State Attorney Steve Russell announced today that Assistant State Attorney Ron Smith, 54, has been named Chief of the County Court Division in the Collier County Office of the State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.
Smith was appointed an Assistant State Attorney in May of 2005, following his graduation from Florida State University School of Law. Ron attended law school following a long and successful career in the field of journalism, including various editorial positions at the Palm Beach Post, Boca Raton News, Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Chattanooga Times, among others.
Since joining the State Attorney’s Office, Smith has served in a number of positions, including acting County Court Chief in Hendry and Glades counties, and County Court Chief in Charlotte County. He has also been heavily involved in training, particularly in the area of DUI and related crimes, and has lectured at statewide conferences about prosecuting the impaired driver. Additionally, Ron has handled DUI Manslaughter and DUI Serious Injury cases throughout the circuit, including the recent prosecution of attorney Natalie Baker, and the trial of Ronald J. Smith, which is being held in Charlotte County this week and next.
State Attorney Russell said, “Ron’s expertise in the area of DUI and training, coupled with his maturity and leadership skills, make him an excellent choice to head up the County Court Division in Naples. He has proven himself in similar positions throughout the circuit. His appointment reflects our commitment to firm, fair and skillful prosecution of DUIs, domestic batteries, and all county court cases”.
Smith is replacing Assistant State Attorney Dan Cavanaugh, who is leaving the office to pursue private practice. Smith will assume his new duties as soon as the Smith trial is completed.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
239-533-1125
ssyoen@sao20.org