If you’ve spent any time around the West Palm Beach legal circuit lately, you’ve probably heard one name popping up more than most: Lourdes Casanova.
Honestly, the buzz is for a good reason. As of January 2025, she officially stepped into her role as a Palm Beach County Court Judge, and it wasn't just another routine swearing-in ceremony. She didn't just win an election; she broke a ceiling.
By taking the bench in Group 2, Casanova became the first Hispanic female ever elected to the Palm Beach County court. It’s a big deal. For a county with such a massive, diverse population, it’s kinda surprising it took until now to hit that milestone. She took over the seat previously held by Judge Ted Booras, and since then, she's been presiding over County Criminal Division KK1/KD.
What a County Court Judge Actually Does
A lot of people think all judges just sit in mahogany rooms deciding "guilty or not guilty" for high-stakes murder trials. That's not really how it works at this level. County court is often called "The People’s Court." It’s where most residents actually interact with the legal system.
If you’re in Judge Casanova’s courtroom at the Criminal Justice Complex on Gun Club Road, you aren't seeing international drug kingpins. You’re seeing:
- DUI cases (the bread and butter of county criminal).
- Misdemeanor offenses like petty theft or simple battery.
- Traffic violations that escalated beyond a simple ticket.
- Evictions and small claims (though her specific assignment is criminal).
Basically, it's high-volume. It’s fast-paced. It requires a judge who can make quick decisions without losing sight of the humans standing in front of them.
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The Path from Royal Palm Beach Valedictorian
Casanova isn't some outsider. She grew up right here in Royal Palm Beach.
Her story is the classic American dream, but with a lot of late-night studying. Her parents fled Cuba in search of freedom, a fact she brings up often because it shaped her view of the law. She wasn't just a good student; she was the Valedictorian of Royal Palm Beach High School.
She stayed local for her education, becoming a "Double Gator." She got her Bachelor’s and her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. While there, she didn't just stick to English and Spanish; she picked up Portuguese too. Being trilingual in South Florida is basically a superpower for a judge.
A Career Built on Both Sides of the Aisle
Before she was "The Honorable," she was a prosecutor.
Starting at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, she handled hundreds of cases. She was in the trenches. We’re talking over 40 jury trials. That matters because a judge who has never tried a case is like a pilot who has only used a flight simulator—they know the theory, but they haven't felt the turbulence.
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But she didn't stay a prosecutor forever. She opened Casanova Law, P.A., where she switched to the defense side. She specialized in:
- Criminal Defense
- Immigration Law
- Traffic Tickets
This "dual-sided" experience is why she was nominated four times by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) before eventually winning her seat. Lawyers on both sides of the aisle tend to respect someone who has walked in their shoes.
The 2024 Election and Beyond
The road to the bench wasn't a cakewalk. During the 2024 election cycle, Casanova was everywhere. She out-raised her opponents and secured endorsements from the Police Benevolent Association and various firefighter groups.
She officially started her term in January 2025.
Community Leadership
Even before the black robe, she was leading. She served as the President of the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association in 2023. She’s also been a Fellow of the Florida Bar Leadership Academy.
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You might have even seen her volunteering at the Special Olympics or working with "Latinos in Action." She’s very much a "community first" kind of leader, which is likely why she had such a strong showing at the polls.
Why This Matters to You
If you live in Palm Beach County, the judges we elect have a more direct impact on our daily lives than almost any other elected official. They decide who gets a second chance and who doesn't.
Judge Casanova’s courtroom (Division KK1/KD) is where the rubber meets the road for local justice. Her background as the daughter of immigrants gives her a specific perspective on due process and access to courts—two things that can feel like abstract concepts until you’re the one standing at the podium.
Actionable Insights for Palm Beach Residents
If you find yourself dealing with the county court system or just want to be an informed citizen, here is what you should know about the current landscape:
- Know Your Division: If you have a misdemeanor case in Palm Beach County, check your paperwork. If it says Division KK1 or KD, you’ll likely be appearing before Judge Casanova.
- Location Matters: County criminal cases are usually handled at the Criminal Justice Complex (3228 Gun Club Rd, West Palm Beach), not the main downtown courthouse.
- The Power of Language: If you or a family member needs a translator, the court provides them, but having a trilingual judge often helps in ensuring that nuances aren't lost in translation during proceedings.
- Track Judicial Performance: Florida voters get to decide on judges. Keep an eye on the "Bench Bar" surveys conducted by the Palm Beach County Bar Association to see how lawyers rate the performance of sitting judges like Casanova.
- Stay Involved: Organizations like the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association offer resources for the public to understand their rights and the judicial process.
Justice isn't just about what's written in the law books; it's about the people who interpret those books every day.