17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Introducing Philippe Dumoulin, a certified court interpreter who translates Haitian Creole and French into English for defendants who need assistance communicating with the court.

“My job is to facilitate the communication process. I am like a bridge when there is a need to overcome language barriers,” Philippe explained. “It is a relief for them to know they have someone who can facilitate the process.”

He added, “It’s a fun job. The days go really fast when we are busy. I like the fact that I can help someone on the stand understand what is being said. I have learned not to carry any judgment regardless of the crime.”

Thank you, Philippe, for the incredible work you do every day and for helping ensure equal access to justice for all.

Court Administration marked the conclusion of Problem-Solving Court Month on May 29 with the presentation of proclamations to our problem-solving court judges, a wellness walk attended by approximately 35 employees, wellness stations that offered tips for improving health and well-being and presentation by a nationally-renowned trauma survivor. It was an amazing day.

Speaker Jonier Cain shared her powerful story of overcoming trauma, homelessness, and addiction during an inspiring presentation that detailed a childhood of abuse and the journey that led her to the place she is today. Ms. Cain is a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care and continues to inspire others through her message of resilience, healing, and hope.

Congratulations to Judge Jeffrey R. Levenson, the 2026 recipient of the Tzedek Award, a testament to Judge Levenson's unwavering commitment to justice and fairness. The Tzedek Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to upholding the principles of justice and equality, making this recognition both significant and well-deserved.

Kudos also to State Rep. Michael Gottlieb, a criminal defense lawyer, who received the Tzaddik Award, which celebrates someone who demonstrates outstanding moral integrity, selflessness, and a lifelong dedication to social justice and helping the community. The Jewish Bar Association of Broward County & Broward county Bar Association honored Judge Levenson and State Rep Gottlieb on May 28, 2026 in observance of Jewish American Heritage Month. Congratulations on these remarkable achievements!

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Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

Congratulations to Judge Jeffrey R. Levenson, the 2026 recipient of the Tzedek Award, a testament to Judge Levenson's unwavering commitment to justice and fairness. The Tzedek Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to upholding the principles of justice and equality, making this recognition both significant and well-deserved.

Kudos also to State Rep. Michael Gottlieb, a criminal defense lawyer, who received the Tzaddik Award, which celebrates someone who demonstrates outstanding moral integrity, selflessness, and a lifelong dedication to social justice and helping the community. The Jewish Bar Association of Broward County & Broward county Bar Association honored Judge Levenson and State Rep Gottlieb on May 28, 2026 in observance of Jewish American Heritage Month. Congratulations on these remarkable achievements!

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

Did you know beginning in June 2026 that anyone who is summoned for jury duty and does not show up can face a fine of up to $100 and possibly be held in contempt of court, which translates into potential jail time? Probably not because the law has seldom been enforced in Broward County. But that is changing. The 17th Judicial Circuit will begin issuing Orders to Show Cause for anyone who fails to report. The Order will include a new date on which the individual must appear before a judge to show cause as to why they should not be held in contempt of court and why they should not be fined. The Order will also allow for the individual to reschedule their jury duty services within a 60-day window. If the person does neither, they could be fined, held in contempt of court and jailed, or both.

Read the op Ed (authored by our own judiciary) that was published in the Sun Sentinel on May 25, 2026.

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Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

Meet Stephanie Middleton, a trial court staff attorney whose work supports circuit court judges in the Felony Criminal Division. She conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, and meets regularly with judges to review case law and pleadings. She also helps ensure judicial and post-conviction orders are issued in a timely manner, all with the goal of making the judges’ jobs easier and the court system run more efficiently.

Because all criminal hearings are held in person, Stephanie spends much of her time in the courtroom. “The toughest part is the subject matter. It can be an emotionally powerful setting,” she said. What she loves most about her job, however, is that “you get to feel like you are a part of finding justice for people.”

Thank you, Stephanie, for all that you do.

Due to water and air conditioning issues, the North and East Wings of the main courthouse complex in Fort Lauderdale have been closed today. The West Wing of the courthouse remains operational and is not affected. Regional courthouses in Hollywood, Plantation and Deerfield Beach remain open.

Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips ordered the closure of the North and East Wings following the failures. The City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County are actively working to resolve the issues.

Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

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Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

Students from Attucks Middle School in Hollywood visited Drug Court this week, where they learned about this problem-solving court and its mission to help participants address substance abuse issues and become productive, successful members of society.

Drug Court staff spoke with the students about the dangers of drug use, how the risks are amplified by the widespread presence of fentanyl, and the steps they can take to avoid addiction and make healthy choices. Students also learned about Narcan and how it can save a life during a drug-induced emergency.

Our Drug Court is one of only 10 nationally recognized mentor courts, a distinction that reflects the exceptional work accomplished by Judge Michael Davis and the Drug Court team.

The students’ visit was especially timely, as May is recognized as Problem-Solving Courts Month in Florida.

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale