History of the Jacksonville Courthouse

Charlie Cofer is the elected Public Defender representing adults and children in the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, which consists of Duval, Clay and Nassau Counties. He took office in January 2017.

Prior to his position as Public Defender, Mr. Cofer worked as an Assistant Public Defender for 18+ years, 10 years of which was as a member of the office Homicide Team handling thousands of cases.  During his tenure with the office, he served as a Felony Division Chief, Juvenile Division Chief, Chief of County Court and Chief of Circuit Court. 

In 1998 he was nominated by the Fourth Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission to fill a vacancy on the Duval County Court (1998).  He was re-elected in 2000, 2006, and 2012.

During his time on the bench, Charlie Cofer handled over 100,000 cases.  He was selected twice to serve as the Duval County Court Administrative Judge by his fellow judges.  He served as Circuit Court Judge and County Court Administrative Judge.

In 2015 Charlie retired as a Duval County Judge in order to run for Public Defender.

Today he will speak to us about the history of the Jacksonville Courthouse