COFFEE WITH THE COURT- A Glimpse From the Bench- Sentencing in Criminal Cases
Coffee With The Court is a one-hour, informal, free, and interactive series where judges engage with the public on various legal topics. Each session will focus on a current or community concern. This session is titled "Sentencing in Criminal Cases." Be sure to register by scanning the QR code or calling (352) 374-3658. Parking is free but limited. Primary...
THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WELCOMES LORELIE BRANNAN TO THE CIRCUIT COURT BENCH
The Eighth Judicial Circuit is pleased to welcome the Honorable Lorelie Brannan to the Circuit Court bench. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on July 22, 2026, Judge Brannan will officially begin her judicial service on January 1, 2027. https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/governor-appoints-12-to-the-bench-2/
THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WELCOMES LUA LEPIANKA TO THE ALACHUA COUNTY COURT BENCH
The Eighth Judicial Circuit warmly welcomes the Honorable Lua Lepianka to the Alachua County Court bench. Governor DeSantis appointed Judge Lepianka to the bench on July 22, 2026. She will begin her service on August 24, 2026. https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/governor-appoints-12-to-the-bench-2/
Chief Judge-Elect James M. Colaw
We are pleased to announce that the judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit have elected the Honorable James M. Colaw as Chief Judge to serve the remainder of Chief Judge Davis' term following his retirement. Judge Colaw's term will run from January 5, 2027, through June 30, 2027.
ALACHUA COUNTY SEALING & EXPUNGEMENT CLINIC. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Is your criminal record preventing you from getting a job or finding housing? Experienced volunteers will assist you in preparing an application to have your criminal record sealed or expunged. Only cases from Alachua County can be handled at the clinics. The clinics will take place on August 14, October 9, and November 20, 2026, in the Jury Assembly...
IS YOUR FLORIDA DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENDED?
Volunteer attorneys will be available to meet on September 18, and November 6, 2026, at the Alachua County Headquarters Library from 2 to 4 pm. If you have a license or state ID, please bring it with you. Contact Three Rivers Legal Services at 866-256-8091 or trls.org with questions or to complete an application.
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 9.03 (v 2023-2), effective March 30, 2026.
Chief Judge Davis has signed 3 new Administrative Orders, including AO 9.03, General Assignments, effective March 30, 2026. https://circuit8.org/eighth-judicial-circuit-court/administrative-orders/
GOVERNOR APPOINTS JOY L. DANNE TO THE ALACHUA COUNTY COURT BENCH
Governor DeSantis has appointed Joy L. Danne to the Alachua County Court Bench. https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-makes-four-judicial-appointments
GOVERNOR APPOINTS JOHNATHAN D. RAMSEY TO THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT BENCH
Governor DeSantis has appointed Johnathan D. Ramsey to the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bench. https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-makes-four-judicial-appointments
SCAM ALERT: Falsified Court Documents
We have received reports of scammers using fraudulent court documents to request money or personal information. If you receive a communication claiming to be from our courts and have concerns about its legitimacy: Do not send payment or provide personal information. Verify the communication by contacting our office directly at (352) 374-3648.
The Court recognizes that jury service may impose a hardship on citizens. Every effort is made to ensure that each juror has a positive experience. The Judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit thank you in advance for your service, and we hope that you find your jury service to be an interesting and positive experience. For more information based on your specific county within the Eighth Judicial Circuit, please visit our Jurors page.
Pro se means you have chosen to proceed without the assistance of an attorney. If you are not sure you want to represent yourself, you can contact the Florida Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service to consult with an attorney. For more information on what a Self Help program can provide, please check the Self Help Section on the Florida Courts website. The Eighth Judicial Circuit also has its own Self Help Center for the public.
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