As I prepare to end my term as a circuit court judge on December 31, 2024, I would like to express my deep gratitude to many people and share some reflections.
My dream of serving as a circuit judge came true in 2012 when the voters of the 4th Judicial Circuit elected me to serve as a circuit judge. It has been a great honor to serve as a circuit judge and contribute to the circuit’s judicial system.
My first idea that I would someday serve as a judge was as a result of my early experiences as a young prosecutor in Judge Ralph Nimmons’ felony court.
In my opinion, Judge Nimmons was the quintessential jurist. To say I was inspired is an understatement, but now that I think back on it, part of it may have been fear.
Judge Nimmons was a tough judge. He was an imposing figure, had a deep voice, was thoughtful, considerate, and always treated everyone with professional courtesy. Preparation was natural and always timely.
Looking back, I think that “fear” served as a front row seat to a deep and impactful lesson about respecting the judiciary and understanding its complexities.
I started my career as a judge in Felony, then Civil, then Juvenile Delinquency, and finally Family.
I am most attentive and satisfied with my work at the juvenile detention center, but that is where I faced the greatest challenges.
I remember one day an 11-year-old boy who had been charged with a violent felony and in custody was brought into court by a police officer from behind. He’s a little boy. Too many children could not read, some could not read at all. Can you imagine?
The job that gives me the most satisfaction is converting a meeting room outside the courtroom into a small library. Friends of the library generously donated books. I tried to provide children with books to read in exchange for 5 hours of community service.
It wasn’t enough, but many children brought back books and reported them to me. I would like to thank the Juvenile Justice Department probation officers and other kind volunteers who helped me succeed in the library.
I am grateful to my colleagues for their support and cooperation. Our shared commitment to collegiality and justice has helped shape my judicial philosophy and decision-making process. We will forever cherish the collegiality and intellectual rigor that characterized our collaboration.
Thank you to all members of the legal community, including attorneys, public defenders, and prosecutors, for your dedicated efforts to uphold the law.
Your diligence, advocacy, and respect for the judicial process are essential to ensuring justice is served. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such talented and principled professionals.
Seventh floor judicial assistants are often ignored, but the wheels of justice would not turn without them. We would like to thank all the JAs and court support staff for their continued support, including the court administration, IT, judges and hearing officers, bailiffs and housekeepers.
Although leaving the Duval County Courthouse brings a somber feeling, I am looking forward to new pursuits. I would like to qualify as a senior auditor.
I also enjoy playing pickleball as often as possible, finding and planting aquatic plants in my small pond, enjoying the birds in my backyard, and listening to audiobooks. Some traveling.
Finally, I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me throughout my legal career. It was a wonderful trip.
