LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — Circuit Judge Charles W. Dodson has retired from the circuit bench.
Judge Dodson officially retired on Jan. 4 after spending just two days shy of 12 years on the bench.
Judge Dodson was elected to the Second Judicial Circuit bench on January 6, 2009, and has served in the felony, civil, and family divisions, including juvenile delinquency for the last 12 years.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of the State of Florida and of the Second Judicial Circuit," said Judge Dodson. "I am excited about the next chapter in my life."
A native of Sneads, Florida, he received his college education at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY and Florida State University.
He graduated from FSU's College of Law with high honors in 1976 and practiced civil trial law for 31 years before becoming a circuit judge. He was also a Florida Bar Board Certified civil trial lawyer for 25 years before his election to the bench.
In his 12 years, Judge Dodson served as the circuit judge for two years in Wakulla County and two years in Franklin County.
He was selected Trial Judge of the Year in 2016 by the Tallahassee Chapter of the distinguished American Board of Trial Advocates after being selected by that same organization as Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2005, the only person to have ever received both awards.
Dodson's replacement has not yet been announced.
