Judge Darren Steele

- Method of Communication: If you call the Judicial Assistant, please be prepared to give the case number and the names of the parties. If you email the Judicial Assistant, please provide those things in the email.
- Ex parte Communications: 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. All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law. Anything sent to the Judge shall be made part of the court file and sent to the opposing party.
- Unsolicited Communications: 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.
- E-Filing Portal Contact Information: [For example: “All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516. 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.”]
- Scheduling Hearings: This office does not utilize an online calendar. All hearings must be set with the Judicial Assistant.
- Notice of Hearing: The party setting the hearing is responsible for providing notice to all parties, the clerk and the Judge’s office. This should be done as soon as the hearing is set, but must be no less than five business days before the hearing. Mailing the notice five days prior to the hearing is not sufficient notice. .
- Submission Deadlines: The parties are expected to send memorandums of law and associated caselaw within a reasonable time for the court to review.
- Cancelling Hearings: 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. You may only cancel a hearing set by you.
- Remote Appearance Procedure: Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion. Evidentiary hearings, pleas, sentencings are NOT done remotely. Any remote appearance is taken at the end of the docket. All requests for remote appearances are to be in writing and presented to the Court with ample time before the hearing to review the request.
- Platform Used: Zoom.
- Platform Meeting ID#: Contact the judicial assistant to obtain the platform meeting ID#.
- Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF/a or Word format. If it is asserted that the other party agrees to the entry of the order, there must be something that indicates their agreement. A cover letter from the opposing party or initials on the order near the cc at the bottom is acceptable.
- Submission Method: Submission of proposed orders can be by email to the Judicial Assistant or hard copies mailed. Any email service must provide in the cc of the order the email address of all parties.
- When Required: Courtesy copies of case law or other specified document must be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.
- Format: PDF, Word document.
- Submission Method: e-mail to the Judicial Assistant, U.S. mail, or private delivery service.
- Requirements: For example: “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, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.
- Scheduling: If the court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the court. All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.
- Submission Method: Do not send any evidence to the Court prior to the trial in the cause.
- Format: Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format. 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. Exhibits are to be marked as Plaintiff or Defendant A (B, C, etc). They will be moved into evidence as 1,2,3 in the order they are admitted.
- Case Management Conference: Any party may request a case management conference (CMC) when a case requires.
- Status Conference: Any party may request a status conference when a case requires.
- Requirements: Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.
- ADA Accommodations:
- Interpreter Requests:
- Criminal Procedure

Martin County: One-third of Martin County Court Cases; County Election Canvassing Board
Please contact the Judicial Assistant Melanie Coons by phone (772-288-5561) or by email coonsm@circuit19.org; to schedule any hearings. When filing the notice of hearing with the clerk and serving it upon the appropriate parties, please also send a copy to Ms. Coons so that the date and time have been confirmed on the docket.

Waivers of Appearance for Criminal Defendants must conform with Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.180(3). The Defendant must sign the waiver of appearance and the waiver must be made part of the court file.

Zoom appearances in criminal court will be allowed upon written motion and signed order, and only for non evidentiary hearings. Arraignments for those who are wishing to plead not guilty can be best accomplished by a written plea of not guilty and waiver of arraignment. Written motions to continue docket call, with an agreement by the State are the preferred method of continuing a docket call. Pleas will not be done by zoom. All evidentiary hearings must be attended by a defendant and the attorney, even if there is a proper waiver of appearance on file. Those appearing by zoom are to be dressed as if they were coming into the courtroom in person and in appropriate surroundings. Zoom appearances are to be conducted in all aspects as if all parties were in the courtroom. When appearing by zoom, you must mute your microphone until your case is called. Anyone violating these conditions will be deemed not in attendance. Zoom appearances will be handled after in person appearances are conducted.

Courtroom Rules
- Proper Courtroom attire is expected.
- Attorneys are to be appropriately and professionally dressed.
- Anyone who is expecting to be in the courtroom is to be appropriately dressed.
- Shorts are not permitted in the courtroom. Tops/blouses are to be of modest coverage.
- Skirts are to be of modest length.
- Absent invitation by the Court, children are not permitted in the courtroom with the exception of a child who has been subpoenaed as a witness.
Calendars

You must call the Judicial Assistant to set a hearing; this office does not utilize an accessible online calendar. Motions must be mailed directly to the Judicial Assistant.

Procedures

Calendars

You must call the Judicial Assistant to set a hearing; this office does not utilize an accessible online calendar. Please call Judicial Assistant at (772) 288-5561.

Judge Darren Steele

Courtroom Rules

Calendars

Procedures

Calendars

Education

Career

Awards

Community Experience

Communications with the Judicial Office

Scheduling Procedures

Remote Appearance

Submission of Orders and Judgments

Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

Other Division Procedures

Assignment

Additional Information

Courtroom Rules

Calendars

Procedures

Calendars

Biography

Education

Career

Awards

Community Experience