Office Of The State Attorney
R.J. Larizza, 7th Judicial Circuit

Office Of The State Attorney
R.J. Larizza, 7th Judicial Circuit

About SAO7

R.J. Larizza

R.J. Larizza is a native of Jacksonville, Fl where he graduated from Bishop Kenny High School. He attended Troy State University and obtained his BS degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in English. Upon graduation he entered the workforce with the Florida Department of Corrections, working with young probationers and parolees. He stayed with the Florida Department of Corrections for almost 13 years and attained the rank of Supervisor II at the time of his departure from the Department in 1993. Most of his tenure with the Florida Department of Corrections (10 years) was spent in the St. Augustine / St. Johns County Office.

In the summer of 1993 at the age of 35, R.J. left the Florida Department of Corrections to pursue a law degree at Mercer Universityโ€™s Walter F. George, School of Law in Macon, Georgia and graduated in the top one third of his class in May of 1996. While a student at the University, R.J. also worked as a Law Clerk for the Houston County District Attorneyโ€™s Office in Perry, Georgia. As a Law Student, R.J. was on the Moot Court Board and Law Review for Mercer University in addition to maintaining his rank in the class and also served as Student Prosecutor during his law school career.

Upon graduation from The Walter F. George, School of Law, R.J. returned to St. Augustine where he worked as an Assistant State Attorney with the State Attorneyโ€™s Office of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. In January 2003 after 61/2 years R.J. left the State Attorneyโ€™s Office to pursue a private practice career. Following his successful private practice endeavor, R.J. successfully ran for the office of State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, the Office which he currently holds.

Mission

The State Attorney or designee, shall appear in the circuit and county courts within the Seventh Judicial Circuit, and prosecute or defend, on behalf of the State, all suits, applications, or motions, civil or criminal, in which the State is a party, unless otherwise provided by law. We shall seek justice by fairly and diligently representing the interests of the people of the Seventh Judicial Circuit and the State of Florida.

This office provides direction and leadership to the Criminal Justice System in the Seventh Judicial Circuit. The importance of our mission dictates that each employee focus their best efforts at achieving our goals. That requires each employee to exercise good judgment and professional behavior in performing their duties. All employees will be held to the highest standard of integrity in their conduct as it relates to their employment duties and the success of this mission.

Latest News

State of Florida v. Shamika Elaine Mitchell

After a three-day trial this afternoon, a Volusia County jury found defendant Shamika Mitchell guilty as charged.

State of Florida v. Spencer Pearson

At the conclusion of a full-day hearing this evening, defendant Spencer Pearson was sentenced to life in prison.

State of Florida v. Brian Pirraglia

At the conclusion of a three-day trial this afternoon, a Flagler County Jury returned a guilty verdict in the Death by Unlaw