JAWS Hillsborough: Secure Access to the Judicial Workflow System
Quick Summary
- Attorneys schedule hearings online
- Account registration is mandatory
- Strict password policy enforced
- Orders now e-filed via statewide portal
- Dedicated helpdesk support
The Judicial Automated Workflow System (JAWS) serves as a critical digital portal for legal professionals within the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County, Florida. This online account management system streamlines court operations by providing registered users, primarily attorneys, with the tools to efficiently schedule hearings and manage specific case-related information. Understanding this judicial portal is key to smooth interaction with the court system. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to navigate the JAWS system, ensuring you can manage your online court activities effectively.
- 📋 Preparing for Access: Essential Information for Judicial System Users
- 📍 Accessing Your JAWS Account: A Secure Entry Protocol
- ⭐ Navigating Court Proceedings: Core JAWS System Functions
- ⚠️ Resolving Access Challenges: Quick Fixes for JAWS Users
- 🔒 Protecting Your Judicial Portal: Best Practices for Account Security
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Answers to Your Top Questions About the JAWS System
Preparing for Access: Essential Information for Judicial System Users
- Active Florida Bar Number with a matching email address in the FL Bar database.
- A computer with internet access. While older documentation mentioned Internet Explorer 7 (with IE8 in compatibility mode), modern systems like the Pinellas County JAWS (a similar system) now support Google Chrome.
- Registration for a JAWS user account is mandatory. Attorneys can also add legal assistants after creating their own account.
- Acceptance of responsibilities as an authorized JAWS user, acknowledging that misuse can lead to account rescission.
Accessing Your JAWS Account: A Secure Entry Protocol
- Navigate to the official JAWS login page: jaws.fljud13.org.
- Enter your registered Email (username) and Password in the designated fields.
- Optionally, check the Remember me next time box for convenience on trusted devices.
- Click the Log In button to access your user dashboard.
- New users must click New user? Click here to register and complete the account request form, including their Florida Bar number, firm information, and security questions. An activation email will be sent for account confirmation.
Navigating Court Proceedings: Core JAWS System Functions
- Hearing Scheduling: Users can schedule hearings of 30 minutes or less, including Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC), Open Docket, 15-minute, and 30-minute hearings.
- Case Search: Locate specific cases by entering a case number or confirmation number to view case details and the current schedule.
- Associated Parties: View and manage parties associated with your cases, ensuring proper email notifications are sent to relevant individuals.
- File Upload/View (Limited Functionality): Historically, JAWS allowed uploading proposed orders. However, as of September 1, 2020, proposed orders and judgments must be uploaded via the statewide portal (www.myflcourtaccess.com). JAWS can still be used to view or upload certain related documents under specific circumstances.
- Event Management: Cancel scheduled events with a specified reason.
- Account Management: Update your profile information and security settings, including password and security question/answer.
Resolving Access Challenges: Quick Fixes for JAWS Users
⚠️ Cannot access your JAWS account due to forgotten password.
Cause: You have forgotten your login password.
Solution: We know being locked out is stressful. The fastest fix is to click the Forgot Password? link on the login page. You will likely need to answer your security question to regain access to your digital portal.
⚠️ Issues with uploaded documents, such as poor quality or unsupported images.
Cause: Documents were scanned poorly, contain unneeded images, or include links.
Solution: For optimal results when handling legal documents, create them in Microsoft Word and save them as PDF/A. If scanning, ensure the scanner glass is clean and the document is straight. Consider using Microsoft Print to PDF to recreate PDFs without issues. Ensure file sizes are smaller than 10 MB.
⚠️ Account locked due to multiple incorrect password attempts.
Cause: Entering an invalid password multiple times.
Solution: The system may temporarily lock your account after several failed login attempts. Wait a few minutes before trying again or use the Forgot Password? option. If the issue persists, contact the Administrative Office of the Courts' Help Desk.
⚠️ Difficulty with the e-filing process for proposed orders.
Cause: Proposed orders must now be submitted through a different system.
Solution: As of September 1, 2020, all attorneys must upload proposed orders and judgments via the statewide portal (www.myflcourtaccess.com), not directly through JAWS. Refer to the guide on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit website for instructions on using the e-Portal.
Protecting Your Judicial Portal: Best Practices for Account Security
- 🔒 Your username and password control access to your judicial portal; you are responsible for any activity under your credentials.
- 🔒 Unauthorized use, including providing false information or using another's credentials without permission, is strictly prohibited and constitutes a criminal violation under The Florida Computer Crime Act and section 815.06, Florida Statutes.
- 🔒 Safeguard your password diligently. Do not share it, write it down in an unsecured location, or store it where others can access it.
- 🔒 Passwords typically require changes every 90 days and should be at least 14 characters long, incorporating a mix of characters.
- 🔒 Your email address used for registration must match the one in the FL Bar database for identity verification.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
Administrative Office of the Courts' Help Desk: 813-301-3700 or email: [email protected].
Answers to Your Top Questions About the JAWS System
Q: What is the JAWS system used for in Hillsborough County?
The JAWS system (Judicial Automated Workflow System) for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County is primarily used by attorneys for scheduling hearings, managing case schedules, viewing associated parties, and viewing some uploaded files.
Q: Can I upload proposed orders and judgments directly to JAWS?
No, as of September 1, 2020, proposed orders and judgments must be uploaded through the statewide Florida e-filing portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com. JAWS is no longer used for this specific function.
Q: How do I register for a new JAWS account?
To register, go to the JAWS login page and click "New user? Click here to register". You will need your Florida Bar Number (ensure your email matches the Bar database), personal and firm information, and to create a password and security question. An activation email will be sent upon submission.
Q: What are the password requirements for the JAWS system?
Passwords are generally required to be changed every 90 days and must be at least 14 characters long. You are also responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials.
Q: Who should I contact for technical support with the JAWS system?
For technical assistance or feedback regarding the JAWS system, you can contact the Administrative Office of the Courts' Help Desk at 813-301-3700 or send an email to [email protected].
Q: What kind of hearings can I schedule using JAWS?
You can schedule hearings of 30 minutes or less, including Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) for 7-10 minutes, Open Docket for 5 minutes, 15-minute hearings, and 30-minute hearings. Longer hearings typically require emailing the Judicial Assistant.
Wrap Up
The Judicial Automated Workflow System (JAWS) in Hillsborough County provides a vital online platform for attorneys to manage their court calendar and case interactions efficiently. By adhering to the outlined registration, login, and security protocols, and understanding the evolving functionalities like the shift of proposed order submissions to the statewide e-Portal, legal professionals can optimize their use of this essential judicial resource. For any questions or technical challenges, dedicated support is readily available to ensure seamless operation of your court system access.