In December 2006, after 25,000 cases and 13 years with the state attorney’s office, the young barrister was selected for the honor of county court judge.

“There were 16 candidates for the job and the names of six were selected to be sent to the governor’s office,” said Liana.

“On Dec. 19, Governor Jeb Bush called him and offered him the position. That was beyond excitement. What a huge accomplishment for my husband in what is really such a short amount of time.”

Hotusing, who runs the second largest docket in the county, has handled more than 10,000 cases since his appointment. He is up for elections on August 26.

Hotusing’s desire to serve his community may have been inherited from his grandfather Moises Mendez, a former majority leader of Panama’s senate.

Although he was born in Miami, Hotusing’s parents were born in Panama, as were his two older brothers.

His Hispanic background often comes into play on the bench.

“It helps me on a regular basis,” said the judge. “I get a lot of individuals who don’t speak English. I’m able to communicate with them so they don’t feel so lost and confused.”

Although he is all business when considering a case, Hotusing never loses his humanity.

“He exercises compassion,” said Liana. “He has an impeccable reputation.”

The judge also has a very special distinction.

One weekend a month and two weekends out the year, Hotusing trades his judge’s robes for the uniform of an Army reservist.

Until 2013, at the least, Hotusing will serve his country as a captain with the United States Army Reserve, where he is Judge Advocate General, or JAG, for the 174th. Legal Support Organization’s Team Orlando.

“It’s really interesting,” he said. “Because of the power of the court, I can give orders, but with the military I’m receiving orders.”

As a JAG, he offers legal assistance to members of the United States Army. Hotusing always wanted to join the military.

“In 2005, when I thought I was too old, I was driving to work when I heard on the radio that they had upped the age,” he said.

He joined right up. “I feel everyone should help their country,” he said.

Being a judge won’t preclude him from being deployed.

“That’s always a possibility,” he said. “There are no exceptions.”

Part of the reason he joined the military is to set an example for his son.


“His son sees his father as doer, not just a talker,” said Liana. “My husband is committed to service for the long-term.”

Judge Hotusing savors the time spent with his wife and six-year-old son.

“The three of us walk every night with our dog,” said Liana. “He’s a huge family man.”

The Hotusing’s yellow Labrador, Cane, bears the name of the judge’s favorite sports team.

“We’re big Hurricanes fans,” he explained.

“Our whole family cheers for the University of Miami. I love sports.”

Hotusing’s other love is quarter-mile drag racing. The judge doesn’t get much of a chance to let his Mustang racer out of the paddock these days, but he still keeps the pony in the stable.

“I still own that Mustang,” he said.

Being a judge has proven to be a dream-come-true for Hotusing.

“The county court bench is a wonderful place to be,” he said.

“I get to help people on a daily basis.”

For her part, Liana Hotusing is glad she listened to Oscar’s sister-in-law long ago in Miami.

“She was right,” she said. “He is a wonderful man.”

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