Every Pinellas County Judge has a unique style and method in how they run their courtroom. Several websites can be found that attempt to rate the reputation of St. Petersburg and Clearwater judges. But, let’s face it, nobody truly gets to know the 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 a disadvantage by not knowing the local customs and practices of a Pinellas county courtroom.
How each judge interprets the law can have an important impact in your case. Therefore, knowing who your judge is could help shape the strategy of your case. For example:
The bottom line…
Wouldn’t it be valuable to know these types of things well in advance?
What is Your Felony or Misdemeanor Division?
The Court system will assign you to a felony or misdemeanor courtroom division at the time of your first arrest. 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. And likewise, these judges are in the best position to fashion the most appropriate sentences if you are ultimately convicted of the new offenses.
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 in. Once you learn the “division”, 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.
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 start 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.
Pinellas County Misdemeanor Division Judges
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge Holly Grissinger | R | 19 | 3 | Judge Kathy McKyton | H | 18 | 3 |
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge Robert Dittmer | L | 22 | 3 | Judge John Carballo Advisory Hearings | P | 15 | 3 |
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge Myriam Irizarry | O | 16 | 3 | Judge Theodora Komninos | F | 21 | 3 |
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge Kathleen Hessinger | G | 20 | 3 | Judge Dorothy Vaccarro | E | 17 | 3 |
Div | Courtroom | Floor</strong style=’color: white’> | |||||
Judge Paul Levine Advisory Hearings | P | 15 | 3 |
Pinellas County Felony Division Judges
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Phillip Federico Career Criminal Division | M | 7 | 4 | Judge Pat Siracusa | T | 5 | 4 |
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge Dee Anna Farnell Drug Court Division | N | 10 | 4 | Judge Joseph A. Bulone | D | 9 | 4 |
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge Chris Helinger | I | 4 | 4 | Judge Nancy Moate Ley | A | 3 | 4 |
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge Michael Andrews | B | 6 | 4 | Judge Judge Susan St. John | K | 2 | 4 |
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge William Burgess | C | 8 | 4 |
Pinellas County Traffic Judges
Div | Courtroom | Floor | Div | Courtroom | Floor | ||
Judge Susan Bedinghaus | North County Traffic | 104 | 1 | Judge Steve Berlin | South County Traffic | B | 1 |
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©2021 Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan, P.A. All Rights Reserved. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This web site provides general information only since the facts and circumstances of your case are unique. The information presented on this website is not to be interpreted as formal legal advice nor does it constitute the formation of an attorney/client relationship.