Essential Information About Our Services
NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURTROOM DECORUM POLICY
The purpose of this policy is to state certain basic principles concerning courtroom behavior and decorum. When appearing in this Court, unless excused by the presiding Judge, all counsel (including all persons at counsel table) shall abide by the following:
- Stand when Court is opened, recessed or adjourned. Stand when addressing, or being addressed by the Court. Stand when the jury enters or retires from the courtroom. When making opening statements, closing arguments or examining witnesses, do not approach either the jury or the witness without the Court’s permission. Remain at the lectern unless using exhibits or charts.
- Address all remarks to the Court, not to opposing counsel or the opposing party.
- Avoid disparaging personal remarks or acrimony toward opposing counsel and remain wholly detached from any ill feeling between the litigants or witnesses.
- Refer to all persons, including witnesses, other counsel and the parties by their surnames and not by their first or given names unless the permission of the Court is sought in advance.
- Only one attorney for each party shall examine, or cross examine each witness. The attorney stating objections, if any, during direct examination, shall be the attorney recognized for cross examination.
- Counsel should request permission before approaching the bench. Any documents counsel wishes to have the Court examine should be handed to the clerk. Any paper or exhibit not previously marked for identification should first be handed to the clerk to be marked before it is tendered to a witness for his examination; and any exhibit offered in evidence should, at the time of such offer, be handed to opposing counsel.
- No exhibit, whether marked for identification or not, shall be held in any manner, or placed in any position in the courtroom, that would allow the trier of fact to see the exhibit unless it has been admitted into evidence and permission to publish the exhibit to the jury has been obtained from the Court.
- In making objections, counsel should state only the legal grounds for the objection and should withhold all further comment or argument unless elaboration is requested by the Court.
- When examining a witness, counsel shall not repeat or echo the answer given by the witness.
- Offers of, or requests for, a stipulation should be made privately, not within the hearing of the trier of fact.
- In opening statements and in arguments to the trier of fact, counsel shall not express personal knowledge or opinions concerning any matter in issue.
- Counsel shall admonish all persons at the counsel table who make gestures, facial expressions, audible comments, or the like, as manifestations of approval or disapproval during the testimony of witnesses, or at any other time. This behavior is strictly prohibited.
- All parties, attorneys and witnesses should refrain from interrupting or talking over one another.
- Counsel shall refrain from attempting to make a re-argument after the Judge has ruled.
- Counsel shall complete resolution negotiations and advise clients of their settlement options in advance of court
hearings. - No tobacco use in any form is permitted. No bottles, beverage containers, paper cups or edibles are allowed in the courtroom, except as permitted by the Court. No gum chewing is permitted.
- Cell phones and pagers should be turned off or in a vibrate mode. Computers should be used with audio off.
- All counsel shall provide a copy of this policy to clients prior to coming to court.
- Pursuant to Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.407, no children are allowed in the courtroom, waiting area or adjacent hallway without prior approval of the court, unless the child(ren) is a party to the action.
A Public Defender in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit is a licensed attorney appointed by the court to represent individuals in Orange or Osceola County who are charged with a crime and cannot afford to hire a private attorney.
Their mission is to uphold the constitutional right to legal counsel and ensure that every client—regardless of financial status—receives a fair and just legal defense. Public Defenders operate independently from law enforcement, the prosecution, and the judiciary.
In the Ninth Circuit, Public Defenders:
- Meet with clients in jail, in court, or at the office to understand their needs and explain the legal process
- Investigate case details, interview witnesses, gather evidence, and prepare legal defenses
- Represent clients in court at arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, trials, and sentencing
- Negotiate plea agreements when in the client's best interest
- File appeals or post-conviction motions when appropriate
They serve thousands of clients each year, ensuring justice is not dependent on income but remains a fundamental right.
The Public Defender’s Office for Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit—serving Orange and Osceola counties—represents indigent individuals who have been charged with a crime and cannot afford a private attorney. This includes:
- Adults and juveniles facing misdemeanor or felony charges
- Individuals charged with criminal traffic offenses (such as DUI or driving with a suspended license)
- Clients involved in mental health proceedings, including those involuntarily committed under the Baker Act
- Individuals facing civil commitment under the Sexually Violent Predator Act (Jimmy Ryce Act)
Our office is committed to providing every client with a strong legal defense, regardless of their financial situation or the complexity of the case.
In Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, both private attorneys and Public Defenders are licensed professionals who are members of the Florida Bar and qualified to represent clients in court.
The key difference lies in who pays for the legal representation:
- A Private Attorney is hired directly by a client and paid out-of-pocket or through other financial arrangements.
- A Public Defender is appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney.
If you qualify as indigent under Florida law, the court may assign a Public Defender from our office to ensure your constitutional right to legal representation is protected—at no cost to you beyond a one-time application fee set by the state.
Whether you’re represented by a Public Defender or a private attorney, you’ll receive licensed, professional legal advocacy throughout your case.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Orange or Osceola County and cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court may declare you indigent and appoint the Ninth Circuit Public Defender’s Office to represent you.
Once our office is officially appointed, a specific Assistant Public Defender—a licensed attorney—will be assigned to your case, typically within 24 hours. You will be notified of your attorney's name and how to contact them.
Your assigned attorney will begin reviewing your case, meeting with you, and preparing your defense as soon as possible. Our goal is to ensure you have strong legal representation from the very beginning of the process.
To request a Public Defender in Orange or Osceola County, you must complete an Affidavit of Insolvency, a legal form that determines whether you qualify as indigent under Florida law.
- If you are out of custody, you will be asked to complete the affidavit when you appear before a judge—usually at your first court appearance.
- If you are in jail, the affidavit will be provided to you before your Initial Appearance, so the judge can determine your eligibility for a court-appointed attorney.
⚠️ Important: The Affidavit of Insolvency is a sworn legal document. Knowingly providing false information is a crime and may result in prosecution by the State. Be sure to fill it out fully and truthfully to avoid legal consequences.
Once the court appoints the Ninth Circuit Public Defender’s Office to your case, a specific Assistant Public Defender will be assigned to represent you.
You will receive a letter from our office that includes:
- The name of your assigned attorney
- Their phone number
- Their email address and contact information
It’s very important that you make contact and meet with your attorney before your next court date. Early communication helps your attorney understand your situation, explain the legal process, and begin building the strongest defense possible on your behalf.
Yes. Florida law requires a $50 application fee when requesting a Public Defender, regardless of whether you are found eligible.
This fee is due within ten (10) days of the court appointing the Public Defender’s Office to your case.
Payments can be made at the Clerk of Court’s Office or through an authorized Western Union location.
⚠️ Please note: The Public Defender’s Office does not accept payments directly. All fees must be submitted through the approved payment channels.
Failure to pay the fee will not disqualify you from receiving legal representation, but it may result in collection efforts by the Clerk’s Office.
If you are not considered indigent (unable to afford an attorney), our office is unable to represent you. By statute, the Ninth Circuit Public Defender’s Office can only provide legal representation to indigent clients.
In this case, you will need to hire a private attorney to represent you in your legal matter.
You can reach your assigned Assistant Public Defender through the contact information provided in your welcome letter. For additional contact details, please visit our office directory [insert link here], where you can find your attorney's phone number and email address.
Important: While we understand the desire for family members or friends to be involved, attorneys cannot discuss the details of your case with anyone other than you, the client, even if you give permission. This is to protect the attorney-client privilege, which ensures that what you share with your attorney remains confidential.
However, we are happy to discuss general procedural questions with family members and friends. If they have any questions about how the legal process works or the next steps, we can provide that information.
The best way to contact your assigned Assistant Public Defender is by calling or emailing them directly. You can find your attorney’s contact information in your welcome letter or on our office directory [insert link here].
Please note: Attorneys cannot discuss the details of your case with family members or friends, even if you give permission. This is to protect the attorney-client privilege, which ensures confidentiality in your communications. However, we can discuss general procedural information with family or friends if they have questions about the legal process.
If you are unable to reach your attorney, you may contact the following offices:
- Orange County:
Phone: 407-836-4812 or 407-836-4813 - Osceola County:
Phone: 407-742-7070 - Juvenile Cases:
Phone: 407-836-7580
We encourage you to reach out to your attorney first, but if needed, these numbers are available for assistance.
If you attend initial appearance at the jail (which is your first appearance within 24 hours of arrest), you will be able to speak with an attorney form our office. If you bond out before going to initial appearance, you can fill out an affidavit of insolvency with the Clerk of Courts to get our office appointed. It is important that you make notes for your attorney about any witnesses, name and phone numbers, any evidence that needs to be collected or any other issues for your case.
It is extremely important that you do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone other than your attorney.
If your loved one is in jail and has not yet been assigned an attorney, you can contact our office for assistance. We can help set a hearing with the court to determine whether they qualify for a Public Defender or if they need to hire a private attorney.
If they are eligible, a Public Defender will be appointed to represent them. Keep in mind that our attorneys are bound by attorney-client privilege and cannot discuss the details of the case with anyone other than the client.
If you have any questions about the process, we can explain general procedural matters but cannot share confidential case details.
Initial Appearance:
When: Within 24 hours of arrest
Purpose: This is your first court appearance, where you will learn about the charges against you. The Judge will also set bond if it hasn’t been set already. If you are in jail, this is the first opportunity to hear what the arrest was for and discuss bond conditions.
Arraignment:
When: Typically 30 to 60 days after arrest
Purpose: After the State Attorney formally files charges, this court date is your chance to hear the formal charges against you. If you're in jail, your attorney will likely waive your appearance. If you're not in jail, contact your attorney to confirm whether they will waive your appearance at the arraignment. The Judge does not hear arguments at this stage, so a plea of not guilty is typically entered.
Case Management:
When: Set during the pre-trial process.
Purpose: This is a meeting between your attorney and the Judge to discuss your case. This is when a plea offer may be presented. Depending on your situation, your attorney may waive your appearance, but you should confirm this with your attorney beforehand.
Pre-Trial Conference:
When: Before trial
Purpose: During this conference, the attorneys inform the Judge whether they are ready for trial, need more time for a continuance, or if a plea deal is being considered. Your appearance may be waived, but it’s important to discuss it with your attorney.
Trial:
When: Set by the Judge after all other court dates
Purpose: This is the actual trial date, where the case will be presented before a judge or jury. It’s critical that you attend your trial, as failure to appear may result in a warrant for your arrest. Trials are typically scheduled for multiple cases on the same day, and the Judge will determine the order in which each case will be heard.
If you miss a scheduled court date, it will be considered a “failure to appear”. In most cases, the Judge will issue a warrant for your arrest. Depending on the circumstances, the Judge may set a bond or may issue a no bond warrant, meaning you would be arrested without the possibility of bail.
Additionally, missing a court date means you waive your right to a speedy trial.
If you are facing an emergency and are concerned that you may miss your court date, it is crucial to contact your attorney immediately. Your attorney may be able to assist in rescheduling or taking action to prevent a warrant from being issued.
You can track your case by clicking Access My Case.
No, if you are represented by an attorney from the Ninth Circuit Public Defender’s Office, you cannot file your own motions. If you attempt to file a motion independently, a copy will be sent to the Judge, the State, and your attorney, but the motion will not be considered. Motions must be filed by your attorney to ensure they are properly handled.
We strongly advise against writing to the Judge. Any communication you send to the Judge is considered ex parte communication, which is not allowed in legal proceedings. Additionally, a copy of anything sent to the Judge will be forwarded to the State Attorney and your assigned attorney.
It is also not advisable to write directly to the State Attorney. Anything you write could potentially be used against you later in your case. For your protection, it’s best to communicate only with your attorney, who will represent your interests in court.
If you are arrested on a new charge or placed back in jail for any reason, it is important to contact the original attorney assigned to your case as soon as possible. This will ensure that your attorney is aware of your situation and can take the necessary steps to contact you and assist with your case.
Yes, all calls and video visitations are recorded, except for those made directly to your attorney and visits with your attorney. This means that every call to family members or friends and every video visit with them is recorded.
Important: Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. Jail calls and visits have been used against clients in the past during trials, and anything you say may be recorded and potentially used in your case.
To set up a visitation, please visit the [link to the jail website] for further instructions.
You can take a bus or taxi to court. All of our office locations are conveniently located near bus stops. For more information on public transportation options, please [click here] to view available routes and schedules.
No, our office does not manage individuals on probation. The probation office is responsible for overseeing individuals who are on probation. However, we can be re-appointed to file for early termination of probation, request modifications to the terms, or handle a violation of probation. If you need assistance with any of these matters, please contact our office.
If you enter a plea in your case, you cannot appeal the decision. However, you may request to withdraw your plea, but you must have legal grounds for doing so, such as not understanding the plea or being forced into it. Your request to withdraw the plea must be filed within 30 days.
If you choose to go to trial and are not satisfied with the outcome, you have the right to file an appeal. However, you must inform your attorney as soon as possible because our office needs to be re-appointed, and we must file the notice of appeal within 30 days of your sentence.
Please keep in mind that an appeal does not review the actual facts of your case; it only considers whether the Judge made a wrong legal decision during the proceedings.
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