OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson offered insight into his office’s work during the Ocala Metro CEP’s ExCEPtional Breakfast at the Reilly Arts Center on July 16, 2025.

Gladson explained there are 20 state attorneys in Florida, each independently elected to serve one of the state’s 20 judicial circuits. The Fifth Judicial Circuit covers Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties.

The role of a state attorney, he said, is to review law enforcement cases, determine appropriate action, and either prosecute or resolve them effectively. Their mission centers on public safety, accountability, defending constitutional rights, giving victims a voice, and being stewards of taxpayer resources.

“Marion County’s my home, it’s where my children were born, raised, went to school and graduated,” Gladson said. “My wife is a veterinarian.”

“Marion County’s my home, it’s where my children were born, raised, went to school and graduated,” said Gladson. “My wife is a veterinarian.”

With the Ocala metro area being the fastest-growing in the country, public safety demands have increased. The circuit works closely with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department, Belleview Police Department, and community partners like CASA Marion and Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection.

“This community is incredible,” Gladson said. “The partnerships that we have with the city, the county and the law enforcement community really make a huge difference.”

The circuit serves more than 1.4 million people, including 428,905 in the Ocala MSA. It oversees 23 law enforcement agencies—half of which are in Lake County.

Gladson highlighted the importance of legal timing and standards of proof:

  • 21 days to file charges for jailed defendants
  • 90-day speedy trial deadline for misdemeanors
  • 175-day speedy trial deadline for felonies

In 2024, the circuit received 41,000 criminal complaints. The office employs 96 attorneys, ranging from seasoned veterans to new hires. In Marion County, 29 assistant state attorneys handle cases from nearly 800 sworn officers.

Supporting them are 102 staff members and eight sworn investigators with circuit-wide jurisdiction. Victim advocates help guide victims—especially children and those affected by domestic violence—through the legal process.

The circuit ranks No. 1 in the state for prison admissions and operates several lean specialty units:

  • Two on-call homicide prosecutors
  • One attorney in narcotics
  • Two attorneys in juvenile division
  • Four in the sex crimes unit, “the heart of the organization,” said Gladson
  • Five attorneys manage misdemeanor cases
  • Sixteen prosecute felonies

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