Court Services

Welcome to Alachua County’s Department of Court Services, where a team of professionals provides compassionate, transparent support to the judicial system through a range of programs.

The department’s mission is to reduce the need for incarceration by providing the court with timely, accurate information and delivering effective community-based supervision and therapeutic services. This work promotes accountability, public safety, fairness, equity and due process.

A diverse client population is served through pretrial services, probation, community service and specialized treatment courts, including those focused on mental health, substance use and veterans. These evidence-based programs address individual needs while offering meaningful alternatives to incarceration. Efforts are collaborative, involving the judiciary, State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender, Sheriff’s Office, jail staff and community partners.

Court Services continues to evolve to meet changing community needs. In recent years, the department has engaged in strategic evaluation and forward-focused planning to strengthen operations and improve outcomes. A comprehensive organizational assessment conducted with the Center for Effective Public Policy and presented to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners in 2025 marked a significant step in refining structure, aligning resources and enhancing service delivery.

Broader county initiatives, including planning for a re-entry support hub and construction of the new Alachua County Civil Courthouse, signal a transformative period for the local justice system. These efforts create opportunities to modernize operations, strengthen partnerships and expand supportive pathways for justice-involved individuals.

The department is guided by a clear vision: to uphold dignity and fairness. Emphasis is placed on risk-based decision-making, the presumption of innocence and providing informed recommendations to the court. Court Services remains accountable to county leadership, stakeholders and the community, while maintaining accreditation and protecting client privacy.

These initiatives represent a coordinated effort to ensure Court Services remains responsive, efficient and aligned with community expectations for fairness, equity and public safety.

Learn more about Alachua County Court Services and programs offered.