"The Robing Room: MD State Judges

Hon. Joan E. Ryon	See Rating Details
Associate Circuit Judge Circuit Court
Montgomery County 6th Circuit	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 3.1 - 17 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 1.0 - 32 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. Joan E. Ryon

Comments

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD9533
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Lazy and arrogant. Exactly what we don't need in a judge.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD9428
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Echoing a prior comment below.
Her stupidity is only surpassed by her laziness.
She doesn't understand basic legal tenets.
And she has an attitude and gets all pissy if you aren't one of her favorites. She is what you don't want a judge to be.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD9365
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She's terrible. Doesn't know the law and is too lazy to look it up even when you point it out to her.
Wish she would take early retirement.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD9155
Rating:2.3

Comments:
She was a paper-pusher for the court until she became a family master. Her lack of trial experience and lack of family law knowledge was quickly evident to litigators. Once, when co-counsel and I moved to bifurcate a divorce and reserve on marital property for the 90-day period, she actually looked at us and sincerely said, “What do you mean? I don’t understand what you are talking about.” When it was explained to her she still looked confused and had to look up the pertinent rule. This is family law 101 - she has not improved with age. A pure political hack appointed as part of the MoCo family law mafia network (i.e. overrated, overpriced and underwhelming “family law experts”).

Other

Comment #: MD8593
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
"In announcing her decision, Judge Ryon said she believed the boys' mother had manipulated the boys into making false accusations, but it's very rare for that to happen, according to child abuse experts and research."

"When the mother's counsel attempted to introduce photographic evidence of one of the boy's injuries, the judge appeared unwilling to consider evidence relating to abuse, according to sources present at the decision hearing. Those sources also said the judge stated that the mother did not seek medical attention for her boys and that, during the few times the boys had seen medical professionals, no mandatory reports of suspected child abuse had been filed.

However, the mother did seek medical attention for the boys' injuries multiple times --this reporter has personally viewed the medical records --and the mandatory reports from medical personnel were made in 2013, 2016, and 2017. The Best Interest Attorney (BIA) appointed for the children at Col. Holt's suggestion, Christina Hughes, reportedly declined to present any medical or therapeutic records to the court."

--Tara Haelle, Forbes reporter

In essence, the judge perjured herself and she and the BIA colluded to prevent any material evidence regarding the abuse from being presented at the trial. A few months prior to her court appointment, which was done without a proper hearing, Hughes purchased a house that was not listed on the MLS, at significantly, below market value. The property was settled in Virginia, with the street address omitted from the deed, which prevented the sale from being reported in the newspapers. One of the trustees for the property is the ex-husband of Col. Holt's now wife, Debbie Berkelhammer. Hughes is also the partner of Judge Terrence McGann's son. McGann (read his atrocious reviews on the Robing Room) is the judge who dismissed previous reports of abuse against Col. Holt. Assuming Hughes disclosed this information, she should not have been appointed as the BIA in this case.

Friends of Nash Holt continue to have concerns about the safety of the boys, due to several concerning posts on Debbie Berkelhammer's blog.

Someone needs to make sure the boys are okay. So many children are forced to live with the abuser and are silenced until they are of age and can finally speak out. No child should have to live that experience.

There needs to be an investigation into the conduct of the judge and BIA in this case. Until then, avoid family court. You do NOT want to get caught up in the racket with some of the most corrupt and sadistic people imaginable.

Other

Comment #: MD8582
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
October 14, 2018

It’s been almost 60 days since I had to hand over my sons to their abuser. I didn’t know how I would survive the first hour, forget the days and weeks. I hoped the passing of time would make it less painful, but it hasn’t. The pain has become stacked upon itself, it has grown heavier with each passing day, magnifying and multiplying exponentially. Some days I wake up and cannot fathom enduring another day of agony. I take it, not one day at a time, but literally one minute at a time. I go on bc my love for my children transcends my own desire to stop the pain, lay down, and give up.

If you cannot fathom the sheer agony of turning over your children to their abuser, neither could I. It’s a horrible mixture of disbelief, pain, resistance, guilt and fear. It was, without a doubt, the hardest thing I have even done in my life. It made me doubt everything I had ever been told about right and wrong, fairness and justice. At 44 years old, I learned it was all a lie. These boys learned that lesson at six years old. Six years old. I don’t know how they will get through the years and live a normal life, openly and lovingly, knowing that the world is a cruel place where they victims are disbelieved, debased, and devalued by those entrusted with their protection. How do you find your place and navigate this world knowing that justice, truth and the right to protection do not apply to you? That’s for other kids. Judge Ryon’s and Christina Hughes’ kids. The same rules and mercies don’t apply for William and Luke.

The added cruelty was that I had to tell my sons the verdict and deliver them to their abuser. Those who made the decision didn’t have to look them in the eye and see the horror on their faces or hear their pleading wails of disbelief. I will never forget a second of it. You know those stories where killers make victims dig their own graves before killing them? I could never fathom why people complied and kept digging. Now I understand. It was bc there was some small sliver of hope left in them, that they would somehow be spared or someone would come to their rescue. No one ever does, and no one did here either. I stood in the grave they made me dig. They pointed the gun at my head, and in the final sadistic act, they made me pull the trigger.

On that day, these two beautiful six year old boys who had trusted that there was at least one person in the world who would always protect them, learned the cold hard truth: that there is no protection. The Judge and BIA made the one person that they trusted, betray them. I had to tell them. I had turn them over. I had to give them up.

With the verdict, they made it very clear that day that no one would hear their voices and that their pain and suffering didn’t matter. I had to tell them not to cry or show any resistance bc the judge said he could use force. That’s right, I had to tell two six year olds to silence their voices and not resist, bc if they did, their abuser was authorized by Joan Ryon “to use force,” to get their submission. You know how we tell our kids that if anyone tries to force them into a car or take them, to scream and fight like hell? I had to tell my kids to do the exact opposite. I put them in their abusers car and told them to not fight back. Their lives literally depended on it.

Everything we tell our kids: tell the truth, speak up, ask for help, right and wrong matter, have a strong moral compass, help others , put good into the world and things will be ok. Justice will prevail. Truth always wins. Fairness matters. It’s all a lie and now these two little boys know it.

Nash Holt (died May 13, 2019)

Other

Comment #: MD8301
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I have studied this judge and others. I have also studied the "style" of The Robing Room ratings and raters. This judge needs to stop posting her own ratings on herself and refrain from pressuring her staff from posting positive comments and ratings for her! It's a disgrace that this pathetic excuse for a human being, let alone female is still on the Bench! Female judges like RBG are to be admired, Joan Ryon is to be despised.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD8149
Rating:9.6

Comments:
evenhanded, calm and has a remarkable depth of understanding the issues of the case

Other

Comment #: MD7999
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Comment MD7444 is unfortunately the misogynistic attitude shared by many Maryland judges. I don't know any moms sunning themselves in Florida because judges award paltry child support and alimony sums, with the except of a few rare cases. The moms I know are sharing custody but covering 90% of the parenting and children's expenses and struggling to get by, while the father's are spending their money on their new families. It's not a just system.

With regards to the Holt case, I don't know the cause of Judge Ryon's contempt and hate for Nash, but she was an extremely loving and responsible mother. She hurt for her children and missed them so much. She didn't deserve what Judge Ryon did to her. Even if she was making up the abuse allegations, which she wasn't (JAG recommended prosecuting the father based on their independently collected evidence), it still doesn't justify Ryon's decision or the State's refusal to investigate. Something unholy happened in this case and it was so bad, the media wouldn't even cover it. Unfortunately, this isn't the only case. All I can say is that eventually, criminals get too brazen and the truth is eventually exposed.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7990
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Horrible judge that ruins life’s and puts kids in harms way. Proven ex parte communications and fails to listen to all evidence. Favors child abuse and sexual abuse.

Other

Comment #: MD7984
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She deserves to burn in hell for subjecting those Holt kids to further physicial and child abuse. I hope she pays dearly in this life and the hearafter.

Other

Comment #: MD7849
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
The Holt case ruling is disturbing. What kind of a human being disregards or sets aside relevant evidence when the physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional health of two small children are at risk? Dr. Nadwa Holt's death is a direct result of this judge's poor practices. This case needs careful review by those who provide oversight. The court of public opinion overwhelmingly disagrees with Judge Ryon. That is indisputable. The childrens' father must he held accountable, as well. Who, now, will protect the children?

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7835
Rating:1.0

Comments:
A disgrace to all citizens in Maryland. very incompetent

Other

Comment #: MD7832
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Jennifer Dulos, Dr. Nashwa Holt - how many more children will be forced to suffer - how many more mothers need to die before something is done about these incompetent judges?

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7806
Rating:1.0

Comments:
REMOVE HER FROM THE BENCH> SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALLOWING SEXUAL ABUSE AND NOW MURDER.

Other

Comment #: MD7805
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Ryon has not only the responsibility for the ongoing sexual abuse of two 6 year olds on her hands but now the death of their mother.
If there are any responsible members of the Montgomery County Judicial System, please remove this judge and prevent ongoing irresponsible and unconceivable action.

Other

Comment #: MD7774
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Regarding Judge Ryon, many are thankful for her in-depth efforts to see through the veneer of vexatious false accusers. Disturbingly, false DVs are too common, with more than 62% of females lodging false DVs nationwide and destroying the lives of most fathers.

This is evident especially with a plethora of female litigants, who've retained the same unethical lawyers, for one goal in mind. These female litigants are spotted in sunny Florida climates, enjoying high-end beach house vacations, luxurious lifestyles, with their paramours and alienated children from enriching themselves in frivolous lawsuits. Not to mention the alimony they use to fund this lifestyle, then claim to Maryland judiciary members that their life is "difficult with financial hardships".

In truth, videos, photos, social media, financials, multiple new built real estate purchases and lifestyles by those who claim to be "impoverished" prove otherwise. Puzzling how lying with conviction to enrich oneself is accepted as normal.

Other

Comment #: MD7766
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Abusers get custody 70-90% of the time according to studies by GWU Law Professor Joan Meier. Judges use to care about domestic violence, but not any more. I know so many women and children suffering in silence. They see a case like the Holt case and they know no one will help them. Abusers, in the meanwhile, are learning that it pays to be more abusive. What a horror show.

Other

Comment #: MD7754
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
There's a haunting video of one of the boys crying and saying that his bottom hurt and why. Tears are flowing down his face and he's squirming uncomfortably. This video never got admitted because the BIA, who was hired by the father, claimed the mother didn't have the father's permission to video the child. The mother actually had legal custody at the time, but the judge agreed with the BIA against the facts and the law.

The mother did what any parent would do. She took the child to get medical attention and the hospital reported the child sex abuse to Maryland. How this would result in her losing complete custody is inexplicable.

The mother fought hard for her children but Judge Ryon made sure it was an uphill battle for her. She had only 1 1/2 hours of supervised visitation every two weeks. She had to fly down for those visits. She had to pay the father $6,000 in child support while all the child support he didn't pay (close to $200,000) was just waived by the judge. She worked long hours and hardly got to see her children. In the weeks before the mother died, she complained of chest pains to friends. She loved her children so much and talked about them all the time.

Other

Comment #: MD7753
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I know that Judges ruling are not question and looked into but I believe they should be. More children and mothers every day are being killed because of the decision of a Judge. Now this wonderful woman life was taken on Mother's day after she use a system that is completely broken that suppose to help and kept her from all harm really took her life. Now the kids are in the hands of evil also. When are we going to realize we have a system and Judges that are killing our children and mothers.

Other

Comment #: MD7750
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I have followed the Holt case for many months and was astonished by Judge Ryon's decision to give Mr. Holt sole custody of his two sons after overwhelming evidence that he repeatedly abused them. This case hit close to home for me as I watched a similar situation play out when my parents divorced --despite overwhelming evidence that my father (who had suffered traumatic brain injury after an accident) was physically abusing my younger siblings (including photos of bruises, reports to CPS, witnessed violent angry outbursts,etc) the judge in their custody case believed that my mom was making it all up and my mom came very close to losing custody. Similar situations must be happening all over the U.S. everyday and we need this to stop! If Mr. Holt did not injure his boys, then why was there not an investigation into who did hurt them. Why did the boys repeatedly beg and plead not to be with their father? Dr. Nashwa Holt's death is a direct result of Judge Ryon's ruling.

Other

Comment #: MD7745
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Maryland needs to investigate this case. From talking to people who haven't read the court transcript and seen the evidence, they believe the mother must have had mental issues or lied about the abuse because the case doesn't make sense otherwise. It's just not true and part of the smear campaign to discredit the mother and cover up what they did to her and her children.
She wasn't even the one who reported the abuse, a hospital did. The JAG officers involved also recommended charging the father based on evidence. If the mother actually had mental issues, why was she still working as a surgical team doctor at a major Boston hospital with people's lives in her hands? She was well respected by her peers and loved by her patients. Lastly, the hospital report indicated indicated sexual abuse. Someone hurt the child very very badly. The Air Force sealed the CPS records. Why? No law enforcement report seems to exist, despite insistence by the AF that an investigation was conducted. The psychologist, Elaine Bailey, hired by the AF to claim the mother was not credible, was based in Florida and never actually even met or talked to the mother. No expert witness testified against the mother in court. Lastly, if they didn't think the dad caused the horrific injuries, why wasn't the mom charged with child abuse.

Other

Comment #: MD7744
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Joan Ryon aka Joan Sweet is responsible for the death of Nash Holt. She refused to look at the evidence. She refused to remain unbiased. Eric Holt's entire defense team was a bunch of real estate investors, Joan Ryon's husband John Sweet is on the board of Wheeler Real Estate Trust. Did Joan Ryon let her personal financial interests come before the safety of children? Did Joan Ryon's greed kill this mother? There needs to be an inquiry into Montgomery County courts asap. Justice must be served.

Other

Comment #: MD7740
Rating:1.0

Comments:
To give sole custody to only one patent without investigating the evidence-leads to a miscarriage of justice. A mother is dead, children are left at the hands of one parent that may or may not abuse them. A family is destroyed and there was no justice for anyone. I hope this judge realizes that she does not have the ability to judge and should resign -before another family is destroyed.

Other

Comment #: MD7739
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Nash Holt died of a broken heart on Mother's Day. She loved being a mom and her boys were her world. Under her care, they were happy, loved and well cared for. She missed them every second of her being and it never got better for her after Judge Ryon reduced her to 1 1/2 hours of visitation every other week even though she was never accused of abuse or violence. Despite being a doctor who saved the lives of others, Nash lost her children and her own life after being humiliated and treated like a criminal. Nash never understood Judge Ryon's cruelty. She didn't deserve it.

Other

Comment #: MD7738
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She should be behind bars. She is an evil woman.

Other

Comment #: MD7737
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Needs to be removed from her position. Responsible for the death of a physician.

Other

Comment #: MD7730
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Fair, listens to testimonies, and works at keeping peace in her court room.

Other

Comment #: MD7715
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Clearly the two excellent reviews were either written by Joan Ryon herself or her paralegal, both of whom lied about ex parte communication, and are under investigation. The Holt case got a lot of press, as it should, and it obviously publicly shamed this Judge who deserved the shaming. The robing room should not be picking and choosing which comments to keep and which to remove. I suggest you remove the one about a litigants “friends” writing the reviews. There were articles in Newsweek, Forbes, and USA Today. I suppose all the people who read about this travesty and wrote to the Attorney General about Ryon (from about 4 different cases) are all “friends” of the one litigant. Get real. Put all the reviews back up or lose all credibility

Other

Comment #: MD7714
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
After all this time, the judge feels the need to post the two fake reviews below. Wonder why?

Other

Comment #: MD7712
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I too find Judge Ryon to be fair. She listens to witnesses and reviews all evidence. She doesn't tolerate disrespect of any kind, so witnesses can feel safe to honestly give their statements.

Other

Comment #: MD7710
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Joan Ryon has appeared to be an excellent and fair judge. I agree with a previous post that many of these comments seem to be from one single source (or their friends) because they keep referencing what seems to be the same case.
I was in the court room with her and she was nothing but fair. She gave time for you to answer questions and would absolutely not tolerate any immature or disruptive behavior in her court room. I felt it was a safe environment and that I was able to be heard.
Thank you Judge Ryon.

Court Staff

Comment #: MD7697
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Wow, you have appeared before a specific judge multiple times? Either you are a career criminal or Joan Ryon or Melanie Justice. The case discussed, if you had bothered to educate yourself, was tragic. Not contentious. This judge did many want to see a black eye on a five year old bc “ew it’s too gross.” You are ruling in this case. That’s a five year olds face. The face of abuse. Simply tragic. Two little boys became collateral damage for what will soon be revealed to be unethical and conspiratorial motives. Stay off the robing room, Joan. It will only make things more embarrassing in the long run. That goes for you, too, Christina Hughes.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7696
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Having appeared before Judge Ryon on many occasions, I’m taken aback by some of the comments below. They could not be further from the truth. I have to believe that they are made by people involved in a particularly contentious case, where clearly, opinions vary wildly. Judge Ryon is fair, listens, gives all litigants a chance to be heard and makes thoughtful, well-reasoned rulings. Most of all, she cares about making the right decision. She is a true asset to the bench.

Other

Comment #: MD7678
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Moco has some really scary judges. Between Ryon and Salant, who recently described child sex abuse as a "crime of opportunity", we need to start demanding more judicial accountability. Please file complaints against bad judges with the Commission on Judicial Disabilities and demand they be investigated and booted off the bench. There should be no tolerance for judges who fail to protect children.

Other

Comment #: MD7634
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She refused a continuance for a crutial witness in a domestic violence case (with multiple acts of violence) and forced a 50/50 agreement after the defendant assaulted the complainant in front of their two young children and physically hurt the two young children in the process. This is the reason victims do not speak up. Wasted time, money, and tears to only make the situation worse for the INNOCENT children involved.

Other

Comment #: MD7586
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Disgusted and outraged that this horrific official placed toddler boys in the custody of an abusive father, whose horrid acts have been documented and well-substantiated by many, including child abuse experts. Praying they survive and are able to escape his abuse, as other children like Prince McLeod Rams fell victim to the Maryland court system.

Other

Comment #: MD7532
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I’m not sure what Judge Ryon’s priorities are, but justice is not high on that list. She ripped two young boys away from a loving, stable household and placed them with their abuser. With absolutely no transition plan, Judge Ryon pried these boys from the loving embrace of their mother, the only caregiver they have ever known, and sent them scared and crying to live with their abusive father. The father had a traumatic brain injury and has admitted that he is prone to volitile mood swings and is unable to control his sexual impulses. Judge Ryon literally flat-out refused to consider the abuse allegations the boys made about their father. How on earth can a custody be decided without even considering the abuse? Not to mention the guy owed over $100 thousand in back child support that he was court-ordered to pay. Judge Ryon forgave the debt and ordered the mother to pay $5000+/month to the father. The whole thing is completely unfathomable. If I didn’t see it with my own eyes I would not have believed a ruling this heinous and backwards would be possible. The most heartbreaking thing is that these poor children are still living with this man and will be in danger every day until they return home.

Other

Comment #: MD7525
Rating:1.0

Comments:
It is appalling what she has done in Eric Holt’s case. She has handed two children over to an abusive parent despite having clear evidence of abuse that is documented. There was clear bias considering she did not even wish to review all the evidence. Please investigate this judge.

Litigant

Comment #: MD7499
Rating:1.0

Comments:
While the judiciary is not answerable to anyone, it seems that judges should at least work together to provide corresponding opinions. Judge Ryon listens to no one. She disregarded the opinion of a prior judge, who offered a recommendation. She did not read our case when it was set before her. She ignored salient facts, especially one parent's alienating behavior. She confused a parental coordinator with a custody evaluator.
The article in Forbes magazine, written by an unbiased and conscientious reporter, describes more pointedly Judge Ryon's deficiencies than this meager post. We hope her actions will be held accountable to a higher court.

Other

Comment #: MD7491
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Just saw the emails between this Judge and Col Holt’s commander. Talk about ex parte discussions (which she denied—perjury), collusion and obstruction of justice. They are unbelievable. She needs to lose her bench

Litigant

Comment #: MD7440
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I have never seen anything like it. Racist, sexist and does not even feign impartiality. Slurping from a big yellow mug while destroying lives, seeming to enjoy the power that she wields with an utter disregard for her judiciary responsibility. Should be removed from the bench immediately and held accountable for her inability to uphold the law. Complaints are mounting against her, and here’s yet another.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7427
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I can only hope that judge Ryon is held accountable for the disgusting decision made to give custody of two sweet boys to their physically and sexually abusive father. She needs to be investigated and should not be on the bench.

Other

Comment #: MD7426
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge unfairly and knowingly gave custody of two minor children to their brain damaged abusive father. Terrible injustice. A disgrace. He may be a war hero and highly ranked be he is ill and should not have any unsupervised time with his children. In the setting of known abuse, there is no excuse.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7384
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Didnt let me finish making my arguments before dismissing my claims. Did not find her to be professional.

Other

Comment #: MD7383
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Rude and arrogant. She had already made up her mind before the trial began. Not impartial or sound of mind.

Other

Comment #: MD7367
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I can’t imagine how this judge sleeps at night. She removed twin boys from their mother and gave full custody to the father. It is well known that the father is physically, emotionally and sexually abusing these six year old boys! The mother had to put up with years of abuse from this man and now he has her children?! That is sick.

Other

Comment #: MD7366
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This lawyer ignored or refused to listen to evidence of abuse to Twin boys and has put these children at grave risk of harm. She removed them from the care of their caring mother and placed them with the father who has a history of violence. This lawyer is not caring, just, or competent.

Other

Comment #: MD7365
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Unethical judge!! Not looking out for families or children!! Should be arrested herself!

Other

Comment #: MD7363
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I am a physician who is angry. This ruling is an injustice. These children are in danger despite significant evidence that Judge Ryon did not even take into consideration. Please remove from the bench. She plays politics at the expense of the Holt children safety.

Other

Comment #: MD7345
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I will never understand how a judgement can be made without considering all the facts of any case. When children are at stake they are depending on adults to make the right choices, Judge Ryon has demonstrated that she does not have their best interests at heart. She should be removed from the bench immediately!

Other

Comment #: MD7344
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Our system has failed these kids. They deserve better. Punishing the mother for “alienating” the father doesn’t mean you should now put the kids in danger.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7343
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Her ruling on the Holt case is cruel, mean-spirited and retaliatory towards Nash Holt and is not in the best interest of the children. She should not be on the bench.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7326
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge is arrogant, biased and does not have an understanding of legal issues. She should not be on the bench.

Other

Comment #: MD7318
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Ryon's record of awarding custody of children to parents who have documented histories and/or allegations of abuse and/or violent behavior is very troubling. It leads one to ask the question of her fitness to sit the bench. It is well studied and documented that victims of abuse often in time become abusers themselves. It would seem Judge Ryon is displaying similar behavior. To knowingly place children in harm's way is abusive and perhaps vindictive on her part, and anyone who supports her and such decisions is complicit in these atrocities.

Other

Comment #: MD7317
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Ryon has proven that she cannot be trusted in her role on the bench. She showed contempt towards a mother trying to protect her children and was anything but impartial throughout the case. In the beginning, when she declined to compel the father to pay the back child support that he was court-ordered to pay, it was clear that her mind was already made up. In the end she ripped two six-year-old boys away from their mother, whom they have been living with for over five years, and turned them over to their abusive father. Beyond that she ordered the custody transfer take place days after her ruling with no time or plan for the children to become adjusted to their new situation. On top of this, Judge Ryon ordered that the mother, a Harvard educated anesthesiologist, only have supervised visitation for 1.5 hours every two weeks. This judge is traumatizing these children who have already been through so much, and tearing apart the only family they have ever known. I can’t image that anyone could look at this case and see Judge Ryon’s decision as anything but absurd and damaging.

Other

Comment #: MD7314
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge needs to be investigated there is something off with her ruling and it truly looks like a cover-up is going on return those boys home to their mother the only safe and stable place they’ve ever known. Her ruling has only caused more trauma to these children, who were aady fragile. Let her send her own children to be raised by Colonel Holt .A travesty has happened. This is clearly a bunch of bias crap.

Other

Comment #: MD7313
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Atrocity, train wreck, psychopath. there is no way those boys should have gone back to their sperm donor. The mere fact she still has a job is a refection of how broken and ass backwards this judicial system is. I will never be able to grasp the magnitude of the abuse these boys have gone through and the EVIDENCE to prove it is baffling, how are you going to pretend that there is not enough evidence to protect these children from there "dad". shameful

Litigant

Comment #: MD7305
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
As defendant in a divorce 23 years after agreed to separation, I was shocked at the incompetence of this judge. She was a facilitator for the Plaintiff, not a judge. She had her mind made up in advance and ignored all information I provided. She should immediately resign for the good of the people in Maryland.

Other

Comment #: MD7296
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Ryon recently separated a protective mother from her 6-year-old twin boys. She switched custody from the mother to the father WHO IS RAPING THEM! Mother is a physician who has never been accused of harming her precious boys (she delivered at 30 weeks after being beaten by the monster father). Judge Ryon ignored strong evidence of horrific abuse in order to satisfy the local powers that be (father is physician in the Air Force). On top of the years of substantiated child abuse, the father, Eric Holt (Google him) has a severe TBI that makes his behavior dangerous and erratic. He is unfit to be around children, especially his own. These babies are in danger today because of Judge Joan Ryon's irresponsible and unethical actions.

Other

Comment #: MD7290
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Her decisions are not grounded in reason or fact. I won’t be surprised if it is revealed that she takes bribes, because nothing can explain her bias and exclusion of crucial evidence.

Other

Comment #: MD7257
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge not only put two kids back into a poor living environment(Holt), but failed to uphold a previous court order of the child support he owed. Its like this judge did back flips to make every awful decision she could in this particular case. AWFUL

Other

Comment #: MD7248
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Willing to overlook multiple supporting testimonies and place children directly with possible abuser because of rank. Won’t stand up for the “little people” of Montgomery County. Won’t be the voice for those who need one. A coward.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7247
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Wrong decision in Holt case. How can this judge sleep knowing that two boys will be abused by his father.

Other

Comment #: MD7245
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She ruled incorrectly in the Holt Case and now 2 boys' lives will be ruined because of this!! This is an outrage!! I live in MD and will be contacting my local representatives about this!!

Other

Comment #: MD7241
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The Holt twins have now been put into sole custody of the man that has raped them and beat them. Judge Joan Ryon, how can you sleep at night!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7240
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Ryon just sentenced 2 six year old boys to the sole custody of their abusive father. Ryon obviously has zero education about child abuse and the damage it does to children to be forced to live with the man who abused them. She needs remedial training. It’s either a lack of training or she was paid off to hand these defenseless children to a controlling abusive violent man.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7238
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Unethical, biased, rude and refused to listen to all the evidence. Had already made up her mind before the case started and gave clear deference and advantage to her chosen side. Contentious, bullying and rude. Made several errors that even a basic law student should know. Horrendous.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7237
Rating:9.8

Comments:
Not only willing to call balls and strikes but also willing to take the time to insure that all litigants understand her rational in reaching her decision.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7236
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Horrible judge.

The above reviewer who calls her a near perfect judge is a ringer, probably her law clerk.

She believes in junk science theories.

Cites to phantom facts and testimony in her decision (was she confusing our case with another).

Is not capable of handling complex cases.

Belongs in traffic court!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD6772
Rating:9.7

Comments:
Close to a perfect judge. Sat through a dozen cases before mine was called. She was well informed on every case and every issue. Could not have been more even handed. Look forward to any opportunity to appear before her!

Other

Comment #: MD6180
Rating:2.0

Comments:
Horrid judge, pro plaintiff. Makes judgements based on evidence she herself questioned. Doesn't reprimand plaintiff for inappropriate interjections, but is quick to dismiss the Defendant when having appropriate evidence, facts and objections.