"The Robing Room: MD State Judges

Hon. Michael J. Finifter	See Rating Details
Associate Circuit Judge Circuit Court
Baltimore County County 3rd Circuit	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 4.3 - 7 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 7.0 - 3 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. Michael J. Finifter

Comments

Civil Litigation - Govt.

Comment #: MD9413
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I am already fearing the next few years when I hear this wonderful judge will be 70 years old and has to retire. In all my encounters, Judge Finifter has been thoughtful, measured and civil. His sense of humor is always appropriate and somewhat refreshing. He treats all people from all sides with respect. I for one will be sorry when he has to step down. It is time to change that rule!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD3074
Rating:3.3

Comments:
His appointment reflects why a pre condition for serving as a judge is to have tried a case or two. Fails to prepare and sides with whichever atty screams the loudest. Very pleasant, but not willing to expand his legal knowledge beyond a very narrow comfort zone.

Litigant

Comment #: MD3015
Rating:10.0

Comments:
This Judge sentenced a family member to some serious jail time I hated him, thought he was cruel with no compassion but as time has passed I have come to realize Judge Finifter was not only fair but right.He would not have turned his life around without having heavy consequences for his actions. I was an enabler who never made him accountable for his actions I just made excuses for him. I am thankful for Judge Finifter and I truly believe he saved his life.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD2939
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This man should be removed from the bench...!

Other

Comment #: MD2938
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This man devastated my life. I am disabled permantley from 4 part ankle surgery, and a severe driving disorder. I live in a condo/TH community with NO sidewalks. I tried to prepare my home with 13 neighbors signature.approval to extend my driveway in front of MY home. He ordered me to tear my Handi-cap accessibility up!! and then pay $67,000 in legal fees plus 10% a year interest to his friends at The Rosen Hoover Law Firm. Talk about corrupt, hateful, and ruthless...!! I pray every day for justice. This man does not belong on the bench...!! Amen.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1744
Rating:9.6

Comments:
I wish I could move all my cases to Baltimore County. Judge Finifter has proven to be one of the best members of the Circuit Court bench, if not THE best (Sorry Judge Levitz). He is insightful, incisive, and intuitive. He is also, praise the Lord, genuinely humorous, sincere and kind to all. The Judge with whom I would most like to share coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

Litigant

Comment #: MD1619
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Horrible Judge with no compassion or sense of family. Gave a boy 10 years first time VOP theft under $100. I was in the hallway waiting listening to the Prosecutor tell another atty if you take this deal for your client it's a done deal. He said what if Judge doesn't agree can we approach the bench. She said no need to he does pretty much whatever I recommend

Other

Comment #: MD1190
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Finifter recently presided over the trial of the man who senselesly murdered my brother. He proved to be a fair and credible trial judge. He showed compassion to my family and even chastised the defendant for his lack of remorse. My family is truly blessed and grateful for the sentence Judge Finister administered. Thank you Sir.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD927
Rating:7.4

Comments:
Judge Finifter has become an excellent trial judge. Always one of the nicest judges to try a case before, he has greatly improved in his grasp of evidence and procedure. Very intelligent. Very much on top of things in a recent civil trial. Will permit much latitude in moving around the Courtroom. Only negative is that he could be a little more decisive on some issues.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD853
Rating:3.9

Comments:
Completely out of his league. He has no trial experience, and does not belong making the hard decisions which judges make.