Please Take Notice - COVID-19 Procedures
Division C is following the Administrative Order of the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court AOSC20-23 (Amendment 8) (In Re: Comprehensive COVID-19 Emergency Measures for the Florida Trial Courts) and A.O. 12.510- 09/23/2020.15 (In Re: Mitigating Measures in Response to COVID-19). Currently, the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit is in a modified Phase Two of resuming normal court operations. Accordingly, pursuant to those Orders, all cases in Division C shall be handled as follows:
ESSENTIAL and NON-ESSENTIAL Hearings.
With the exception of Case Dispositions and Arraignments that are set by the Clerk, any party wishing to set an ESSENTIAL or NON-ESSENTIAL hearing a must do so by by contacting the Judicial Assistant, Carey Helmes, at 561.355.2330. Only cases that are special set by the court will be heard. Cases will be heard in court or remotely utilizing Zoom in accordance with the most current Administrative Orders.
In-Court Plea Hearings
The Court conducts In-Court Plea hearings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:15 a.m. The presence of both the Defendant and counsel (if represented) are required unless otherwise ordered by the Court. All such hearings must be special set following the procedures as outlined above and in accordance with the procedures set forth in the most recent Administrative Orders. Once a date is provided by the Court, please file the appropriate Notice of Hearing.
Pleas in Absentia
The Court accepts pleas in absentia. All required forms (Plea form, Waiver of Rights and original fingerprints where required), in support of a Plea in Absentia must be executed and submitted to Chambers. Once these documents are received our office will contact the parties to schedule a hearing. Please note that filing these documents with the Clerk is insufficient. They must be submitted directly to Chambers.
Miscellaneous
The presence of a defendant is not required unless ordered by the Court.
Please email courtesy copies of all pleadings, motions, notices and memorandum to CAD-DivisionC@pbcgov.org at least two (2) days before any scheduled hearing for the Court's review. Documents and/or exhibits that a party wishes to use and/or introduce into evidence during any hearing that is conducted remotely must be received by the Court and all opposing parties no later than three (3) days prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Persons who are interested in appearing in remote proceedings may do so by contacting the Court's Public Information Office, Debra Oates, at 561.355.4495 or 561.644.0054 to obtain an access line or by contacting the Judicial Assistant.
Submit proposed agreed orders to reset any case along with a waiver of speedy trial to the Division C email CAD-DivisionC@pbcgov.org
Thank you for your cooperation.
Judge August Bonavita presides over County Criminal Division C in Courtroom 4D in the Main Judicial Courthouse, 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Division C email: CAD-DivisionC@pbcgov.org.
Please see Divisional Instructions for Judge Bonavita's court procedures (***TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED***)
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Standing Order Regarding Defendants Not to be Transported for Case Disposition Hearings and Status Checks |