Attorney Cheri Hobbs

There are some differences between both Orange and Osceola County even though they both fall under the Ninth Judicial Circuit. For example, a domestic violence injunction hearing is completely different in either county. In Orange County, the respondent and petitioner both go to the 16th floor but then they are told to each go to a different waiting room. When their case is called the respondent/defendant will be called into the courtroom first and after he or she is seated the petitioner will come into the room. Usually the only people in this small courtroom are the presiding Judge, one or two clerks, a few deputies, attorneys for either party and possibly a respondent sitting by themselves in the back waiting on their paperwork from the hearing/trial that just ended. In Osceola County, it is almost like "come one, come all." Everyone (attorneys, petitioners, witnesses, respondents) all wait outside the courtroom in the hall and try not to get in each others way until the attorneys are finally called into the courtroom first to get set up. Then the deputy will call in the respondents and have them sit in the front pews/benches. After they are settled the deputy will call in the petitioners to sit in the back rows. When it is time for your case to be called, you are in front of everyone waiting to be heard or for their paperwork. You very well may have a hearing/trial in front of 50 or more strangers. If you have an attorney in Orange County it is likely that your case will be one of the first ones called. In Osceola County, when you are represented by counsel your case will likely be at the end of the docket. I usually tell my clients to come prepared to wait and bring a book to read or something to occupy your time. Remember to dress professionally (no exposed chest or stomach, wear closed toed shoes not flip flops, don't chew gum and be respectful ALWAYS). Though these two counties are very different in their method of hearings, they each have very competent Judges to hear your sensitive domestic violence issue.

Attorney Cheri Hobbs