Congratulations to the Seventeenth Circuit’s newest judges, appointed by Governor DeSantis on April 14. We welcome Francis Viamontes to the Circuit bench and Catalina Avalos to the County bench!
As mentioned in a media statement from the Governor’s office on new judicial appointments across the state:
“Francis Viamontes, of Plantation, to serve as Judge on the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
Viamontes has served as an Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Narcotics and Violent Crimes Section for the Southern District of Florida since 2011. Previously, she served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. She received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Miami. Viamontes fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mily Rodriguez Powell.
Catalina Avalos, of Pembroke Pines, to serve as Judge on the Broward County Court
Avalos has served as a Director at Tripp Scott, P.A. since 2009. Previously, she served as Judge on the Broward County Court for four years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and her law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Avalos fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Natasha DePrimo.”