Seminole County Judge, Group 1
County court judges are elected in the Primary by voters and serve 6 year terms. At the end of each term, if they are not challenged, they win the election automatically. If the vote in the Primaries is too close, the candidates may also appear on the General Election ballots.
Job Details
They oversee the majority of non-jury trials in Florida. Most of their cases involve traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and civil disputes of $30,000 or less. They are eligible for assignment to the Circuit Court.
Judicial candidates must be impartial. They are not allowed to run on a platform or declare a party affiliation.
Appointment Process
While county judges are meant to be elected, sometimes a vacancy is created from a judge leaving their position. The county courts are contained within a circuit court, and use the circuit court's Judicial Nominating Commission.
General Information
In the race for Seminole County Judge, Group 1 Seminole County Judge John Woodard III is being challenged by lawyer Gregory T. Wallace.
John Woodard III (Incumbent)
Bio on Circuit Court's Website
John Woodard III was appointed to his seat by Governor Charlie Christ in 2007. I could not find much information on him, but I did find a handful of articles.
Additional Background
Cases in the News
- Police: Altamonte Springs mom killed 29-year-old son in botched murder-suicide | Orlando Sentinel | 2016
- State cites 'stand your ground' law and drops Sanford manslaughter case | Orlando Sentinel | 2016
Gregory T. Wallace (Write-In)
Write-in candidate. Florida Bar Profile