"The Robing Room: FL State Judges

Hon. Jan Shackelford	See Rating Details
Circuit Court
Escambia County 1st Circuit	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 3.8 - 11 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 2.0 - 21 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. Jan Shackelford

Comments

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL9268
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Jan Shackleford can not be trusted. She has abused people through her judicial position.

Other

Comment #: FL9239
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Superior - Knowledge of the Law, courtroom and docket management; extremely hard working, impartial, ultra-professional. My three decades with USDOJ and all court jurisdictions tells me the incessant negative comments by one person are wrong, personal to a point of clouded judgment and compulsive.

Litigant

Comment #: FL9238
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
The most biased and self centered human I have ever met. She is HORRIBLE and HATEFUL and has no feelings! She does not deserve to be a Judge.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL9237
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Florida Justice System is Literally Torturing Innocent Man!

Zane Crowder, now 35 years old, has been wrongly incarcerated in a Florida prison, by

Judge Jan Shackleford of Pensacola, Florida since he was 23 years old. While Zane’s

tragic story is long and involved, the following facts are indisputable:

Zane was convicted based solely on allegations by Shyane Ellis, an eight-year-old at

the time, that Zane touched her privates.

There was no physical evidence in support of the accusation, even though the girl was

thoroughly examined by a medical professional. The examining professional confirmed

there was “no physical evidence of any damage to the vaginal area.” There

was “no vaginal discharge or infections.”

Zane learned the day of trial that Judge Shackleford was prejudiced toward his attorney

Patrece Cashwell.

Attorney Cashwell failed to obtain any expert witnesses for Zane or any other crucial

testimony on his behalf.

Zane’s one day trial and subsequent conviction occurred on a Friday, creating what

many call a “fire house jury”.

Judge Jan Shackleford subsequently sentenced Zane to Life plus 25 years for

allegedly touching his friend’s daughter.

It is an absolute fact that Judge Shackleford’s sentence was way beyond Cruel and

Unusual punishment even if Zane was guilty, which there is strong evidence to the

contrary.

Zane has consistently maintained his innocence since the day he was arrested 13 years

ago.

God help Judge Jan Shackleford for committing this travesty of justice.

Other

Comment #: FL9096
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
US Observer newspaper article about Zane Crowder abuse by Jan Shackleford tells of her demonic ways. Please refer to the current USobserver newspaper article.

Other

Comment #: FL8223
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I just watched the Ashley Britt McArthur murder trial on YouTube. I was amazed at how this judge kept rushing the Attorney's and Court Staff, to finish up the murder trial, before a possible Hurricane might make landfall in Pensacola. This entire case was "rushed up" due to the Judge's misinformed weather information. A trial should never be "rushed due to weather conditions"! lol Whenever a person is on trial for murder... This is unbelievable, and it's all on videotape! It's easy to see by viewing this entire trial that this Defendant was "fed to the lions" at Judge Shackleford's rushed up court proceedings. Her Attorney's, the father and son team, were very lazy, not prepared, and seemed scared to voice their opinions. They could have raised so many more additional issues during this murder trial, and they just sit back, and basically did nothing for their client. They were clearly beat down by Judge Shackleford. Judge Shackelford's "Possum" stories were very tacky during a serious trial, it was very evident that this Judge was trying to be "Buddy Buddy" with the Jury. This is a very unfair Judge, and from what I saw in her demeanor and actions, she should have never been chosen to reside over that trial, and I'm thinking "any trial" at all. It amazes me that this lady has been appointed as a Judge, making these type of life changing decisions. I think that relatives and friends of defendants in Judge Shackelford's court cases, that were sentenced unfairly, should contact the Florida State Bar immediately and file complaints if their loved ones received unfair and biased sentencing. This lady has let this "Judge" title go to her head, in a very bad way. I personally think that this lady should be removed as a Judge immediately, but possibly still be able to practice as an attorney, with guidance from The Florida State Bar. She should be put on probation, and her trials and sentencing, be watched very closely by the State Bar. She is a very biased Judge. Hopefully this lady will be removed from the bench, as a Judge. Maybe The Florida State Bar will receive enough complaints. Also, go higher with the complaints, than The Florida State Bar, and send in complaints every month on this Judge. I think that Ashley McArthur deserves a new trial and a new set of Attorneys, from what I've viewed. The ones that she had really were a disgrace to the law profession. Maybe some of Shackelford's cases and decisions will be looked at again, thanks to this popular in court video.

Other

Comment #: FL7624
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How can This judge look at a Jury and say "we're gonna be team shack!,right?!" , I was told by an attorney that's completely illegal that judges were not allowed by any reason try and persues a jury , But apparently Mrs Shackelford can and get away with it ..She completely ignored the so called witness statement ,who lied not only on the stand 3 times by changing his story 3 times and it's all on paper ! And been recorded , She throwing my best friend away for something she didn't even do , Then they can't even come up with the video footage from the place to prove that my friend did what was accused of! ...She ignored all the testamony proovibg my friends innocence ,then Told my friend who wanted to get up on the bench and say there part , You can only answer yes! Or No! ..WTH and one the best lawyers in Escambia was defending my friend who asked her numerous times to dissmiss ,and to remove her self ,she denied it .,I've read over alot of her cases ,she's thrown Kids in jail for life for crimes with no proof of DNA proof of nothing and recanted whiteness statements ,she's horrible and is one of those judges that just want to make more notches in her belt and a name for herself , I gotta name for her !...I'm making it my life's work and make what ever calls or letters of media plays I got too , To make dang sure Mrs Shackelford is removed From the Bench perminately ..

Other

Comment #: FL7526
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The only reason I rate her so low is not because she isn't capable. She just repeatedly hands down the maximum sentence on menial VOP's. Jail time is not necessary for many of the people that appear but she is consistent with the maximum sentence like a power trip. Not what a judge is supposed to do for the community each case should be weighed and judged on it's individual merits which would not all be maximum sentence for vop.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL7406
Rating:4.1

Comments:
Remove from bench

Other

Comment #: FL7405
Rating:1.0

Comments:
A judge that does not have any concern for the accused should not be on the bench. Sentencing people to hard time for minor vop's ruining the lives of children with no compassion at all. How she sleeps at night i do not know. She has no desire to help people only sentence to the maximum. A little compassion and mercy goes a long way in a childs life who is in front of you to rule on and it would seem she is full of hate and not an honorable judge. One day she'll be asking for a little mercy in front of the final judge and excuses will not help her. She really should be removed from the bench in criminal cases as filling up jails and prison with petty crimes by children that could have been worked out with probation or house arrest only costs tax payers more and burdens the entire system.

Other

Comment #: FL7081
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Excellent Jurist - knows the law, is fair and impartial. Negative comments on this site are one-sided and in many cases false and unfounded - examine the court records and proceedings. Those with repeat complaints, should be excluded from from further diatribes. Allegations not supported by case law and court records. They are beyond misleading, simply false, irrational, and set in a threatening tone.

Other

Comment #: FL7079
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
She is too hard on people. She sends people to prison on petty stuff. My daughter just got sentenced to prison on a VOP for owning a dog and not doing community service. I am sorry but this does not warrant prison time in my eyes.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL6822
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This Judge Handed My Fiancé Who’s Only 19 13 Years Not To Mention He Just Met His kids Because She Gave Him prison Time Last time , Didn’t Let Him know he Was On Probation , Although Not One Probation But two Probations ! This judge is unfair , Doesn’t Care About The People In Her Court , She Needs A Mental Evaluation And Needs To Be Removed From The bench She Also Brought Up his old Case in court. (which didn’t have anything to do with this case )

Other

Comment #: FL6748
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Shackelford recently sentenced a career, violent, criminal to what the State of Florida sentencing guidelines require. The sentence may have been for grand theft, $600 stolen in a burglary/robbery of carton of cigarettes. She made the Circuit safer for all of us and abided by the law. Comments by the same, repetitive diusgruntled person should no longer be tolerated. They are false, misleading, vindictive and threatening.

Other

Comment #: FL6747
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
What kind of HUMAN sentences an apparently desperate man to TWENTY years for stealing $600. worth of cigarettes? That is certainly Cruel and Unusual punishment. Jan must be a mean spirit female living a bitter lifestyle!

Litigant

Comment #: FL6272
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She was not truthful concerning the plea deal, sentencing or how things,would look on my child's record. She scared us,into a plea that has essentially taken away any chances of future employment for him at all, when she promised it would be a deal that would 100% allow him to join the military as planned. Offense over <$20. Public defender was terrible. He got canned for drinking on the job shortly after.

Other

Comment #: FL6271
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge sets a standard for knowledge, fairness, court management, that exceeds any published criteria. The continuing comments of a disgruntled defendant are tiresome and unfounded. Does anyone monitor submissions for veracity?

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL6094
Rating:10.0

Comments:
We did not get the out come we wanted, however I felt the Judge was fair and showed a true caring for my son and for the other family. We were hoping for the minimum and was afraid after reading about her we would get the worst. She gave us somewhere in the middle, which I think was fair.

Other

Comment #: FL6079
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I am retired from the U.S. Department of Justice and in both Federal and State Courts for several years, even into retirement. Judge Shackelford's legal knowledge is superior. Her docket management precise. Her rulings are well considered and legally sound. She inspire3s confidence from the bench from both sides in any issue. Her work ethic and civic concern are an example to all.

Other

Comment #: FL6076
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This person should be brought up on ethic charges for ruling on a case where she knew the plaintiff and ruled in their favor not allowing numerous security video and continued harassment and perjury

Other

Comment #: FL5898
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Shakleford is a very poor Judge. Her knowledge of and following the law are bacisally non-exsistant. This Judge I don't think even likes her job let alone herself. I don't see how she can sit on the bench and brow beat the people as she does. Shackleford appears as if she doesn't care or have time to review a case to it's entirety let alone listen to both sides. I know for a fact some Judge's do their homework prior to hearing a case so they can make the best sound decision. Many chidlrens lives have been turned upside down because of her and I know of a few of these case including my own.
While sitting im court I observed first hand her favortism for her friends and the negative attitude she shows when hearing cases. Shakleford clearly did't want hear both sides. One day she will be Judged herself and it probably wont be nice. Shackleford has no heart and once again hurt many children in the process. I thank God daily she wasn't placed in Federal court and I will continue to pray she is revealed and moved from the bench...maybe they should start with a mental health eval.

Other

Comment #: FL5855
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Nothing "honorable" about this judge. She is a heartless witch, and anything but fair. I watched her give out 1 yr sentences to everyone in her court room regardless of their charges/priors. Please tell me how someone with absolutely no prior record gets the same sentencing as someone who has 10 previous felonies and served 2 years prison! I think she should be locked away for a while.

Litigant

Comment #: FL5826
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Fiance had court 6/13/2017 this past Tuesday for vop failed drug test, with 32 points. He was sentenced by judge Shackelford 24 months in state prison!! Along with a few others that day. I know people that has gotten less time than that for violent crimes. She is very bias and rude. She doesn't seem to look at each individual's case in order to hand down fair judgement. She doesn't even show no interest at all in what the defence attorney has to say on the behalf of his client. She does not need to be in charge of these people's fate. She is by no means fair and just!

Other

Comment #: FL5681
Rating:1.0

Comments:
It's very unfortunate that almost all the reviews posted her are true. Her division is where defendants that may have a chance to prove their innocence are sent to be railroaded. I recently saw she is back in Circuit court, and not being dramatic but I'm terrified for the individuals that will enter the lion's den unprepared. Because in that courtroom, the state will push for the harshest punishment and Mrs. Shackelford will gladly oblige and add her two cents just to degrade you more.

Other

Comment #: FL5573
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I'm very concerned, my son is about to go in front of Judge Shackelford for VOP. He was on house arrest for a year and did not mess up, on probation and he had dirty urinalysis. I'm so scared she will send him to prison.

Other

Comment #: FL5316
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I am horrified that a judge who has messed up so many family cases is now going back to criminal law, where all of the below comments are so correct. I feel that regardless of the circumstances, she is unfeeling, uncaring, and is determined to hand out the maximum sentence, no matter what.

Other

Comment #: FL4618
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge should not be allowed in any court of law. She is biased and does not run her courtroom according to the laws of the state. Her rulings are made before entering the courtroom is opposed to hearing any information that she does not want to rule on.
Please do not let her get appointed to a Federal Judge. She has ruined so many families...Stop this person NOW!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL3553
Rating:1.5

Comments:
This judge consistently takes sides, and facilitates one side to the extent prejudicing the case.

Litigant

Comment #: FL3552
Rating:1.0

Comments:
** Alert *** This judge is rude, unprofessional, exceedingly biased, treats one side entirely differently than another, draws conclusions based on personal values and biases prior to facts being presented, prevents the side she actively works against from presenting motions and facts.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL3493
Rating:1.2

Comments:
Everyone involved in our childs case, including the victim, the prosecutors, and everyone involved thought the charges were beyond anything normal. We all worked out a deal which would have allowed him to enter the military....she was the only one who refused. It was as if she wanted to be certain his future was ruined. He was a passenger and the restitution was under 20.00. He has no job, no car, no military career, and is homeless. His ultimate sentence was all hope being taken away by a judge who is out of touch completely.

Other

Comment #: FL3492
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge is unfair and dishonest. She contridicted herself several times, which we then had to pull court records, at our costs, to prove what had been stated exactly during my sons hearing. Even after proving the incorrect information given to us, which we based a life changing decision on, she refused to help. The charges were incorrect for the crimes. Get the best attorney when dealing with her, as she has been investigated and corrected by supreme court.

Other

Comment #: FL3440
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Most unfair judge I have ever seen.

Other

Comment #: FL3423
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Very prosecution biased judge. did not review anything that would help with proving what actually happened. she automatically went with the state. I feel she is very unfair and I think abuses her power. I thought being a judge was about justice but with her it is only about pleasing her friend from the state dept. I don't feel anyone has a chance to tell their side bc the state always wins!

Other

Comment #: FL3302
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge is very rude. Her V.O.P.'s on minor things should be bonded. She acts as if she doesn't care.

Other

Comment #: FL3180
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
One of the most intelligent, even-handed and effective jurists in the state. She manages the courtroom like a federal judge. She works way too hard in order to ensure non-biased opinions. She makes both sides work harder.

Other

Comment #: FL3179
Rating:10.0

Comments:
She has a precise legal knowledge, and manages her courtroom like a federal judge; she is professional and not biased. I've been in the criminal justice system for four decades, both federal and state. This judge sets a very high standard.

Other

Comment #: FL2884
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This woman should NOT be sitting as a judge in any courtroom, ANYWHERE. With her blatant abuse of the position that was "given" to her I cannot understand how she remains. She is unfair, unjust & downright mean. She has a very serious problem; something is not right with her. The truth will eventually come out & the sooner the better. I honestly believe she is on something.

Other

Comment #: FL2791
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Honorable she most deffinately is NOT!How in the world this woman remains on the bench is beyond me! She has issues!!
One day she will have to answer for the poor decisions she has knowingly made! I hope I'm around to watch!

Other

Comment #: FL2786
Rating:1.0

Comments:
worse judge. ever seen. did not allow witness for the accused, and sided with the DA in everything. gave a very harsh sentence to a person who had never had any sort of a criminal background. this was a first offense and he received 25 years. people who have killed have been given lesser sentences. a big injustice by this judge.

Other

Comment #: FL2714
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Shackelford ignores facts and is very unfair in her rulings. She misuses the power that was granted to her by the people of Pensacola. She is a big time player in the "good ole boy game" and should have to answer for her poor decisions.

Other

Comment #: FL2551
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Shackelford was very rude. I pointed out numerous lies in an affidavit, which is perjury, and she ignored and dismissed it.

Other

Comment #: FL1867
Rating:3.0

Comments:
Jan Shackelford is the most prosecution-biased judge I have ever observed. She will grant every prosecution motion and deny every defense motion and doesn't even care that attorneys, staff and court room observers are aware of her bias. It is as if she is more determined to ensure a conviction than the assistant state attorney! There is something badly wrong with this woman and she has no business sitting as a criminal court judge.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL1495
Rating:4.1

Comments:
I have tried many cases with this judge and she is absolutely one of the most biased, pro-prosecution judges on the bench. One of those judges who finds a way to rule in favor of the prosecution on practically every issue. And she is shamelessly biased when one of her old friends from the State Attorney's Office is the prosecutor in the case.

This judge is only concerned with moving cases through the meat grinder and helping the State get convictions. I pray for those those who are wrongfully accused and end up in front of her.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL892
Rating:9.8

Comments:
Very fair and professional judge. Not afraid to make a decision.

Other

Comment #: FL862
Rating:9.0

Comments:
Judge Shackelford is a professional, knowledgeable and well-prepared judge, who is willing to make a decision. She listens intently, is open-minded, fair and respectful to both sides.
This judge is a prompt, no-nonsense judge who expects the same from all officers of the court, and she is certainly not afraid to rule against the local political establishment when it is just to do so.

Other

Comment #: FL821
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Having spent many hours in Judge Shackelford's courtroom (in addition to my thirty years of courtroom experience in multiple districts), I can wholeheartedly state that this judge excels in legal knowledge, courtroom management, and fairness to all. She is hardworking, organized, and attentive to all participants in her courtroom. The trial and pre-trial hearings that I have witnessed, as well as those that I have followed in print, clearly show that she is both forthright in her decisions and balanced in her dealings with the parties appearing in her courtroom. Her record speaks for itself.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: FL819
Rating:3.9

Comments:
Judge Shackelford demonstrates a strong bias in favor of the prosecution. She is usually rude and condescending toward defendants and defense counsel.

Civil Litigation - Govt.

Comment #: FL714
Rating:3.8

Comments:
Judge Shackelford is very unfair in her dealings with people and lets her friendships get in the way of her objectivity. It is all about "who you know" with her, which is unfortunate.