"The Robing Room: CA State Judges

Hon. Harry L. Powazek	See Rating Details
Judge Superior Court
San Diego County	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 3.4 - 4 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 1.0 - 11 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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General Rating Criteria

* 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=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling		(1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)

Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation		(1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail		(1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)

Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation		(1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination		(1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)

Comments

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What others have said about Hon. Harry L. Powazek

Comments

Other

Comment #: CA53866
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I am relieved to hear Powazek has ended his reign of terror. He is a horrible person who should have never been allowed to preside over Family Court. He is the worst type of human there is; he hides behind being a judge. Powazek is a biased, woman-hating judge who never cared about the best interest of the child. He is lazy and continued case after case, wasting everyone's time.The synopsis that was written about Powazek on the San Diego Superior Court website is exactly who Powazek is not. Powazek must of wrote that about himself. For the parents who do not have to go through Powazek in Family Court, you have no idea how lucky you are. Go home hug your children and thank the universe that you do not have that monster in your life. Powazek you deserve nothing but the worst. Now you cannot hurt any more children. You are truly a horrible person. Good Bye

Litigant

Comment #: CA41678
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Attention:The review immediately below is mine. It has been redacted to remove
information that judge powazek makes deals with attorneys and that his family members smoke marijuana and are involved in cannabis trade, while he took my child away supposedly over marijuana use.
Dear moderators, please leave my reviews alone, the public needs to know that they are at the mercy of a dirty judge. and he should know that the public is aware. I have proof of everything I'm claiming about him. This is not a half-assed allegation. I'm a law abiding person and everything I have on him is legally obtained.

Litigant

Comment #: CA41649
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
My name is Dina and I am the author of comment 37042. I no longer believe that judge powazek is sexist. I now know for a fact that judge powazek [Redacted by Ed.] ......I'm a woman but because my son's fate was predecided between the attorneys on our case and powazek. I have proof and am currently suing my attorney Emily Bray. If you had a similar experience, please get a hold of me at robbedbytherobe@gmail.com
Powazek took my baby away after I raised him by myself for 11 years without a snag, n he accused me of having a marijuana problem. [redacted] It was all pretend, to take my child away. He gave my son to his father to live in a trailer with no running water and eat garbage food.
Powazek knows who I am and that I'm actively gathering momentum to raise awareness and bring him down. I will do everything I'm legally able to do to remove him from the bench. Please speak out against corruption and write me your story.
People in every circle of his life, including his family members, know that he is a shameless dishonest baby thief. I have had success with figuring out which attorneys are in on it, there are about 8 who are connected to this atrocity, [redacted]
Please contact me, together we can fight this guy!

Litigant

Comment #: CA40211
Rating:1.0

Comments:
ladies, he will do anything in his power to take your child away from you, he hates mothers, especially good mothers, the harder you try the more time he will take from you, I guarantee it. Hes not right in the head, he hates women, hes not that crazy about children either, he called my son "the kid" the entire time he was bullshiting us about whats best for "the kid"

Litigant

Comment #: CA39852
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This man is dangerous. He treat domestic violence victims with suspicion, blatantly favors men, cracks jokes about disability accommodation requests, denies disability accommodation requests, shouts at plaintiffs and defendants, and is never on top of his cases. He declared that he’s read pleadings, but has no knowledge of what has been filed. He allowed a DV victim with a disability to starve and blocked them from receiving medical treatment. He is a liability and a monster.

Litigant

Comment #: CA38788
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Powazek just got a transfer to central courthouse in downtown, to solely preside over long cause evidentiary hearings. He won't have his own cases, he will dip his toe into every case set for trial, not read a damn thing, talk shit to mom's attorney, belittle mom about something completely trivial, ruin everyone's lives, and check out. On to the next one...And with the upcoming access to every case in central courthouse, the newly granted blanket power will go to his head like never before. The man is a narcissistic, overconfident, self-absorbed thug. Run from him

Other

Comment #: CA38776
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I have read your comment over and over, I find it entertaining. When I need a dose of B.S. or a good laugh, I read your comment. Do you realize, wait no you don’t, that you tell the reader your identity? Your fragile ego is so out of control you can’t help yourself. Let me explain, you state “you are an observer in Powazek courtroom when he presided over a divorce trial.” that you were “impressed by his knowledge of the case”, said no one ever. You continue stating “he read thick binders of evidence presented by both parties prior to trial and knew it well enough to correct both attorneys on the details.” As a spectator in Powazek courtroom how would you know if they were binders? How would you know if they were thick? You would not unless you were clairvoyant, I can confidently state that you are not. You then insult both attorneys, this is before you reveal their gender. Further stating “his application of the law made sense and seemed fair to both parties.” Why would you need to state that Powazek is fair? It is assumed that a judge is fair to both parties, however you felt it necessary to state it. More of your identity is coming into focus. You continue, “he was well versed in a lengthy case that had dragged on four years in front of a prior judge who retired.” Powazek allowed my case to drag on for six years. It seems to me compared to Powazek the Previous judge was efficient. You continue stating “one of the attorneys was unprepared in spite of years of prep time and the judge refused to allow anymore extensions.” Again, you insult the attorney, and the attorney who requested the extension was probably a female respondent.” We all know how fair you treat them. You continue stating judge Powazek also exhibited extreme patience and spoke softly when he ruled on issues and when speaking with the parties involved his demeanor helped keep everyone calm during a very tense life changing event.” I am glad you are aware that Powazek rulings are life changing not only for the parent, but the child is well. As for Powazek demeanor keeping everyone calm what you really meant to say was he cuts people off and does not allow them to talk or state their case, especially women. This is one of my favorite lines you wrote, “both attorneys were women and I saw no indication of bias on either side.” “I like that he kept it serious and did not make light of any mistakes that either attorney made and calmly explained what was correct.” If Powazek was not/is not bias of women, why would you feel it necessary to say he is not bias of women only a guilty person would make that comment. This is when I had no doubt that the author of this comment was Powazek himself. Is it because they are women, they make mistakes? Is it because they are women they were not prepared? Is it because they were women you must correct them? you stated in your last sentence” I consider him gifted in the art of law and would be grateful if he was assigned to any case in which I was a party.” Only A biased judge who has a personal vendetta against women coupled with mommy issues would make that comment. Powazek, I see you for who you are, even if others do not. You may have taken my child away from me, called me unstable, but a woman figured you out.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA38750
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
THE COMMENT BELOW IS A RESPONSE TO THE SECOND COMMENT POSTED ON 8/3/2018 @ 9:14:59

Other

Comment #: CA37928
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I am a researcher that has sat in rooms to observe nearly hundreds of family court hearings, to learn more about the family court process. I have observed many judges in all types of domestic/family law hearings within San Diego County. Judge Powazek is the most different of all the judges: He sticks out like a sore thumb. He is sarcastic, cold, interrupts people, rolls his eyes, and demeaning toward women.(and I am a man saying this). It appears that he intentionally keeps people coming back, to keep them in the system longer than necessary. He does not read what has been filed, even though he says "I have read the entire file". It is blatantly obvious that he takes a bias approach and definitely takes issue with mothers. Look at his calendar on any given day: Why is his the most saturated out of all of the other judges? Most of the other judges I have observed seem reasonable, but this judge clearly is not reasonable nor fair. His "kick the can down the road" mindset is costing peoples lives. Children are losing in the end.

Litigant

Comment #: CA37042
Rating:1.0

Comments:
If I could appear before Harry Powazek for the first time all over again, it would be with a preemptory challenge to "unsubscribe" from this insecure, misogynistic buffoon. This poor excuse for "Honoroble" is the living, breathing, family destroying, personal vendetta furthering, litigation prolonging, rule breaking, man favoring, energy sucking, fraud perpetuating proof that electing Terminator as Governor was a bad idea. Fortunately we could vote Arnie out, Harry is here to stay.
Ladies, if you ever had the misfortune to wed or coparent with a man who's a total energy draining nuisance, don't let Powazek handle your divorce/custody, because, guess what? Now you got TWO energy draining nuisances you can't get rid off.
Judge Powazek, I know you read these reviews, please know that any time your name comes up in a group of family law attorneys, someone always responds with "Harry is an idiot". I have actually considered giving up fighting my case just to get rid of you! No one respects you, attorneys dread having to appear before you, about 95% of your rulings have nothing to do with what was offered as evidence, but are based instead on your sick wish to get rid of mothers in children's lives.
Ladies, if you missed your shot at a preemptory challenge, sue him! Find something to file a lawsuit against him for. It won't hurt him at all, judges have immunity, but it will force him off your case. Trust me, Harry will be the most deserving man you will ever dump.
A shanda fir die goyim!

Litigant

Comment #: CA36799
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I am trying to reach as many people as possible. If you have been or are in Judge Powazek's courtroom and have been unfairly treated. Please contact me. I would be interested to hear your story. My hope is with enough people we can hold him accountable, if not him then San Diego County. He is biased and sexist. Please email me at nexusalexis01@gmail.com

Other

Comment #: CA35821
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Powazek, is bias and one sided. He turns a blind eye to the truth and facts presented to him in his court room. Powazek is not about family, he is about creating conflict between the two parties and then declaring a winner. Siding (in my case) with my ex because he is in Law Enforcement. Dragging out court proceedings for over 5 years until he finally took my child from me, for no other reason than my ex being in law enforcement. He assisted my ex in alienating our child from the other parent. He does have the ability to do his job, he is unfit to judge a dog show. My heart goes out to anyone who is unfortunate enough to step foot in his court room. Please, you have had similar treatment by Harry Powazek please contact me at nexusalexis01@gmail.com

Litigant

Comment #: CA34826
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Powazek made many mistakes in our support case. We have had to return numerous times to try and fix those mistakes. He has also presided over our custody case and while he came out in favor of me, it is still clear that he does not read any of the pleadings filed. He seems confused quit often and I agree with others that he probably needs to retire.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA34210
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Please retire. He jokes around with peoples' lives as he hopes to be liked by any ladies present. First time in a court room, and I was shocked at how nonchalantly a judge can shirk their responsibility to be fair and impartial.

Other

Comment #: CA34209
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Extremely disgusted with his lack of professionalism and laziness. Refused to glance and legally filed evidence to dispute lies because he had a soft spot for defendant.

Five minutes of reviewing the official documentation would have apprised him to the situation.

Racist thug with no morals. Simple things like a the defendant claiming they have $0 in their account yet they are gainfully employed fulltime - he did not even question that. Timestamped proof of visits, he ignored and took her word that there were no visits. Even calculated actual pay (with stubs), he ignored and used a number the defendant gave him?

He even giggled to the opposing attorney that, "after how much I've really ordered him to pay, I now can only put him on a payment plan to pay you".

Defendant cut every corner, lied on all her documents via her lawyer, and this "judge" actually awarded her more money than she initially requested. If you do not want to do the job, please retire. You are playing with peoples' lives.

Other

Comment #: CA33790
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Powazek has allowed for OP to drag me through his court room for over 4 years , pertaining child custody. Powazek always seems to have an attitude every time we have a hearing. He definitely does not like me, the respondent and mother and doesn't pretend to. He is clearly bias, even my attorney agrees. He will entertain thousands of pages of frivolous lodments filed by OP yet read none of my declarations or lodgments, which are always short and sweet. Every time I have hard a hearing he complains about how busy is calendar is and he doesn't have time to listen to the matter. Two minor children have suffered for 4 years now at the hands of this judge. A text book narcissist OP has ruined us, and the judge either doesn't see the sickness or is just as sick himself. I could go on and on with concrete examples but wanted to make this concise.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA33597
Rating:1.2

Comments:
time for him to retire. he obviously does not take sufficient time to hear cases involving children.

Litigant

Comment #: CA33312
Rating:1.0

Comments:
In efforts to make this as brief as possible, I will summarize as best as possible.

This is the first and only complaint I have ever made regarding a Judge, but I feel it is my civic duty to do so in efforts to help protect others, specifically children. Powazek took over our custody case after divorse regarding our 2 young children which I have always had primary custody of because their father has severely abused myself and our children for almost a decade. This has all been documented in his courtroom, with dozens of witness statements, witness testimony and father's own words admitting severe abuse of our children and myself over the years. However, Powazek has done nothing to protect these children from their father on numerous occasions. For example, when I was granted a Temporary Restraining Order (by another Judge) against father for the continued abuse - Powazek did not give me a full Hearing to explain that my safety was at risk, rather he stopped the Hearing after approximately 10 minutes, refused to put father on the stand, as my atty requested, and took away the Restraining Order - doing nothing to protect me and our children. After having 10+ years of father's abuse documented in his courtroom for years at that point, even my attorney was speechless.

In addition, father is in Contempt of the Court for not following numerous court orders and Powazek did nothing to enforce these orders - in essence "permitting" father to not follow these court orders - on numerous occasions.

There is much, much more, however I feel like I explained enough to show that it is a pattern of Powazek's courtroom to not protect women and children in my case, when there were multiple occasions Powazek could have protected us, but chose not to.

I am in the process of filing a formal complaint against Judge Powazek with The Commission on Judicial Performance in San Francisco, CA as we speak. This is the only way I could find to try to help prevent this from happening to other people's children and/or themselves. It is a tragedy what this Judge has done to my family and I pray no one else has to go through something as horrific and what he has done to myself and my children.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA31507
Rating:1.4

Comments:
Judge Powazek favored my ex-husband the entire time. He allowed our case to go on for over 4 years. He did not read my statements, because he had his mind already made up. The judge belittled and insulted me. He did not haver an accurate view of my case.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA14193
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I was an observer in his courtroom when he presided over a divorce trial. I was very impressed by his knowledge of the case. He had read thick binders of evidence presented by both parties prior to trial and knew it well enough to correct both attorneys on the details. His application of the law made sense and seemed fair to both parties. He was well versed in a lengthy case that had dragged on four years in front of a prior judge who had retired. One of the attorneys was unprepared in spite of years of prep time and the judge refused to allow any more extensions. Judge Powazek also exhibited extreme patience and spoke softly when he ruled on issues and when speaking with the parties involved. His demeanor helped keep everyone calm during a very tense life changing event. Both attorneys were women and I saw no indication of bias on either side. I liked that he kept it serious and didn't make light of any mistakes that either attorney made and calmly explained what was correct. I consider him gifted in the art of law and would be grateful if he was assigned to any case in which I was a party.

Litigant

Comment #: CA10514
Rating:2.0

Comments:
This judge displayed misogynistic tendencies throughout the custody hearing. My ex was sulking and downtrodden and the judge was speaking comforting words to him. But to me; once my ex and I settled the judge actually said 'Are you sure you want to settle, she has problems?'. What in the world? Coming out of domestic violence I was treated like the perpetrator rather than the victim by this judge. I believe he is now out of family court and am grateful should I have to return.