Charles E. Williams is a Circuit Court Judge for the State of Florida who serves in the 12th Judicial Circuit which encompasses Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto Counties. He has an undergraduate degree from Howard University and a law degree from the University of Florida School of Law. Judge Williams prior to becoming a judge served both as an Assistant State Attorney and an Assistant Public Defender and also was in private law practice in Sarasota and Manatee County, Florida.
In his private law practice, he concentrated in criminal, family and employment litigation.
Judicial Activities: Judge Williams has been appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to serve as a mentor judge and mentor coordinator for all incoming new judges appointed or elected in the 12trh Circuit. He has served as the Chief Judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit (two terms) and has served in every division within the circuit. He has been appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to serve on numerous statewide committees and work groups including; the Florida Supreme Court Technology Commission,, the Florida Supreme Court Supreme Judicial Resources Work Group and the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Access to Court Records. Judge Williams was also one of the founding members of the Sarasota County Bar Association’s Council for Diversity and Inclusion and works closely with the Booker High School Law Academy. Judge Williams also served on The Florida Supreme Court Criminal Punishment Code Task Force.
Professional Awards: Judge Williams has received numerous awards for his contributions to the legal system and to the community. Those awards include; The Sarasota County NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, The Manatee County Bar Association Community Service Award, and the Edgar H. Price Jr., Humanitarian Award.
Personal Activities: Judge Williams and his wife, Jacquelyn have two daughters, Charlette Elizabeth Williams M.D., and Caitlin Marie Williams. When he is not involved in his judicial duties, Judge Williams, writes, directs, and produces documentary films. His work on the film “Newtown at 100” earned him the Sidney Poitier Family Award at the Sarasota Film Festival. His documentary film “Through the Tunnel” won Best Historical Documentary at the DocMiami International Film Festival.
Board Memberships: Judge Williams serves on several non-profit boards, those boards include; Embracing Our Differences, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Boxser Diversity Initiative, Florida Studio Theatre, and the Sarasota African-American Cultural Coalition. He served on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force at the Community Foundation, and leads the Forums Community Dialogue Committee for Florida Studio Theatre.
Community Activities/Involvement/Commitment to Fairness and Equal Justice: Judge Williams takes great care in making sure that he involves himself in initiatives and programs that confirm his commitment to the concepts of equal justice and fairness. He does this primarily in facilitating discussions and taking part in meaningful dialogues and activities that encourage positive change. Educating the public on fundamental fairness and equal justice and fostering conversations about these topics in a safe and non-judgmental environment is a priority for Judge Williams.
Judge Williams was recently highlighted in Sarasota Magazine's Listening to Black Voices series, where he speaks about his experience and the need for patience and empathy in the legal system. To read the full article, click the button below.
