[OldPhart]

Originally Posted by DocTim420

Good criminal attorneys play golf with the judges, belong to the same country clubs and will even have their spouse work on the judge's election campaign. It is a "small world" in this legal "fish bowl"--after all, most judges once practiced on the other side of the bench--they know each other.

I got in a pinch once, and got a recommendation for a lawyer from the bondsman. It was f'n awesome to see the justice system in action. The judge and my lawyer spent about 5 minutes discussing their weekend, then the judge told me to say "thank judge, my lawyer did a good job". So guess what I said? Then the case went away, and when it was said and done, the cost of the lawyer was the same as what the probable fines would have been, but no criminal record. Don't even try to convince me that it isn't all about the $$$.

Edit: That was when I learned the value of having a good bondsman. I think that is possibly more important than having a good lawyer, because they know the lay of the land. They have the relationships with the lawyers, and know what lawyers are in good with which judges. A lot of handy resources, that I never realized that a bondsman would have.

[mushulatubbee]

American criminal justice is a vicious cycle of judges giving their constituants in corrections job security and their golf buddies ( def lawyers) the same! Couldnt agree more with oldphart!

[DocTim420]

LOl....funny one Mush!

Judges in bed with the second strongest labor union in California (prison guard union--first of course will be the teachers union) and black robes preference to cut deals the most liberal vocation known to man (criminal defense attorney). Now that's funny!

Sounds good in theory--but in reality, most state judges are elected by voters (aka constituents) and their politics usually mirrors that of the people that elected them. That said, if you volunteered for the judges election campaign and found yourself in court--there is a good chance another judge would hear your case. But if your wife was good friends with the judge's wife...ah, different story; pillow talk is very powerful.

[packerfan79]

Money = justice.

[armedoldhippy]

always hire a lawyer local to the courthouse. judges HATE outside counsel & WILL make it harder on you & your atty. last one i hired turned out to grouse hunt & trout fish with both the DA and the judge, lol. got me out of more shit than anyone should have to deal with for only $500, and my remaining charges were expunged after probation was over. no record...

[mushulatubbee]

Originally Posted by DocTim420

LOl....funny one Mush!

Judges in bed with the second strongest labor union in California (prison guard union--first of course will be the teachers union) and black robes preference to cut deals the most liberal vocation known to man (criminal defense attorney). Now that's funny!

Sounds good in theory--but in reality, most state judges are elected by voters (aka constituents) and their politics usually mirrors that of the people that elected them. That said, if you volunteered for the judges election campaign and found yourself in court--there is a good chance another judge would hear your case. But if your wife was good friends with the judge's wife...ah, different story; pillow talk is very powerful.

Yeah cause politics and politicians are so honest and sincere!

[DocTim420]

Originally Posted by packerfan79

Money = justice.

Yep, the "best justice" available will cost you the most $. But don't confuse "justice" with "politics". They both share some of the same crazy shit--but operate differently.

Politicians legislate law, but spend most of their time raising $ for re-election--especially those in Congress (2 year terms and only voters within their small district can vote for them). They are easily influenced--as they need two things that we all have: money and time.

Like Judges, most politicians previously practiced law...so does that mean politicians and judges are cut from the same cloth? Hmmm, probably yes. But most polls indicate that trust in judges is incredibly greater--when compared to the trust people have for politicians (which are at their lowest lows). But judges have greater ethic requirements including business and financial disclosures, avoidance of conflict of interest, as well as desire to rule from the bench "fairly" (aka "not being overturned by a higher court").

Politicians make law...judges rule on matters of law...and your attorney (ahhh, there is where the money is) argue law. Judges hear arguments from both sides....the side that makes the best argument wins. It is that simple.

The more you spend, the better your legal team can be. The better your legal team is--the better your legal strategy/arguments will be. It is that simple.