When I am evaluating a prospective client, I always check to see which Judge the case is assigned.
This is important. Perhaps not so much to the client, who understandably doesn't know who the Judge is. But it is critical to me.
You see, I've been doing this since 2007. 19 years. I've practiced in front of countless Judges. Many of whom I see on a regular - sometimes even weekly - basis.
So I know these Judges. I know that Judge X takes the bench at 8:59 a.m. sharp and not one second past. And he immediately begins his arraignment calendar and if you are not there, well...just make sure you're there.
And I know that Judge Y's Court notices say that she starts at 9:30 but I know that 9:45-9:50 is more like it, so if I come into her courtroom at 10 a.m., that won't be an issue.
And I know that Judge Z does not like cases getting old in his division, so by the 4-6 month mark, the Judge is wanting to know if this case is going to plea or go to trial.
But Judge Q is very hands-off and will allow the parties to take as much time as necessary to resolve a case or prepare it for trial.
These details are so important, and if your lawyer has no idea who this Judge is, or has never practiced in front of them, that can create some serious issues.
A more hands-on Judge with a strong managerial approach to their docket means a tighter schedule, more work in a shorter period of time, and to say the least - a more stressful experience.
A Judge that allows cases to progress naturally means that discovery can take place at a more reasonable pace. This frees me up to focus on other cases equally without one case monopolizing my time.
Does this factor into setting a fee for a case? You betcha!
But above all things, does your attorney have a relationship with the Judge?
Am I walking into a courtroom where the Judge greets me kindly, "Good Morning, Mr. Matheny?"
Or do they leer down at me and mutter, "State your name for the record, Counsel."
It makes a difference.
Ask your attorney if they know the Judge assigned to your case, and if they have ever practiced in front of that Judge.
On the flip side - has your attorney had a negative experience with that Judge?
These are critical questions that you should be asking of all prospective criminal defense attorneys.