Judge Profile

John S. Kastrenakes

Judicial Experience:

  • 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida (June 01, 2009)

Other Professional Experience:

  • Assistant State Attorney, Dade County, 1985 to 1995
  • Associate, Goodhart and Rosner, PA, 1984 to 1985
  • Assistant State Attorney, Dade County, 1981 to 1984

Education:

  • J.D., University of Florida, 1980
  • BA History, University of Florida, 1977

Professional Civic Activities/Honors/Awards:

  • Assistant U. S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida, 1995 - 2009

Part Rule:


  • Attorney Openings and Closings
    1 How much time do you permit each attorney for making his or her Opening statements in a jury trial? Reasonable time; usually less than 30 minutes per side Opening statements in a nonjury trial? Closing arguments in a jury trial? Reasonable time; usually no more than 60 minutes per side Closing arguments in a nonjury trial? 2 Do you read final instructions to the jury before closing arguments? No

  • Criminal
    1 Do you require suppression hearings in advance of trial ormay they be heard at beginning of trial? Motions must be filed prior to calendar call when announcing ready for trial; Evidentiary motions will be heard prior to trial 2 Do you accept a plea at docket call or require specially set hearings? Require a specially set hearing 3 Which motions can be heard at 8:45 am hearings: Bond Hearings Yes Swom Motion to Dismiss? Yes Evidentiary Hearings? No 4 What is your policy on work release and house arrest? case-by-case basis before Court 5 Do you require judgment and sentence forms to be filled out by the attorney in a advance of pleas conference? Yes

  • Miscellaneous Comments
    1 What suggestions/advice do you have for litigants, counsel and/or witnesses? Be prepared; be candid with opposing counsel and the Court.

  • TRIAL RELATED MATTERS
    1 Must counsel for all parties be present at calendar call? Yes 2 Do you permit counsel to telephonically appear for calendar call? No 3 Do you hear any motions at calendar call? Yes

Staff:

  • Karen Skodmin, Judicial Assistant