V Divisional News

Please Contact the Judicial Assistant via the Divisional Email Address

Division V email: CAD-DivisionV@pbcgov.org

Static ZOOM Link:

Effective Monday, January 4, 2021, the ZOOM link for Division V will be the same every day. Please make a note of it and feel free to share with anyone who would like to appear remotely. It is as follows:

Meeting Link: Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 876 5881 1405
Dial by your location:
  • US Toll-free 877-853-5257
  • US Toll-free 888-475-4499

For those on Zoom:

  1. PROPER ATTIRE REQUIRED. 
  2. COUNSEL'S VIDEO MUST BE ACTIVATED UPON ADDRESSING THE CASE. 
  3. EVERYONE SHALL LABEL THEMSELVES WITH FIRST NAME AND LAST NAME ONLY (FOR EXAMPLE, MICHAEL SMITH OR MARY JONES)

Regarding In-Person vs. ZOOM hearings

(Also see A.O. 12.515.2)

The following hearings shall take place IN-PERSON:
(i.e., the Defendant AND counsel must appear, no exceptions unless given prior leave by this Court)

  • Arraignments
  • Pleas Conferences
  • Sentencings
  • Motion Hearings
  • Violations of Probation
  • Richardson Hearings
  • Nelson Hearings
  • Faretta Inquiries
  • Bond Hearings
  • Any and all other Specially Set Hearings

ONLY CASE DISPOSITIONS and STATUS CHECKS
may take place on Zoom.

For those on Zoom:

  • Please label yourself with your first and last name ONLY, (for example, Michael Smith or Mary Jones).
  • Please be patient and remain on MUTE until you are called upon by the Judge.
  • Please refrain from driving, walking around, smoking, or laying in bed while on Zoom. You must be stationary and in a quiet place during your hearing.
  • Please dress appropriately for Zoom, just as you would for an in-person Court hearing. A shirt and tie are required for all attorneys.
  • Your video must be active when addressing the Court. In order to fully participate in your Court hearing via Zoom, please ensure your device has both audio and video capabilities prior to your Court date.
  • Any violations will result in your removal from the Zoom call.

COVID-19 Update 7/30/2021

Criminal Felony Division "V" is operating in accordance with the Florida Supreme Court's Administrative Orders, and this Circuit's Administrative Order 12.515-07/2021. As updated Administrative Orders are issued, this Court will operate in accordance with any new or updated Administrative Orders issued by the Florida Supreme Court and/or the 15th Judicial Circuit.

All evidentiary hearings shall be in-person unless the Court has granted prior Court approval.  Counsel and parties may appear via zoom for status hearings and case dispositions without prior court approval.  The Court will give priority to those appearing in person to maintain safety protocols in the courtroom. 

This Division is dedicated to following the Florida Supreme Court Administrative Orders and the Administrative Orders of this Circuit posted on the Fifteenth Judicial Website.  


Effective immediately: in preparation of all motion hearings, proposed orders must be submitted electronically prior to the hearing. This includes Orders on Motions to Withdraw.

Judge Howard K. Coates, Jr. presides over Criminal Felony Division V in Courtroom 10G in the Main Judicial Courthouse, 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida.

Division V email: CAD-DivisionV@pbcgov.org

Please see Divisional Instructions for Judge Coates' court procedures.

Standing Order Regarding Transporting Inmates
Order Clarifying and/or Revoking any Prior Division "V" Standing Orders Authorizing Sheriff to Release any Sentenced Defendants to In-house Arrest and/or Work Release Without Case Specific Orders