Judge Robert R. Wheeler: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Robert R. Wheeler is a judge for the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Rick Scott in 2015, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Frank E. Sheffield.

The 2nd Judicial Circuit encompasses Franklin County, Gadsden County, Jefferson County, Leon County, Liberty County, and Wakulla County. Wheeler has held assignments in Leon County, presiding over criminal and juvenile delinquency cases. He has also handled misdemeanor appeals from the Leon County Court.

Prior to his appointment, Wheeler was a judge for the Leon County Court, a position to which he was named by former Governor Charlie Crist in 2010. Before that, he was general counsel (2009 to 2010) and assistant general counsel (2007 to 2009) for the Florida Office of the Governor (Charlie Crist).

Wheeler earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He then completed a J.D. at the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, in 1988.

After graduating from law school, Wheeler entered into private practice. He spent time as a partner at LaPeer & Wheeler (1994 to 1998) before joining the Florida Office of the Attorney General. During his tenure there, he started as an assistant attorney general, rising through the ranks to become senior assistant attorney general and chief of the Criminal Appeals Bureau (2003).