Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
- Three Days Before Hearing
Courtesy copies
- 1 copy
Motion, Petition
- Email • With Hearing Time Request
Notice of Cancellation
Adjournments
- A request for a trial date that would continue the case beyond the applicable time standard must comply with the cited rules and show good grounds for delay.
Request must include
- Continuances are granted only upon a showing of good cause, and the request must be submitted at least two days before the scheduled court date.
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Document Format Requirements7 rules
Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format or presented in Court.
All proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Filing portal in Microsoft Word format.
All orders shall have a 2” by 3.5″ blank space on the first page of the order in the upper right-hand corner.
All counsel and parties on zoom must mute their microphones until they are called before the Court.
Exhibits must be labeled.
Proposed Orders shall be emailed to thuroww@circuit8.org in Word format.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Word format
If your zoom does not show your name, then please change your name on zoom so the Court can identify who you are.
Document Filing Requirements22 rules
The attorney filing such motion shall prepare, file, and serve a notice of hearing and the motion.
The notice of hearing shall include the time, date, and courtroom for the bond hearing.
The attorney filing such motion shall prepare, file, and serve a notice of hearing and the motion by 2:00 p.m. on the business day prior to the date that the hearing is scheduled to occur.
The attorney filing the motion shall prepare a proposed order and bring that order to the bond hearing with the appropriate number of copies for opposing counsel.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
The attorney is responsible for identifying the proper bond hearing docket and noticing the hearing before the appropriate division Judge.
Thirty (30) and forty (40) day motions for ROR release shall be noticed for hearing for the first available bond hearing docket, irrespective of the division in which the case is filed.
The attorney is responsible for identifying the proper bond hearing docket and noticing the hearing before the first available Judge on the business day following the date the motion is filed.
Any such motion must include a paragraph that states that the Assistant State Attorney was contacted and is not opposed to granting the thirty (30) or forty (40) day motion.
The attorney filing the motion shall prepare a proposed order with the appropriate number of copies for opposing counsel.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion.
All orders shall include a certificate of service at the bottom of the order.
- Document
- Order
Must include
- •Certificate of service
A Motion and Order Granting said Motion to Appear by Zoom is required.
All motions must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
Please indicate the name of the party who is to receive the order, and include all party’s e-mail/e-service addresses OR mailing address.
Submit proposed orders to the portal at (myflcourtaccess.com) with a signature block.
- Document
- Proposed order
- Placement
- Signature block
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why emergency consideration is necessary, the time needed for each party, and opposing counsel’s position.
Court's wording
If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation, and (4) position of the opposing counsel.
Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement by all parties or identifying any disagreement.
Court's wording
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
Please indicate the name of the party who is to receive the order, as well as that party’s email/e-service address and mailing address.
All orders shall include a certificate of service at the bottom of the order. Please indicate the name of the party who is to receive the order, as well as that party’s e-mail/e-service address OR mailing address, if a hard copy is required.
- Document
- Order
Must include
- •Certificate of service
If the Assistant State Attorney stipulates that the State will not be filing charges, Defense Counsel can submit a stipulated motion and order.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The Court does not accept exhibits by email.
The Court does not accept exhibits by e-mail.
Page 1 | Submission Method
Submit proposed orders through the Florida Courts E-Filing portal.
All proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Filing portal in Microsoft Word format.
Page 1 | Format
Notices of hearing must be filed electronically.
Notice of Hearings shall be e-filed no later than two business days before the scheduled hearing date.
Page 1 | Submission Deadlines
Submit proposed orders through the portal with a signature block.
Submit proposed orders to the portal at (myflcourtaccess.com) with a signature block.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders
Motions should continue to be e-filed with the Clerk’s Office.
Motions should continue to be e-filed with the Clerk’s Office.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders for Judge James M. Colaw
Do not send proposed orders, motions, or supporting documentation by United States Mail.
Please do not send Proposed Orders, Motions, or supporting documentation by United States Mail.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders for Judge James M. Colaw
Proposed orders may not be submitted through e-filing.
Proposed Orders are not accepted via e-filing.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders for Judge James M. Colaw
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Bond-modification motions must be filed at least three full working days before the hearing.
These motions must be filed at least three (3) full working days prior to the hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; a. Motions to Modify Bond
The motion and notice must be filed by 2:00 p.m. on the business day before the scheduled hearing.
The attorney filing such motion shall prepare, file, and serve a notice of hearing and the motion by 2:00 p.m. on the business day prior to the date that the hearing is scheduled to occur.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; b. Thirty (30) and Forty (40) Day Motions for ROR Release Pursuant to Rule 3.134
The State Attorney’s Office must file an Amended Information within 48 hours under the order issued after the State Attorney announces a transfer or intent to transfer.
When the State Attorney announces either a transfer or intent to transfer a case from felony to county criminal court, the Court will enter an order requiring the State Attorney’s Office to file an Amended Information within 48 hours.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Transfers to County Court
E-file notices of hearing at least two business days before the scheduled hearing.
Notice of Hearings shall be e-filed no later than two business days before the scheduled hearing date.
Page 1 | Submission Deadlines
Immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, and provide the Judicial Assistant a courtesy copy.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on the opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant with a courtesy copy provided to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings
Submit proposed orders within 10 days after a hearing unless the Court orders a shorter deadline.
Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after any hearing, unless specifically ordered to be submitted within a shorter period of time.
Page 1 | Deadline for Submissions
File and serve the notice of hearing immediately after the hearing time is confirmed.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after receiving confirmation of your hearing time.
Page 1 | Notice of Hearing
File motions before a hearing is set.
Motions must be filed before a hearing shall be set.
Page 1 | Scheduling
A hearing is not placed on the Court’s calendar until the Judicial Assistant confirms it.
A hearing is not set on the Court’s calendar until you receive confirmation from the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Notice of Hearing
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The filing attorney must serve the notice of hearing and the motion.
The attorney filing such motion shall prepare, file, and serve a notice of hearing and the motion.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; a. Motions to Modify Bond
The notice and motion must be served by 2:00 p.m. on the business day before the scheduled hearing.
The attorney filing such motion shall prepare, file, and serve a notice of hearing and the motion by 2:00 p.m. on the business day prior to the date that the hearing is scheduled to occur.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; b. Thirty (30) and Forty (40) Day Motions for ROR Release Pursuant to Rule 3.134
The proposed order copies for opposing counsel must be delivered by email or in the courtroom.
Delivery shall be by e-mail or delivery in the courtroom.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; a. Motions to Modify Bond
Defense counsel must give the Assistant State Attorney proper notice of the hearing’s date and time.
It is the responsibility of Defense Counsel to provide proper notice to the Assistant State Attorney of the date and time of the hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; b. Thirty (30) and Forty (40) Day Motions for ROR Release Pursuant to Rule 3.134
After receiving a Demand for Discovery, the State must supply the Defense with all discovery and police reports.
After receipt of the Demand for Discovery, and in compliance with the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, the State must supply all discovery and police reports to the Defense, and both are encouraged to engage in plea discussions, pursuant to Rule 3.171(a), Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | Responsibilities of State and Defense prior to case management
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 1 | E-Filing Portal Contact Information
Serve the notice of hearing immediately after the hearing time is confirmed.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after receiving confirmation of your hearing time.
Page 1 | Notice of Hearing
Serve the cancellation notice on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant immediately.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on the opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant with a courtesy copy provided to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings
Update contact information using Form 2.603 whenever the email account registered for electronic service changes.
It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Page 1 | E-Filing Portal Contact Information
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A courtesy copy of the hearing notice must also be sent to the Chief Assistant State Attorney or designee and the Transportation Bureau.
A courtesy copy of this notice of hearing must also be sent to the Chief Assistant State Attorney Jeanne Singer at Singerj@SAO8.org, or designee, as well as the Transportation Bureau at the Alachua County Jail at (352) 491-4468.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; b. Thirty (30) and Forty (40) Day Motions for ROR Release Pursuant to Rule 3.134
For 30- and 40-day ROR motions filed during a fifth week or when there is no next-day bond docket, attorneys must provide a courtesy copy to the assigned judge’s office, the Chief Assistant State Attorney or designee, and the Transportation Bureau.
Attorneys filing thirty (30) and forty (40) day motions for ROR during a fifth week (or at any time when there is not a next day bond docket) shall provide a courtesy copy of the motion to the office of the division Judge assigned the case; Chief Assistant State Attorney Jeanne Singer at Singerj@SAO8.org, or designee; and, the Transportation Bureau at the Alachua County Jail at (352) 491-4468.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; b. Thirty (30) and Forty (40) Day Motions for ROR Release Pursuant to Rule 3.134
Email a courtesy copy of the notice of hearing to the Judicial Assistant.
A courtesy copy of the notice of hearing shall be emailed to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Notice of Hearing
Provide the Judicial Assistant a courtesy copy of the notice of cancellation.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on the opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant with a courtesy copy provided to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings
The email request should include: Case Number Style of case A courtesy copy of the motion(s) or petition(s) to be set The Total amount of time requested for both sides.
The email request should include: Case Number Style of case A courtesy copy of the motion(s) or petition(s) to be set The Total amount of time requested for both sides.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Submit courtesy copies of case law to the Court three days before hearings for evidentiary proceedings.
Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the court three days prior to the hearing for any evidentiary proceeding.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Evidentiary motions will not be heard at case management or pre-trial conferences.
Evidentiary motions will not be entertained at the case management conference or the pre-trial conference.
Criminal cases
Page 9 | E. Evidentiary Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A request for a trial date that would continue the case beyond the applicable time standard must comply with the cited rules and show good grounds for delay.
If the State or Defense, or both, request a trial date which, if set, would continue the case beyond the time standard of Rule 2.250(a), Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, the request must be made in compliance with Rule 3.190(f), Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and Rule 2.545(e), Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, and good grounds must be shown for delay of the case.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | Requesting trial date beyond time standards, speedy trial period
Continuances are granted only upon a showing of good cause, and the request must be submitted at least two days before the scheduled court date.
Continuances are considered on a case by case basis and are granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least two days prior to the scheduled court date.
Page 1 | Continuance Procedure
Chambers Communication Rules
The attorney must email the Judicial Assistant by 2:00 p.m. on the business day before the scheduled hearing to arrange the hearing.
Additionally, the attorney will e-mail and call the Judicial Assistant by 2:00 p.m. on the business day prior to the date that the hearing is scheduled to occur to schedule it for hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | 2. Bond Reduction Hearings; b. Thirty (30) and Forty (40) Day Motions for ROR Release Pursuant to Rule 3.134
Evidentiary motions must be scheduled through the presiding Judge’s Judicial Assistant in accordance with criminal-division procedures.
Motion Hearings are reserved for considering evidentiary motions which have been scheduled through the Judicial Assistant of the presiding Judge in compliance with procedures established by the Judges of the criminal divisions.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Motion Hearings
The moving party must calendar evidentiary motions, including Motions in Limine, through the presiding Judge’s Judicial Assistant.
All evidentiary motions, including Motions in Limine, will be calendared by the moving party through the Judicial Assistant of the presiding Judge.
Criminal cases
Page 9 | E. Evidentiary Motions
For an emergency matter in Alachua County that the presiding Judge cannot hear timely, notify the Judge’s Judicial Assistant and the Criminal Court Operations Consultant; either will coordinate referral to a Judge.
Emergency matters which cannot be heard on a timely basis by the presiding Judge in Alachua County will be brought to the attention of the presiding Judge’s Judicial Assistant and the Criminal Court Operations Consultant. The Judicial Assistant or Criminal Court Operations Consultant will coordinate the referral of the matter to a Judge for consideration.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | G. Emergency Matters
For an emergency matter in Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, or Union County that the presiding Judge cannot hear timely, notify the Judge’s Judicial Assistant and the Senior Court Operations Consultant; either will coordinate referral to a Judge.
Emergency matters which cannot be heard on a timely basis by the presiding Judge in Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union Counties will be brought to the attention of the presiding Judge’s Judicial Assistant and the Senior Court Operations Consultant. The Judicial Assistant or Senior Court Operations Consultant will coordinate the referral of the matter to a Judge for consideration.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | G. Emergency Matters
Communications with the judicial office must comply with the prohibition on ex parte communications unless authorized by law.
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications and from considering other communications outside the presence of the parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Pleadings and correspondence must be sent to the Clerk of Court.
NOTE: To submit a pleading or correspondence, send your document to the Clerk of Court.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Copy all parties on emails to the judicial office unless ex parte communication is authorized by law.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Notify the Judicial Assistant by Zoom about the remote appearance before the hearing.
The Judicial Assistant must be notified of the appearance by zoom before the hearing.
Page 1 | Remote Appearance Procedure
Notify the Judicial Assistant immediately to cancel a hearing.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately.
Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings
After filing a motion, email the Judicial Assistant to request hearing time.
After your Motion is filed, please email laudicinaw@circuit8.org to request hearing time.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Send communications to the judicial office by email to the Judicial Assistant and include the case number, case name, and relevant matter.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to the Judicial Assistant, Wendy L. Laudicina, FRP, at laudicinaw@circuit8.org Please include the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 CF 001234 – Doe v. Doe – 2-Hour Hearing Requested.).
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Do not send original letters or pleadings to the Judge’s office.
(Do not send original letters or pleadings to the Judge’s office).
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
Email proposed orders to thuroww@circuit8.org in Word format.
Proposed Orders shall be emailed to thuroww@circuit8.org in Word format.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders for Judge James M. Colaw
Letters, emails, and other correspondence to the Judge’s office are public record and will be recorded.
When you contact the Judge’s office please know letters, e-mails and other correspondence are all public record and will be recorded.
Page 1 | Response to Inquiries
Contact the Judicial Assistant to obtain the remote platform meeting ID.
Contact the judicial assistant to obtain the platform meeting ID#.
Page 1 | Platform Meeting ID#
Parties may contact the judicial office only in accordance with the division’s practices and procedures.
Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office
The Court considers only in-court arguments and documents filed by parties, does not consider other opinions or arguments, and cannot give legal advice.
Please keep in mind that the Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in court and documents filed by actual parties to the case. They cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case, and they cannot give legal advice.
Page 1 | Judge James M. Colaw
Mail any comments to the Clerk’s Office in the appropriate county.
If you have a comment to make, please mail it to the Clerk’s Office in the appropriate county.
Page 1 | Judge James M. Colaw
Do not call the Court to discuss a pending case with a judge; judges may not discuss pending cases with the public.
The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.
Page 1 | Judge James M. Colaw
Judicial Assistants cannot provide legal advice.
Judicial Assistants are not authorized to provide legal advice.
Page 1 | Response to Inquiries
Email the Judicial Assistant at laudicinaw@circuit8.org as the preferred way to make contact.
The best way to reach the Judicial Assistant is to first e-mail laudicinaw@circuit8.org
Page 1 | Judicial Assistant