Judge Dawn D. Nichols
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
Courtesy Copy
Communication
Chambers
Clerk
Document Format Requirements2 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word or PDF format through the e-portal unless otherwise instructed by the Judge.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Note
PDF/a format or Word document is preferred, if submitted electronically.
Document Filing Requirements25 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the Zoom meeting information.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A notice of hearing must identify the case, hearing date, time and location, matters to be heard, presiding judge, and time reserved.
A notice of hearing must include the following minimum information: the case style including case number; the date, time, and location of the hearing; the matter(s) to be heard including docket number or filing date of each motion; the judge presiding over the hearing; and the amount of time reserved for the hearing.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion.
DocumentRemote Appearance Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the time needed for each party’s presentation.
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) the reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.
DocumentEmergency Hearing Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Any request by a party for a status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.
DocumentStatus Conference Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Unless the judge accepts this plea as a “conditional plea” and those words appear in the space below, the judge is not required to follow any state or defense recommendation regarding sentence.
DocumentPlea Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The plea-acceptance order records open-court acceptance, the defendant’s sworn signature or acknowledgment, the court’s voluntariness and factual-basis findings, and the conditional-plea exception to following recommendations.
The foregoing plea document was received and accepted in open court. The Defendant signed, or acknowledged signing, this document while under oath and subject to the penalties of perjury. The court finds the plea to be freely and voluntarily entered and that a factual basis exists in the record for the court to accept it. By accepting this plea(s), the court is not required to follow any state or defense recommendation stated herein, unless a “Conditional Plea” is fully described in paragraph 5, above.
DocumentOrder Accepting Plea
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The defendant’s attorney must certify the specified discussions, the defendant’s understanding and voluntary plea, and the absence of inconsistent promises or representations.
I hereby certify that as counsel for the Defendant, I have discussed this case with my client and explained the rights, defenses and evidence relating to it with him/her. I have discussed this written plea form with my client and have answered all of his/her questions regarding it. In my professional opinion, as an officer of the court, the defendant understands everything in this plea form, his/her rights, and the consequences of this(these) plea(s). His/her plea is being made freely, voluntarily and knowingly. I have made no promises or representations to my client which modify or contradict this plea document.
DocumentPlea Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
SIGNED, or acknowledged, in open court in ____________________ County, Florida on _________________________.
DocumentPlea Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Original invoices including the court case number, the name of the person examined, the date of the examination, and the amount of compensation sought must be submitted to the Court Administrator’s office to be compensated. A copy of the judge’s Order of Appointment should accompany the invoice.
DocumentInvoice
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
f. Certification that copies were provided to the State Attorney, Justice Administrative Commission, and other attorneys/parties of record.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
a. A statement that counsel is providing legal services to the defendant and that services are either provided pro bono or are being paid by the defendant or a third party.
DocumentCourt Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
d. If claim is based on insufficiency of client-paid fee to procure due process services, a completed Indigency Affidavit.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
b. Whether or not the defendant is deemed to be “indigent for costs.”
DocumentCourt Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
d. If “indigent,” a statement that counsel is required to enter into an appropriate contract with the Justice Administrative Commission and that approved due process costs will be paid by the Justice Administrative Commission.
DocumentCourt Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
e. Specific due process services to be obtained, justification for said services, and costs for said services.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
c. If “indigent,” the type and amount of due process costs approved and a statement requiring counsel to abide by the schedule of costs and fees for due process providers specified annually by the Florida Legislature in the General Appropriations Act when procuring due process services.
DocumentCourt Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
a. Clarification as to whether the legal services provided by counsel are pro bono, paid by the client, or paid by a third party.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
c. If claim is based on fee being paid by a third party due to the client’s indigence, proof that the client has completed an Indigency Affidavit and been declared indigent by the Clerk of Court’s office pursuant to § 27.52, Florida Statutes.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
b. If paid by the client or third party, the amount and justification for said fee.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
e. Certification that copies were provided to defense counsel, State Attorney, Justice Administrative Commission, and other attorneys/parties of record.
DocumentCourt Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Make certain your device is on mute. Please do not speak until your case is called.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
You must include in your email the county and case number, and you must attach the charging affidavit or the VOP affidavit.
DocumentOut Of County Plea Notice Email
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
I confirm that the recommendations set forth in this plea form are the recommendations of the Office of the State Attorney. The State has complied with the Victim Rights statute, if applicable.
DocumentPlea Form
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders must be submitted through the e-portal in Word or PDF format unless the Judge instructs otherwise.
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word or PDF format through the e-portal unless otherwise instructed by the Judge.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Proposed orders must be filed through “Pleading on Existing Case.”
YOU HAVE TO FILE THROUGH "Pleading on Existing Case"
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Court notice
Page 1 | PROPOSED ORDERS
Mailed or emailed proposed orders will not be accepted.
MAILED OR E-MAILED DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Court notice
Page 1 | PROPOSED ORDERS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The party scheduling a hearing must file and serve the notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served by the party scheduling the hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Proposed orders must be submitted within the number of days directed by Judge Nichols.
Proposed orders must be submitted within the number of days directed by Judge Nichols.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Trial exhibits must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office at least three business days before the hearing or trial.
Trial exhibits must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office no later than three business days before the hearing or trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 5 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The party scheduling a hearing must serve the notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served by the party scheduling the hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
To cancel a hearing, the Judicial Assistant must be notified immediately, and a notice of cancellation must immediately be filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the Judicial Assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of case law may be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.
Courtesy copies of case law may be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies may be submitted by e-mail, U.S. mail, or hand delivery.
E-mail, U.S. mail, or hand delivery of courtesy copies is acceptable.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
All communications to the judicial office must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, with the case number, case name, and relevant matter including docket number in the subject line.
Method of Communication: All communication to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to the Court’s Judicial Assistant at: mwestfall@circuit7.org. The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter including docket number (e.g., 2025 CF 000001 – State v. Smith - 2-Hour Suppression Hearing Requested – doc #32).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties may contact the judicial office only as these practices and procedures permit.
Unsolicited communications from non- parties will not be considered by the court. Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Request hearings by email to the Judicial Assistant and include the case number, case name, and relevant matter including docket number in the subject line.
Hearings must be requested by e-mail to the Court’s Judicial Assistant at mwestfall@circuit7.org The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter including docket number (e.g., 2025 CF 000001 – State v. Smith - 2-Hour Suppression Hearing Requested – doc #32).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Copy all parties on emails to the judicial office unless the communication is authorized ex parte 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.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Judicial Assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
The Court’s Judicial Assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
If the Judicial Assistant is out, an automated email will provide instructions, and email responses are handled in the order received.
If the Court’s Judicial Assistant is out of the office, you will receive an automated response to your email directing you how to proceed in her absence. Responses to e-mails will be given in the order in which the e-mails are received.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
For a plea in a case pending in Volusia, Putnam, or St. Johns counties, the Clerk’s office must be notified by email at least 24 hours before the plea hearing.
In order for a Defendant to enter a plea in a case pending in Volusia, Putnam, or St. Johns counties, you must notify the Clerk’s office at criminal@flaglerclerk.gov and the Court’s Judicial Assistant at mwestfall@circuit7.org least 24 hours prior to the plea hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases
Page 6 | K. Out of County Pleas