Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Second Region Office of Criminal Conflict & Civil Regional Counsel Office of Criminal Conflict & Civil Regional Counsel, Second Region, Florida Second Region, Florida
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When conflicts arise, representation continues

When the Public Defender is unable to represent an individual due to a conflict of interest, the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Second Region, provides qualified, court-appointed legal representation to ensure the individual's right to counsel is protected and the administration of justice continues without unnecessary delay.

Meet Ita M. Neymotin

How it works

Continuity, built into the process

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  • A conflict is identified

    A Public Defender is unable to take the case.

  • Our Office is appointed

    The court appoints Regional Counsel to provide representation.

  • The client remains represented

    The client receives conflict-free, court-appointed counsel.

About the Office

Established by the Florida Legislature in 2007 under Section 27.511, Florida Statutes, the five Regional Counsel offices ensure access to court-appointed legal representation when conflicts of interest prevent Public Defender representation, as well as in certain civil proceedings authorized by law.

The system safeguards constitutional principles while using public resources responsibly. The Second Region is one of five offices statewide.

Ita M. Neymotin with the founding members of the Regional Counsel’s Office
Ita M. Neymotin with the founding members of the Regional Counsel’s Office

Leadership

Leadership across the Second Region

  • Regional Counsel

    Ita M. Neymotin

    Regional Counsel

    Professional background

    Her career spans prosecution, public defense, private practice, office administration, and legal education. Before becoming Regional Counsel, she served as an Assistant State Attorney, spent approximately five years as an Assistant Public Defender, and led the Office’s Twentieth Judicial Circuit operations.

    She also managed a local law office and taught at Ave Maria School of Law, while handling matters ranging from fish and wildlife violations to murder cases. That breadth of experience continues to shape her work protecting constitutional rights and leading an efficient regional office.

    Professional experience

    • Regional Counsel, Second Region (appointed 2011)
    • Circuit Chief, Twentieth Judicial Circuit (2007)
    • Assistant Public Defender
    • Assistant State Attorney
    • Private practice and law office management
    • Instructor, Ave Maria School of Law

  • Tami Holliday

    Administrative Director

  • Jonathan Jenkins

    Circuit Chief, 6th Judicial Circuit

  • Frantz Michel

    Circuit Chief, 10th Judicial Circuit

  • Scott Swartz

    Circuit Chief, 13th Judicial Circuit

Where we serve

14 counties.
11 offices.
80 cities.

Polk County

622 West Polk Street

Bartow, Florida 33830

Open Polk County

View All Locations Open Positions

Regional population

6,765,770 residents across the fourteen counties, based on U.S. Census Bureau population estimates for July 1, 2025.

Types of cases

Where Regional Counsel may be appointed

  • Felony Charges Representation in qualifying felony cases. 01
  • Misdemeanor Charges Representation in qualifying misdemeanor cases. 02
  • Criminal Traffic Qualifying criminal traffic matters. 03
  • Criminal Contempt Representation in criminal contempt proceedings. 04
  • Special Law or Local Ordinance Violations Certain violations of special laws or county or municipal ordinances, where authorized by law. 05
  • Juvenile Delinquency Cases involving children alleged to be delinquent before a circuit court. 06
  • Involuntary Placement and Commitment Certain mental health, civil commitment, and developmental disability proceedings authorized by statute. 07
  • Death Sentence Appeals Appeals to the Florida Supreme Court for qualifying clients sentenced to death. 08
  • Related Appeals Appeals arising from the qualifying matters listed above. 09

Agency impact

What the Office has achieved

Through visionary leadership, innovative initiatives, and award-winning achievements, RC2 continues to set a standard for excellence in public service and the administration of justice.

Agency impact
Governor’s Sterling Award, Team Showcase Competition
Agency impact
Sterling Leadership Team Excellence Award
Agency impact
30th Anniversary Sterling Conference Team Showcase Greatest Customer Impact Award
Agency impact
Sterling Conference, “Best Use of Data”
Photographs

We’re hiring

Bring your experience
to work that matters

Explore rewarding career opportunities with RC2, offering meaningful legal work, competitive State of Florida benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Select part-time positions may permit limited private practice, subject to applicable requirements.

Questions about the Office

Frequently asked questions

What is the Second Region Office?

The Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Second Region (RC2), is one of five regional offices established by the Florida Legislature in 2007. RC2 provides court-appointed legal representation when the Public Defender cannot represent an individual due to a conflict of interest, as well as in certain civil matters designated by Florida law. The office serves five judicial circuits across 14 counties in Southwest and Central Florida.

Is this the same as a Public Defender’s Office?

No, the two are separate, complementary parts of Florida’s public-defense system. The Second Region Office is appointed specifically when a Public Defender’s office cannot continue on a case.

Can I hire or choose this Office?

No. RC2 provides legal representation only when appointed by the court. Individuals cannot privately hire or select our office to represent them. Appointments are determined by the court in accordance with Florida law.

Who leads the Second Region Office?

The Second Region is led by Regional Counsel Ita M. Neymotin, who has served in this role since 2011. Appointed by the Governor of Florida and confirmed by the Florida Senate, Ms. Neymotin provides executive leadership and sets the strategic direction for the Office.

What area does the Second Region cover?

The Second Region serves 14 counties across Southwest, Central, and West Central Florida, encompassing the 6th, 10th, 12th, 13th, and 20th Judicial Circuits.

I’m currently represented by the Office — can I get help with my case here?

If you are currently represented by our office, please contact your assigned attorney or legal team directly for questions about your case. Our Locations and Contact pages can help you find the appropriate office. For your privacy and protection, please do not submit confidential information, case details, or time-sensitive matters through the website’s general contact channels.

Is the Office hiring?

Current openings are listed on Open Positions.