Orange County processes more criminal and traffic cases than any other county in Central Florida. Every week, hundreds of defendants walk into the courthouse at 425 N. Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando to face charges ranging from speeding tickets to felony offenses. Whether you are scheduled for a first appearance, an arraignment, or a contested traffic hearing, having an attorney who knows how this courthouse operates gives you a real advantage.
At The Law Office of James P. Kelly, we handle criminal defense and traffic cases at the Orange County Courthouse and all three branch courthouses across the county. When you call the firm, you speak directly with your attorney — not a receptionist or paralegal.
The Orange County Courthouse is the main hub for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which covers both Orange and Osceola counties. The 23-story tower houses county and circuit courts, the Clerk of Courts, the State Attorney, the Public Defender, and the jury assembly area.
Criminal cases are divided between two court levels:
The Traffic and Criminal Collections division is in Suite 410. For case lookups or fine payments, visit myorangeclerk.com.
The Orange County Courthouse spans over 965,000 square feet, and thousands of people pass through it every day. First-time visitors are often caught off guard by long security lines and a confusing floor layout.
Parking
Security screening
Inside the building
Branch courthouses handle traffic and misdemeanor cases with free parking and shorter lines:
Ninth Circuit judges handle some of the highest caseloads in the state. Prosecutors move through cases quickly, and defendants without attorneys often accept plea deals without fully understanding the consequences.
An attorney who regularly practices in Orange County courts knows:
Common cases at the Orange County Courthouse include speeding tickets, red light violations, careless and reckless driving, DUI, driving on a suspended license, drug possession, domestic battery, petit theft, and violation of probation.
First appearance — Happens within 24 hours of arrest. A judge reviews the charges, sets bail, and appoints the public defender if you qualify. This hearing moves fast — often just a few minutes per defendant.
Arraignment — You enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. For misdemeanors, your attorney can often file a written plea and waive the arraignment entirely. For felonies, you must be present.
Pretrial conferences — Your attorney and the prosecutor negotiate. This is where most cases are resolved — through plea agreements, charge reductions, or diversions. If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial.
Traffic hearings — You choose to pay, elect traffic school, or request a hearing. At the hearing, the citing officer testifies, and your attorney challenges the evidence. If the officer fails to appear, the citation is typically dismissed.
Every courthouse has its own rhythm. The Orange County Courthouse runs differently from Seminole or Osceola — different prosecutors, different case management procedures, different scheduling patterns. An attorney who practices here regularly can often resolve cases faster because they already know the system.
For most traffic infractions and many misdemeanor cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf so you never have to enter the courthouse at all. The Law Office of James P. Kelly handles cases across Orange County — at the main courthouse and all three branch locations. English and Spanish-speaking clients are welcome — hablamos español.
For most civil traffic infractions, your attorney can appear for you. Criminal misdemeanors generally require your presence at arraignment unless your attorney files a written plea or waiver of appearance. Felony cases require your attendance at all hearings.
Your citation or court notice will list the specific courthouse location. Generally, cases are assigned based on where the offense occurred — west Orange County goes to Ocoee, north Orange County to Apopka, and east Orange County to Winter Park.
Visit myeclerk.myorangeclerk.com and search by citation number or name. You can also call the Clerk of Courts at (407) 836-2000.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case involves unique facts and circumstances that affect the outcome. Contacting The Law Office of James P. Kelly, P.A. does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
