About Christopher Nida
Christopher Nida Patterson is a Circuit Judge for the 14th Judicial Circuit in Bay County, Florida. He was admitted to the Florida Bar on October 21, 1985, and has been serving as a judge since his appointment. Judge Patterson earned his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad College of Law in 1985. He holds board certifications in Criminal Trial Law, obtained in 1995, and in Criminal Trial Advocacy.
Before his judicial appointment, Judge Patterson practiced law in Panama City, focusing on criminal defense and DUI & DWI cases. He was a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In addition to his legal career, Judge Patterson has been active in community service. He served as Assistant District Governor for Rotary International District 6940, contributing to various community initiatives.
Judge Patterson is admitted to practice before several courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Florida. As of February 2026, Judge Patterson continues to serve as Circuit Judge in Bay County, Florida, overseeing cases in the 14th Judicial Circuit.
