COURTHOUSE DIVISION

Captain Michelle Wissinger
Courthouse Division
mwissinger@marionso.com

The Bailiff Unit maintains courtroom decorum and protocol while providing protection for the judiciary within the Marion County Judicial Center.  In 2022, there were 13,055 inmates that attended trials and hearings. The bailiffs ensure all inmates are properly secured, escort inmates to and from courtrooms, and ensure they are accounted for until they are safely transported back to the Marion County Jail. The bailiffs make certain juvenile defendants are processed accordingly, fingerprint individuals as required, and collect DNA samples as necessitated per Florida Statutes. The bailiffs also provide security for jurors during trials and provide for the safety of the general public.

The Civil Process Unit carries out the statutory responsibilities for serving subpoenas, summonses, injunctions for protection, mental health orders, and execution of writs. 20,731 processes were served in 2022. These judicial process documents originate from the courts, governmental agencies, and private attorneys in Florida and throughout the United States. The civil deputies complete a return of service upon the service of all documents.

Office personnel enter and maintain injunctions for protection files through the Florida Crime Information Center and our agency computer system. This unit also schedules the sale of found livestock and other properties that may have been seized under court order.