Hon. Hayden W. Head, Jr. See Rating Details
District Judge See Comments
S.D.Tex.  
Average Rating:7.3 - 16 rating(s)
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Ratings
*Temperament:   (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
*Scholarship:   (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
*Industriousness:   (1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
*Ability to Handle Complex Litigation:    (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
*Punctuality:    (1=Chronic`y Late,10=Always on Time)
*Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation:    (1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
*Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation:   (1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Flexibility In Scheduling   (1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)
General Inclination Regarding Bail (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases, Pre-Trial:   (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Civil Settlement Discussions:   (1=Least Involved,10=Most Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases, Trial:    (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases, Sentencing:    (1=Most Lenient,10=Most Harsh)
Typical Discount Off Guidelines for Cooperators:    (1=10%,10=100%)
  Items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating
Comments


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What others have said about Hon. Hayden W. Head, Jr.


Comments


Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 23203
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
J. Head was one of my first fed trial judges I appeared before many years ago...my first time in Head's court I witnessed the dressing down of a couple of defense attys that were not prepared, and later a prosecutor was also taken to task for fumbling-- the only fed court I've been in numerous states where I actually felt sorry for the prosecutors and probation officers! BUT--I learned to be totally prepared for everything--including the law and reasoning (case law) behind the law of every federal rule, motion etc. that came up. I respected him because he wasn't just hard on defense lawyers and defendants, but also on prosecutors and agents!-Something rare...so after the environs of J. Head's court I was not intimidated by any other judge in any other jurisdiction, and there are some spookier fed judges out there. In return for being prepared, he listened to (considered) argument although didn't always agree; mostly fair to my clients, although he did make a 404(b) ruling once at trial that tipped a case in favor of the government...the 5th Circuit's take on that? "Harmless error." Of course error is "harmless" unless you're the one that has to do 15-20 years....

Send e-mail to this poster 1/7/2016 4:53:31 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 21501
Rating:5.0
Comments:
This judge got the job because his was a political boss for years. He wasn't much of a lawyer, and couldn't try his way out of a paper bag before he took the bench in his 30's. He is horrible in trials, as he is a bully and never shuts up long enough for anyone to to cross or direct someone. He does not let you put on your case without inappropriate remarks about the lawyers and finding a way to assert his authority. The federal courts will be a better place when he and Judge Janis Jack are gone from the bench. People are actually lighting candles for the day they retire. When in front of him, never ask for a continuance and get ready for "twenty questions" on anything. If in criminal court, have your client very prepped. If in civil court, have your pretrial conference stuff ready. He has no compassion for people who live in the real world and practice law.

Send e-mail to this poster 2/12/2014 8:07:37 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 18800
Rating:6.7
Comments:
Very bright. One of the sharpest I've been in front of. He seemed to have a genuine concern for the defendant. Gave him a fair sentence at the low end of the guidelines.

Send e-mail to this poster 10/17/2012 4:42:15 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 18345
Rating:8.9
Comments:
Very wise. Will yell but not treacherous or deceitful. Tries to be honest and work hard. A bit heavy handed on drug cases, but he sees drugs as a genuine, evil.

Send e-mail to this poster 8/3/2012 10:21:13 PM

Civil Litigation - Govt.

Comment #: 11999
Rating:4.0
Comments:
Judge Head seems to believe that "fairness" is achieved by nastiness toward everyone in view. He randomly berates lawyers, witnesses, jurors and his own staff in open court.

Send e-mail to this poster 2/22/2011 7:56:58 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 10501
Rating:9.7
Comments:
I once stood before Judge Head and I thought he was very fair, even if others didn't think he was. I think he is an excellent Judge and a good friend.

Send e-mail to this poster 7/6/2010 3:34:16 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 6563
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Moody and occasionally ill-tempered, but smart, possesses a deep sense of justice, and yes, an equal opportunity butt-chewer. Your experience can be greatly improved if you prepare, which he will note and recognize.

Send e-mail to this poster 7/30/2008 9:39:00 PM

Probation or Pretrial Officer

Comment #: 5910
Rating:7.1
Comments:
Bad-tempered, mean and rude.

Send e-mail to this poster 3/17/2008 5:18:25 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 5400
Rating:9.9
Comments:
I think he is one of the best there is.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/15/2007 4:12:28 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 3956
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Remarkable even tempered and fair minded, hardworking, intelligent jurist. What a pleasure to be in his court

Send e-mail to this poster 4/8/2007 5:34:29 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 1852
Rating:7.5
Comments:
Brilliant but ill-tempered. Equal opportunity ass chewer though-no one is exempt from his wrath.

Send e-mail to this poster 8/24/2006 8:43:51 AM

Other

Comment #: 1849
Rating:4.0
Comments:
Bad Temper.

Send e-mail to this poster 8/23/2006 6:46:37 PM