Staff Reports
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced the appointments of Michael Kraynick and Diego Madrigal III to the 9th Judicial Circuit Court bench for Orange and Osceola counties.
Kraynick, 36, of Winter Park, is a partner at Godbold, Downing, Bill and Rentz law firm, according to a release from the Governor’s Office.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from Barry University in 2007. Kraynick fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Frederick Lauten.
Madrigal, 36, of Orlando, is an associate at The Pendas Law Firm.
He received his bachelor’s degree and his law degree from the University of Florida, getting his J.D. in 2006. Madrigal fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Daniel Dawson.
The 9th Circuit “covers over 2,000 square miles and serves more than 1.3 million residents, making it one of the largest circuits in Florida,” its website says.
“There are currently 65 judges serving in the Ninth Circuit. On average, the circuit receives over 590,000 new cases each year.”
Circuit judges hear felonies, juvenile matters and larger civil claims, among other things.
Judges who are appointed to fill a vacancy must stand for election at the next regularly set election as nonpartisans. They serve six-year terms.
