Located in the twentieth judicial circuit Charlotte County is sandwiched between Sarasota and Ft. Myers.  A fast growing community, the local courthouse is located on the peace river in downtown Punta Gorda.  The current state attorney Stephen Russsell replaced long term state attorney Joseph D'Alessandro.  The courthouse is located  350 East Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda, Florida.  Local law enforcement agencies include the punta gorda police, florida highway patrol, and the charlotte county sheriffs office.  Local law enforcement make many DUI arrests at checkpoints which are conducted monthly.  In addition, tickets are issued for speeding, careless driving, accident cases, driving while license suspended, and no valid driver's license.