds County Criminal Court.
Judge Dana Moss
The Florida Supreme Court has suspended all in-person court appearances in county courts throughout Florida until May 29, 2020, per Administrative Order AOSC20-23. The Florida Supreme Court will issue additional orders extending or modifying this date as warranted by the changing circumstances of this public health emergency.
If a party has a case that had been set for an in-person hearing during this emergency stay, the Clerk or Judge’s office will send notice to the party advising whether a new future date is been assigned or otherwise directing the party to contact the court for a new date when in-person hearings resume. Parties are responsible for ensuring that the Sarasota County Clerk of Court has the correct mailing address for the party.
Therefore, during the COVID-19 outbreak Judge Moss will conduct hearings either by telephone or videoconferencing using ZOOM. If you have a matter that needs immediate attention or that you would like reviewed during this emergency, please contact Kelly Berney at (941) 861-3050 or kberney@jud12.flcourts.org to determine if the matter is appropriate for a telephonic hearing/ videoconferencing.
All Zoom hearings scheduled for a particular day will use the same credentials. Please understand that each session's credentials are unique and nontransferable. All notices for hearing shall include the credentials for attendance by telephone or videoconferencing. Kelly Berney will provide the credentials upon scheduling the matter through her. As a courtesy, please keep all microphones muted while your case is not being addressed. Business casual attire is appropriate for Zoom hearings during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you have any difficulties, please immediately contact Kelly Berney.
The Clerk of Court will send out notices of the new court dates. As an aside, Judge Moss is willing to set up a video/audio conference call to handle any non-evidentiary matters that both parties agree can be resolved without appearing in person. Please contact Kelly Berney directly by email, or telephone, (941) 861-3050, to schedule such matters. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time.