"The Robing Room: CA State Judges

Hon. David G. Brown	See Rating Details
Judge Superior Court
San Diego County	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 6.3 - 22 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 3.0 - 21 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. David G. Brown

Comments

Other

Comment #: CA52840
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Why do the many more negative opinions not published here? I have tried posting several times since being victimized by this horrible judge in the courtroom. He is the absolute worst and should be removed where he can't hurt honest people who come to court seeking justice.

Other

Comment #: CA52823
Rating:1.0

Comments:
[Redacted by Ed.] Why are current negative comments about this judge are not published here?

Litigant

Comment #: CA41032
Rating:1.0

Comments:
An appointee and a travesty of an appointment. This Vista judge has a misogynistic slant and does little to protect people from abuse. If this judge gets assigned to your case, take your freebie disqualification and get another judge. If you are a military male, then stick with him, because he always rules in your favor if he has a crush on you. Consider yourselves warned.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA40185
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I am very much in shock after being in a courtroom with this judge. How is it possible for a mentality Ill person to be put in the position of honor? He shows clear bias curl statements toward people that just want a fair judgment. What is going on with our system that is in place to protect the people. We have to do better. He should recuse himself.

Other

Comment #: CA40184
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Rude, unworthy of his position. No clear solid neutral ground to give both parties a fair change.

Other

Comment #: CA40183
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Brown demonstrated clear bias towards the victim and violated Marsy's Law by not allowing the victim to attend the hearing, interrupting the her statement, engaging in intimidation tactics while questioning the victim giving the statement, implied she was a liar and didn't understand her case history, impugned other judges by claiming they don't have the ability to hear the case as they did not have combat experience, did not allow the victim to hear the outcome of the case and treated her with blatant disrespect. He abused his power and should be held accountable.

Other

Comment #: CA39047
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Dismal
Lack of fair judgment, biased, arrogant, and made devastating decisions with no proof, only on false accusations.
He was unprepared for my case and called me mean names including a liar over and over again.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA34792
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Brown has excellent Judicial temperament. He is fully aware of what it means to administer justice fairly. My experience is that he makes his decisions based on the evidence and facts presented and the applicable law for the issues in the case. He shows the utmost respect for attorneys and self represented litigants. He is tough but always fair.

Other

Comment #: CA34790
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Outstanding and administers justice fairly. He has a passion for keeping children safe

Other

Comment #: CA34233
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This man is narcissist, beware!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA20965
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I have had the pleasure to appear before Judge David G. Brown on hundreds of family law cases where I not only was an attorney but in many cases, I served as court appointed minor's counsel. In fact based on the information provided in several of the reviews below, I know that I was minor's counsel in the case and the parent was not happy, well that Mother should have been upset with her own behavior as she was given every opportunity to comply with Judge Brown's orders, a fact that was left out.
Well if minor's counsel was appointed, clearly, the parents aren't behaving or there is a conflict so ugly that it is impacting the children. Judge Brown calls it as he sees it, and always makes a decision that is in the best interest of the children. Judge Brown was always willing to appoint the children an attorney and give them a voice, realizing that they did not buy a ticket on the crazy train.
It is not an easy task and often one parent is not happy, but Judge Brown's job isn't to make parents happy, it's to protect the mental and physical well being of children from their parents' war. It has been one of the best seasons of my career being appointed on cases by Judge Brown in Vista. Even if I did not like the decision, I knew he considered all of the evidence, testimony, and ultimately made the best decision not just for the children, but for the family as Judge Brown always made every effort to give the family the opportunity to heal.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA16089
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I'm not submitting ratings at this time as it has been several years since I was before Judge David G. Brown in Vista. I will say that my experiences in his courtroom were not favorable, but I'm not here to ding him. I'm here to point out that at least six of the "reviews" below are obviously written by the same woman who lost her custody battle. Her comments may be accurate, but we should all keep in mind that people who lose (or win) divorce cases are not always the most objective voices--and their voices should not count a six-weight.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA15131
Rating:7.5

Comments:
Judge David G Brown seemed to like woman when I knew him. His firm was very tough on him so they made him a judge. I liked Dave and he liked a lot of my former staff too. After all you can not believe everything said by anyone. As a an attorney he seemed ethical .

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA13750
Rating:1.0

Comments:
FYI to all who are writing good reviews on this Judge. Their are 2 Judges names David Brown. Be sure you are writing a review about the Judge David G Brown of the San Diego Vista court. This Judge blatantly express cruel and abusive words towards women. I know because I visited his court room on several occasions. Also read the countless comments here in this thread. To all that know this Judge and support his narcissistic, and abusive behavior; you are his equal. Please seek out psychiatric help immediately.

Other

Comment #: CA13749
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I served as a juror on a criminal case with Judge Brown. I felt he was fair and was patient with the attorneys and with witnesses. A few times he had to remind a witness to slow down so the court reporter could do her job but it was appropriate. He was punctual, but when something arose that was out of his control, he let us know as quickly as he could. Overall, it was a great experience.

Litigant

Comment #: CA13645
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I am definitely here with you too. Thank you for posting your comment below mine. I am still stuffing from a past judgement from his court orders. Please contact me. I am willing to take a stand with all who wants to come together. I am a mom of 3.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA13604
Rating:1.1

Comments:
Mentally Ill. Must recuse himself. Have all past cases reviewed, for Justice was not honored in this man who must be disrobed and imprioned for his lack of honor and dignity.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA11321
Rating:9.9

Comments:
One of the best judges I have encountered. Extremely bright and knowledgeable of the law. He listens to all sides, and articulates decisions in easy to understand language. He is a true "people" judge, and I have personally observed him to be calm, polite, and compassionate while simultaneously being in complete control of his courtroom. He carefully contemplates all decisions, and makes the best decision that is possible given the facts. He is a credit to the judiciary.

Litigant

Comment #: CA10931
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This so called "judge" left 3 children in the "care" and I use the term VERY loosely, of their so called dad, dumped the girls off on their aunt because he and I quote didn't want them anymore. This dad that this AWFUL and WORTHLESS judge gave custody to ran off with the oldest son. All of this after 6 years of abuse and neglect. The mom has fought San Diego to release the court order as this joke of a judge let them move out of state. It is the judge and dads fault these children have had broken bones, failing school and now who knows where because the judge and "dad" are both worthless. This judge should be arrested for child endangerment.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA9474
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Shouldn't even be allowed to be called a judge after he left 3 children in the hands of an alcoholic, suicidal and abusive EX-marine. The proof was all in the documents and he allowed the kids to live with the so called father and refused to listen to the mother as she did not have an attorney. I will be filing this with the BBB as well as the state and take this complaint as far as I have to. This man needs to be removed for the safety of children

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA8873
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Starts out with the nice guy speech. Doesn't watch/view the trial that determines the fate of peoples lives. Sits behind his desk doing heaven knows. Is not suited for complex thinking nor equitable thinking. Eventually his bias becomes clear. A wolf in sheep's Robes -- He needs to be pulled from the bench.

Litigant

Comment #: CA6696
Rating:3.0

Comments:
Very bias and as other have stated before, he has his decision made up before he even hears both sides. Also, seems to show favoritism to the lawyers who he sees in court every day. Very anti Pro per.

Litigant

Comment #: CA6338
Rating:3.0

Comments:
Pros:
He is patient, and doesn't let the "he said" "she said" go on for longer than necessary. He also doesn't take kindly to, and sees through most ex parte motions that are nonsensical. It's clear he doesn't know what he's doing in family law but from what I have witnessed, he does put effort in to such a complicated task. From what I have seen he does give children careful consideration when mental illness or threats of suicide are brought forward, especially if a professional confirms the illness or threats.

Cons:
He is extremely biased and is unrationally in favor of Marines, even if they have a proven track record of constant, aggressive, debilitating abuse. He is all for father's rights, at any cost-even the child's. He definitely harbors resentment toward women, I don't think he even realizes it.

His weaknesses outweigh his strengths in family law, I personally feel he is better suited for civil suits. Unfortunately, he has probably destroyed children's lives with his rulings and it will take years for North County judges to fix his blatant mistakes. That being said, I will give him credit where it is due because I know he knows he isn't fit for family law. I also don't think it would hurt for him to seek counseling for his issues against women. It's sad that not only did I come to the conclusion that he doesn't favor women, but my "should be commended" battering ex-Marine significant other is "glad he's our judge because he hates women". I wouldn't be surprised if he was responsible for many individuals losing faith in the justice system.

I hope someday what he has given others is bestowed back upon him 7-fold. :)

Other

Comment #: CA6266
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
He comes across as a narcissistic person in a position to destroy emotionally healthy mothers and children. He has been compassionate and passionate to make sure that there is no justice -- he has given an unemployed high school dropout who victimizes his daughters more than their mother. Lowlife attorneys and child attorneys like to use him, as they have the same narcissistic personality. It is not about the children's welfare. This judge and the child's attorney refused to hear the children, the therapist, the social worker and the entire testimony of the mother. The hatred for mothers and children that this judge displays grieves our hearts. It is all about getting the money and watching the mothers and children suffer. We are praying to God for Him to remove this evil judge from the family court system.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA5950
Rating:10.0

Comments:
10/10 would try case with this judge again.

Court Staff

Comment #: CA5949
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Excellent judge. Great character, integrity and temperament on the bench. Fairly weighs all information and gives ample opportunity for each side to present. Carefully considers all decisions. Works hard for the court system.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA5832
Rating:4.9

Comments:
Really does not belong on the bench. Very nice guy, but poor judicial demeanor, and makes no bones about the fact that he is above the law - clear cut rules are routinely ignored by him.

To compound the problem, he'll do anything to avoid work. While he will drag out trials forever because he views it as fun, he doesn't hear motions in his department if he can find an excuse to pass them off to other, overworked judges, so he can sit in trial and just call balls and strikes all day and crack jokes with the lawyers.

Unfortunately, he doesn't care what evidence is admissible, and makes snap decisions long before hearing both sides.

He may be great in a civil department, where bad results don't have a lot of personal impact on people's lives, but almost anywhere else I wouldn't want him ruling on my rights.

Not the worst judge I've seen, but not that far back. At least he is affable, although it would be good for the system if he would make fewer politically incorrect statements, like telling the audience on a daily basis how many days more he is stuck in his family law assignment.

Litigant

Comment #: CA5648
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Horrible Temperament, gets angry easily. Often accuses people he doesn't like of "playing games" or committing "legalistic maneuverings" to justify terrible decisions.

Doesn't like to work too hard, with an inability to handle complex litigations, often berating counsel for submitting more filings.

Terrible trial judge. He loves to run out the clock and up the bill on people who can scarcely afford it... repeatedly.

Not even-handed, at all, and often uses military metaphors completely out of place to make his points. No one cares about a reservist who barely even carried a gun.

Litigant

Comment #: CA4905
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Brown is careful to use a father's well-documented abuse as a tool to control the mother, especially in pro per. He keens on the abusive behaviors of the father, and uses them to his own advantage. He threatens, he demands, he glares in order to bully mothers into complacency. His goal must be his own statistics. Safety is not a consideration, just his stats. He clearly does not want to be a family court judge. He must have been placed there, like a grunt left on the front lines, to be expendable.

Other

Comment #: CA4652
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He comes across as a narcissistic person in a position to destroy emotionally healthy mothers and children. He has been compassionate and passionate to make sure that there is no justice -- he has given an unemployed high school dropout who victimizes his daughters more than their mother. Lowlife attorneys and child attorneys like to use him, as they have the same narcissistic personality. It is not about the children's welfare. This judge and the child's attorney refused to hear the children, the therapist, the social worker and the entire testimony of the mother. The hatred for mothers and children that this judge displays grieves our hearts. It is all about getting the money and watching the mothers and children suffer. We are praying to God for Him to remove this evil judge from the family court system.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA4503
Rating:9.9

Comments:
Altogether a wonderful judge. Very fair!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA4089
Rating:9.6

Comments:
A very hardworking judge who never belittles or minimizes his current assignment. He treats everyone on his difficult calendar with kindness and respect.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA3907
Rating:9.7

Comments:
Excellent judge. Extremely hard working. Never complains or puts down his family assignment. Intuitive about child custody and visitation. Highly recommended.

Other

Comment #: CA3774
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Brown is one of the worst judges I have ever come across. He should recuse himself from cases dealing with the military when hearing family cases. He is a retired Marine and is extremely biased when it comes to giving military personnel all of the benefit of the doubt.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA3699
Rating:4.5

Comments:
Simply stated, Judge David G. Brown should not be a Family Court Judge.

Litigant

Comment #: CA3698
Rating:3.0

Comments:
Judge David G. Brown does not seem to care about the truth or equality in his court. He has allowed the opposing council to be absolutely unethical and the child's council to violate the respondent's Constitutional Right to Due Process. When it came to financial equality, he allowed the petitioner, who earns almost 100,000 dollars annually, to freaze all accounts and to take a loan from her multi million dollar having mother. The respondent, whom has no annual income and holds a Ged educational level, was forced to defend himself throughout this marriage dissolution. The petitioner spent around $100,000 on her attorney and maintains a masters degree from Vanderbilt University. In all, Judge David G. Brown is biased and does not offer an equal and Just proceeding in the Division 17 Family Court located in the San Diego Superior Court.

Civil Litigation - Govt.

Comment #: CA3405
Rating:9.6

Comments:
Good judge. Takes the time to fully understand the cases and review attorney arguments. This judge is more than fair to pro per parties and gives them chances that would not be granted to represented parties.

This judge is very good with complex litigation and discovery issues.

Other

Comment #: CA3398
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Are you kidding me? Another court hearing where this judge has denied one side or the other the ability to defend or prove their side? This judge needs to be removed.

Litigant

Comment #: CA3319
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Twice in dealings with this Judge has he denied the right to due process, both times entering an order which can not be challenged until he is off the bench. The courts need to screen the cases and find these illegal actions and take action against the Judges performing them. We the people not the powered run this country, take a stand, picket the court house, and keep close to your rights.

Other

Comment #: CA2923
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Not fair. Pro father for custody of children. needs to learn more about family law. But it does seem the court in vista is all for dads the past few years. Every mother I know that should have their children are getting them taken away and custody given to their lying scumbag ex husbands! This court is ruining our cisterns lifes! Judge Brown comes,off nice and respectful but watch out! thank god steve thorne, mediator, retired! His disdainment for women is obvious! Heard from uncountable women about him. The same story, he sides, with the man. This court needs to be investigated for our childrens !!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA2689
Rating:9.6

Comments:
Judge Brown has been doing a family law assignment for the past year. He is very respectful to all attorneys and litigants in this very high emotion and high intensity environment. He has done a very good job learning a very difficult subject matter.

Litigant

Comment #: CA1875
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Watch Out! This judge is very anti pro per and very pro collection attorney. He gives a speech at the first hearing to say that the majority of debtors in his court room are guilty and should pay up or take their judgement. Don't listen to that. Make the collectors prove their case. Most of the time they can't if you will carry it thru to the end.

Litigant

Comment #: CA1874
Rating:5.0

Comments:
BEWARE, this judge is respectful but has the opinion that everyone sued on a credit card case or other collection debt is guilty and should bow down to the collection attorneys in these cases and either pay up, settle the case in some manner etc. I guess Judge Brown doesn't believe in the collectors having to prove their case.

The first day I was in court he gave a big spiel on how 99% of the people there owed their debt and should pay up or take their judgement. BAD ADVICE. Make the other side prove their case. If you take it all the way 9 times out of 10 they do not have anyway to prove you owe the debt.

I won a case against an original creditor in this case so don't listen to judge Brown. Make them prove you owe the $$. I won thru no help from Judge Brown by the way. He will rule against anything you submit even if its blatantly a wrong ruling. I won because the Plaintiff attorney dismissed the case after a hard fought battle on my part.

Court Staff

Comment #: CA1538
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Brown has been doing the limited civil calendar for almost 4 years. This calendar was almost 10,000 cases behind when he was assigned. It's clearance rate now approaches 95% which means that almost of these mostly credit card debt cases which exceed in the North County judicial district of San Diego County almost 10,000 a year (with no indication of slowing as of 2010)are resolved by trial, settlement or bankruptcy. He explains to the plaintiffs their options and the potential consequences. Remember the large majority of the plaintiffs are in pro per for the same reason that brought them to this court -- unemployment or underemployment. He treats everyone with respect and trys his best to let the pro per plaintiffs make the decisions that are best for them overall. The large majority of the plaintiffs in these cases are banks and credit cards and can easily prove assignment.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA1532
Rating:5.5

Comments:
BEWARE! Starts weekly limited civil calendar with speech that is very prejudicial towards defendants. Essentially tells in pro per d's that they have 1-2 legal defenses, but otherwise owe plaintiffs the debt. meanwhile, many third party Debt collectors cannot prove assignment of the debt. Brown encourages d's to negotiate payment plan while ps counsel is there, aS if it's some sort of opportunity! Don't be fooled by his kind demeanor and bad advice: defendants have rights, should press plaintiffs to state a case!

Prosecutor

Comment #: CA1276
Rating:9.3

Comments:
Fair and personable, Judge Brown treats all who enter his courtroom with respect.

Other

Comment #: CA1275
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I was a juror on a trial that Judge Brown presided over. I thought that he was tough, but thorough and respectful to both sides. He maintained steady control over the proceedings and I sensed that he was quite fair. He was patient and kind to the jurors throughout the process. As a result of the time he spent with us during instructions, we were better prepared to deliberate. Considering the diversity of opinion amongst the jury panel, his clear instructions made it possible to reach our decision. It was a positive and enlightening experience.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: CA519
Rating:2.4

Comments:
He rules for the prosecution. He refuses to limit prosecutorial misconduct. He will wilfully overrule prior orders of judges if he feels it will benefit the prosecution.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: CA58
Rating:9.5

Comments:
Outstanding people skills. Perseveres to facilitate negotiations leading to a settlement. If the case can be settled, he is the judge you want to lead the lawyers and parties to it. Hard worker.