"The Robing Room: FL State Judges

Hon. Maria E. Dennis	See Rating Details
Circuit Court
Miami-Dade County 11th Circuit	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 5.0 - 16 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 3.0 - 19 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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Only items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating.

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. Maria E. Dennis

Comments

Other

Comment #: FL8664
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Bias, hate women, very loopy, haven’t any idea about Florida statue, the law it what she wants. During my hearing, she spoke about how hungry she is and about her dogs.

Other

Comment #: FL8662
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
The most incompetent judge always cancels or isn’t available ignored facts doesn’t look at motions or evidence. Is extremely bias possibly on payroll

Other

Comment #: FL8007
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge is rude. Is bias against woman. She is barely in court. And when she is her trials last years because she has no avail court dates. She gave an abusive narcissistic parent major life decision making and more custody of a child with no good reason. Beware this judge who will take custody away from a parent even if they are a good parent. This judge should be removed immediately

Litigant

Comment #: FL7999
Rating:2.0

Comments:
condescending. Came into the session with her mind made. Rude.
it took us one year to get in front of her and she quickly sends matters back to mediation. imparted judgment without consideration for the party's arguments.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL7233
Rating:1.3

Comments:
Unable to keep up with court cases. Ignores motions and the rule of law. What she believes is the law is the law.
Nothing can help her. Someone should help her start her own business.

Litigant

Comment #: FL6871
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Condescending, disregards the law in favor of her opinion. Gave felon who kidnapped a child with no established paternity custody, subjecting mother to DNA test and child to extensive trauma. Far from impartial, should NOT be in Family court.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL6690
Rating:1.1

Comments:
Trying to improve after a stint in Probate Court. Still has a long ways to go.

Other

Comment #: FL6397
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Doesn't seem to like the job of a Judge and someone that should be prepared except that its better than actually as a practicing attorney needing clients.
Doesn't make room for others on her schedule.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: FL6284
Rating:10.0

Comments:
The judge was very even and fair. She was extremely thorough in our litigation matter that involved extensive research and legal analysis. I was very pleased with the proceeding.

Litigant

Comment #: FL6283
Rating:10.0

Comments:
The judge took care of my case quickly. She asks the right questions and everything ran smoothly. Very happy

Litigant

Comment #: FL5884
Rating:10.0

Comments:
She treats us with respect and fairly listens to our opinions. Can't get any better with a judge in an area of practice that is already so adversarial.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL5883
Rating:10.0

Comments:
In my 20+ years of practicing, I can wholeheartedly say that Judge Dennis knows the law and follows it to the T. You know what you're getting when you walk into that courtroom: professionalism and appropriate treatment. There's a reason she's been on the bench for over 16 years.

Prosecutor

Comment #: FL5844
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Honestly, one of the best trials I have ever won. Judge Dennis radiates professionalism and allows you to run your own trial; of course, subject to the rules. Not only did I have a great time putting forth my case, but I also enjoyed the freedom I had in the courtroom doing so.
**had to repost for the rating**

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL5842
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Dennis is extremely knowledgeable and punctual. She is beyond professional. I count myself lucky to practice in a field with an individual like her. She truly sets an example for young attorneys.

Other

Comment #: FL5840
Rating:10.0

Comments:
It is no surprise that the only people that take the time to write disparaging comments are those who felt they had an "unfair" or "biased" experience simply because there was no merit to their case and therefore, they lost. A competent judge is one who thoroughly looks at the facts of a case and properly renders a decision - not one who rushes through especially when there are children involved. Regardless of your opinion, these comments should be free of rude and uncalled for statements. Judge Dennis has been in her position for 18 years for a reason. She's competent and highly regarded in the legal community.

Litigant

Comment #: FL5828
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Catatonic, has failed to respond to 5 motions over a 7 month period. One of the motions she directed counsel to draw up at her request. She forgot that she initiated the motion, was reminded by counsel and still didn't sign the order to this day. Totally incompetent. This saga resides in probate court and there are NO disagreements among the beneficiaries . She's wasting everyone's time . She appears to be mentally disabled.

Other

Comment #: FL5561
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Mrs.Dennis was bias and showed no interest to the facts presented in my case. Representing myself at the time against the opposing counsel whom I believe she clearly had affiliations with due to the FACT she signed a judgment that was NOT of her oral judgment along with her continuance to sign doc after NO LONGER BEING ASIGNED TO MY CASE, AND being moved to different circuit court.After speaking with several of HER clerks and assistants who advise " She wasn't signing and I ironically she did because of the non legal representation I did not have a the time. She is UNHONORABLE and shall reap what she and the Petitioner and Opposing Counsel Sowed. The many discrepancies on the partial final judgment rest my case but since I was outnumbered they took full advantage..With her allowing the scripting of my children she will be repaid by Superior other than her self. REst Assure her days are coming.Her refusal to even glance at the evidence e filed in the court docs confirms the favoritism, bias and unprofessionalism she shows in the court room. Along with many others expressing the characteristic they've experienced with her. After the contempt she allowed herself to committed against me because her disliking of me because I was vocal is beyond the sole purpose of my reasoning's of being in her court room in the first place.her personal preference reflects her judgment and actions. May The LOrd Be With Her for Our dues catch up to us.

Other

Comment #: FL4960
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Nothing good or positive can be said about this judge. Destroys families and children. May take you six years to settle your case. Likes to punish and takes sides. Evidence means nothing. Rules by her superior intuition. Absolutely the worse Judge in M-D.

Other

Comment #: FL4948
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Terrible Judge, She was on her cell phone while key witnesses were on stand. Very one way and rude. Has caused lots of stress on the children and she doesn't care of the outcome. There has to be an order for her not to be a Family Judge anymore. She is not helping families she is ruining them. by lingering and prolonging the cases. What could of taking 3 months to settle has been taking over 1 year and a half. She doesn't practice justice fairly.

Litigant

Comment #: FL4688
Rating:1.0

Comments:
jD cancels or doesn't show up. She never reads anything prior to hearing. It takes for ever for a response even for an emergency pertaining to a violent child with suicidal tendencies and no self control. She's a mother too. I spent a 100k on an attorney before going pro se. I never once had an opportunity to speak. She is a disgrace. I don't even understand how she could be allowed to rule and that there's no checks and balances. Horrible. Nightmare.

Other

Comment #: FL4319
Rating:10.0

Comments:
She was fair,understanding she's very professional and she knows the law 100%

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL4223
Rating:1.3

Comments:
Do not go before this judge pro se if you have a complex case. This judge will take you to the cleaners if she doesn't like you or what you have to say. You must pay for a court reporter as this helps constrain her run away disregard for the law. Expect delay as a method to extract her pre-evidence decision. Total abuse of judicial discresion as this judge thinks that her courtroom is a sanctuary and she can do what she wants and she does.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: FL4083
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I agree with all the other negative comments. Biased and prejudicial. Once she has her mind made up, nothing can change it. Ignores the law, statutes and the constitution as if they were not in existence. Ignores ethics and timeliness cannons. Cares little for children and the abusive environment they are in.

Other

Comment #: FL4018
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Worst Judge ever!After many recommendations by psychologists & Social Workers for the children not being unsupervised by their father. She interviews the abusive father's abusive alcoholic GF to determine that the kids should be unsupervised by their father and removes my restraining order 2yrs.ago.Today DCF removed the kids from their abusive alcoholic father & his abusive alocholic GF!! She should not be serving on the bench as a judge.She has poor judgment skills & is self-serving. Never does what's best for the kids,only her reputation of attorneys.Really a disgrace to our justice system and a DANGER to the families and children.

Other

Comment #: FL3755
Rating:4.0

Comments:
Never before have I been in a trial, but I think my divorce was unfair because the incompetence of this judge, spent two years in court and my rights were violated since that started. I ended up with psychiatric treatment and high blood pressure permanently. I really do not know other judges, but unfortunately my opinion about her is not good, not acting fairly. I am very disappointed

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: FL3726
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
One of the worst judges on the bench. Terrible courtroom demeanor, rude, arrogant, and not very bright.

Other

Comment #: FL3197
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
She is an embarrassment to the family court system. She is extremely unprofessional, and has awful facial expressions. This is a lazy judge who should be thrown off the bench.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: FL2810
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I'VE BEEN PRACTICING FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS AND I AM APPAULED AT THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS HERE. I 'VE ONLY HAD POSITIVE EXPERIENCES WITH JUDGE DENNIS IN COURT. SHE'S PATIENT, INTELLIGENT, AND RULES BY THE LAW. THE JOB ITSELF WILL ALWAYS UPSET ONE PARTY OR THE OTHER, HOWEVER, WIN OR LOSE I ALWAYS LEFT HER COURT KNOWING I GOT A FAIR RULING.

Other

Comment #: FL2640
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The not so Honarable Maria Espinosa Dennis, would prefer to focus on a re-election rather than her job she was voted in to do. She is condescending and makes her decisions with out actually understanding the cases she handles. I pray that she serves her last day as a Family Court Judge in January. I assume they never taught decency where she attended school.

Other

Comment #: FL2627
Rating:1.0

Comments:
i was in court on sept 18th, with my ex husband who has 3 dui and live in a extremely high crime neighborhood(living situation studio apartment,no beds or extra room for my daughters. And still judge maria granted him our 4 year old twin daughters every weekend, return to me at 9pm at night. she said my 4 year old daughters Irena and Sophia can sleep on a phuthah, sorry for spelling.I also ask for child support, i been a single mother for 3 years now and she said why are u asking for money this poor guys is not making enough money. i was blow away by her ruling this was not in the best interest of my Irena and Sophia .my ex husband Paul i. tynning deserves every right to be with our twins but under certain boundaries... this cold heated judge was extremely BIS.

Other

Comment #: FL2295
Rating:1.0

Comments:
All court reporters hate this judge. She will not allow court reporters to have an audio backup because she doesn't want to be held to her word. This causes poor and inaccurate transcripts. She goes off the record and bullies attorneys and then goes back on the record and doesn't want any of it ever being repeated. She is a total disgrace!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL2113
Rating:1.1

Comments:
an absolute embarassment and disgrace to the legal profession

Other

Comment #: FL2009
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This Judge is biased beyond belief. One has to question her relationship with members of council because of the level of unfairness and favor in hearing arguments from one-side, while ignoring motions filed on the other-side. She has been known to allow custody cases to be prolonged for several years (with no decision being made) while the child hangs in limbo. She has little or no regard for the child or his/her mental health and well-being.

Litigant

Comment #: FL1988
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Applies her own law to the case and doesn't listen to argument of counsel, making brash judgments on the spot, at the same condescending and disrespectful.

Litigant

Comment #: FL1976
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She is jaded, she has "deals" with attorneys and makes decisions that brutally favor one party. Glosses over details, doesn't have a good understanding of the case, tries and rules based on how her relationships with the lawyer... She disregards the law and pretends to care for the best interest of the child.. she doesn't give a s$hit about anyone or anything, her biggest concern is if her favorite lawyer will be paid and how.. I am sure she "sells" her services for support of her campaign... She is a disgrace to the lega system of the USA, she should be removed from office, a dangerous person who has the power to destroy someone's life.. and his dependents.. I find her highly incompetent.. She thinks she is the smartest person in the room and missed 85% of the details.. She signed the Final judgement of the opposing lawyer AS IS with NO changes... Nothing.. She is a hired gun.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL1916
Rating:1.3

Comments:
The worst jurist in Miami-Dade County history. The lady completely and totally disregards the law.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: FL1552
Rating:9.9

Comments:
Very fair, knowledgeable and hardworking judge. She has done a great job in every division that she has been assigned to.

Litigant

Comment #: FL1550
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Awful. Condescending and insulting to both sides, attorneys and litigants alike. Facial expressions are contemptuous. Pompous. Inability to make a decision results in cases lingering forever and sucking the finances of the parties completely dry. Awful. A judicial disgrace.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: FL894
Rating:1.1

Comments:
Totally missing in action. Try to find her at work after 3:00 p.m. any day of the week. Takes anything remotely requiring thought under advisement and doesn't rule. Has gone through more judicial assistants in her short tenure than most judges in a career. Needs to be challenged in an election since almost anyone else would be an improvement.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: FL292
Rating:5.3

Comments:
Not as bad as some say. Willing to rule which is unlike some judges. But not at the top of the pile.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL275
Rating:2.3

Comments:
She is never on time. Even though you might have a special setting, her personal issues take priority. Better hope that the case before you in motion calendar doesn't make her mad, for you will bear the wrath of her anger.