Judge Debra Johnes Riva: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Biography

Hon. Debra Johnes Riva (Ret.) was a judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Sarasota County. She was elected to the bench in 2006. Johnes Riva retired on July 1, 2022.


The 12th Judicial Circuit includes DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties.


During her judicial tenure, Johnes Riva presided over the Circuit Juvenile Division and the Early Childhood Court, a voluntary diversion program that seeks to expedite the path to permanency for children under the age of three. She served as the administrative judge of the Unified Family Court and administrative judge for Sarasota County (2019). Johnes Riva was also chair of the Criminal Court Steering Committee and the Family Law Advisory Group (2012) as well as vice-chair of the Education Committee for the Circuit Judicial Conference.


Prior to her election, she had worked for fifteen years as an assistant state attorney with the Office of the State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, where she prosecuted felonies and homicides and served as a division chief.


Johnes Riva taught as an adjunct professor at Manatee Community College, was a faculty instructor with the Florida Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and a lecturer in Florida on issues involving the prosecution of sex crimes and homicides.


She received a B.A. from the University of South Florida in 1988. Johnes Riva went on to complete a J.D. at Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law in 1991.


Her memberships have included The Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court (past president), the Sarasota County Bar Association, the Civil League of Sarasota, and the Girl’s Incorporated Board of Directors.

Recent Cases by Hon. Debra Johnes Riva

On October 8, 2021 a dissolution 2010 case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

Filed

Oct 08, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

DISSOLUTION 2010

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 07, 2023

On June 3, 2020 an appeal - criminal case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

13 Files
Filed

Jun 03, 2020

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL - CRIMINAL

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 31, 2020

On September 16, 2019 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

11 Files
Filed

Sep 16, 2019

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 02, 2021

On February 15, 2019 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

4 Files
Filed

Feb 15, 2019

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 27, 2021

On July 24, 2018 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge Debra Johnes Riva presiding.

23 Files
Filed

Jul 24, 2018

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. Debra Johnes Riva Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Debra Johnes Riva

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2021

On June 6, 2018 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

16 Files
Filed

Jun 06, 2018

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 04, 2022

On April 12, 2018 an appeal - criminal case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

26 Files
Filed

Apr 12, 2018

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL - CRIMINAL

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 25, 2022

On March 28, 2018 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

1 File
Filed

Mar 28, 2018

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 29, 2021

On November 16, 2017 an appeal from county court - circuit case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

8 Files
Filed

Nov 16, 2017

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL FROM COUNTY COURT - CIRCUIT

Practice Area

Appeals

Matter Type

General Appeals

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 30, 2020

On September 7, 2017 an appeal from county court - circuit case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

28 Files
Filed

Sep 07, 2017

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL FROM COUNTY COURT - CIRCUIT

Practice Area

Appeals

Matter Type

General Appeals

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 21, 2022

On May 3, 2017 an appeal from county court - circuit case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

15 Files
Filed

May 03, 2017

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL FROM COUNTY COURT - CIRCUIT

Practice Area

Appeals

Matter Type

General Appeals

On April 18, 2017 an appeal - criminal case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

19 Files
Filed

Apr 18, 2017

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL - CRIMINAL

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

On April 6, 2017 an appeal from county court - circuit case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

4 Files
Filed

Apr 06, 2017

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL FROM COUNTY COURT - CIRCUIT

Practice Area

Appeals

Matter Type

General Appeals

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 29, 2020

On March 27, 2017 an appeal from county court - circuit case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

6 Files
Filed

Mar 27, 2017

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL FROM COUNTY COURT - CIRCUIT

Practice Area

Appeals

Matter Type

General Appeals

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 19, 2020

On November 15, 2016 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

8 Files
Filed

Nov 15, 2016

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 25, 2021

On November 14, 2016 an appeal from county court - circuit case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

8 Files
Filed

Nov 14, 2016

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL FROM COUNTY COURT - CIRCUIT

Practice Area

Appeals

Matter Type

General Appeals

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 27, 2022

On October 27, 2016 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

Filed

Oct 27, 2016

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 21, 2021

On April 8, 2016 an appeal from county court - circuit case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

17 Files
Filed

Apr 08, 2016

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL FROM COUNTY COURT - CIRCUIT

Practice Area

Appeals

Matter Type

General Appeals

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 22, 2022

On December 15, 2015 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

Filed

Dec 15, 2015

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 06, 2021

On December 11, 2015 an appeal from county court - circuit case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

29 Files
Filed

Dec 11, 2015

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL FROM COUNTY COURT - CIRCUIT

Practice Area

Appeals

Matter Type

General Appeals

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 21, 2022

On December 10, 2015 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

10 Files
Filed

Dec 10, 2015

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 21, 2021

On November 2, 2015 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge Debra Johnes Riva presiding.

Filed

Nov 02, 2015

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Debra Johnes Riva Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Debra Johnes Riva

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 17, 2021

On October 23, 2015 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

12 Files
Filed

Oct 23, 2015

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 23, 2021

On October 7, 2015 an appeal - criminal case was filed in the jurisdiction of Sarasota County. Judge RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES presiding.

18 Files
Filed

Oct 07, 2015

Status

Appealed

Judge

Hon. RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for RIVA, DEBRA JOHNES

Court

Sarasota County

County

Sarasota County, FL

Category

APPEAL - CRIMINAL

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 20, 2022

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