Mark W. Crooks

What a great judge. Ruled against my client on an administrative appeal, but that's ok: it was a novel issue and his analysis of the procedural background was spot on. Asks pertinent questions, allows the attorneys to make their arguments, and has a great demeanor. Wish there was one of him in every jurisdiction.

Awesome judge. Asks very good questions. Extremely pleasant.

Judge Crooks was very kind towards my AA clinet - gave a modification. He showed real compassion. If he's "full of racial bias", I sure as hell didn't see it. Quite the opposite, he seemed color blind and sincere. Didn't see the guy last 2 commenters describe ... at all. Thank you, Judge.

Displays a pathological lack of integrity, in that he lies gratuitously, to all parties, about matters great and small, with the objective of molding whatever matter is before him to suit his preferred result--which in a criminal case, is always the conviction an maximum punishment of the accused. This lack of integrity may have served Crooks well as a prosecutor in New York City and as an AUSA in Baltimore, but it makes him flagrantly unfit to be a judge, particularly in criminal matters.

`This judge is blatantly full of racial bias, as well as displaying little care for nuanced facts. Judge Crooks rules in favor based upon who the lawyer is before the case is even read and displayed very little compassion. Avoid if possible !!!

Extremely intelligent and capable of handling complex matters

Judge Crooks displayed legal knowledge, a stern treatment of the defendant, and a compassion for the victim. As a victim's rights attorney that practices through out Maryland, I was impressed with his management of the legal process and proud to have him represent the judicial process in operation. Note: he ruled in favor of the defendant in our case.

A++++. SO GRATEFUL FOR JUDGE CROOKS. HE BROUGHT COMPLEX WEIGHTY CASE DOWN FOR A SMOOTH LANDING THAT WAS BENEFICIAL TO MULTIPLE PARTIES. PATIENT AS SUMMER IS LONG!! HE READ EVERY FILING. EVERY SENTENCE. EVERY WORD. KNEW WHAT WAS GOING ON.

I waited several years so that I had sufficient data points with this Judge before entering a rating. Consistently he has been the best state court judge I have run across and even gives the Maryland Federal bench a "run for the money," such that I consider him one of the best judges before whom I have had the pleasure of appearing.

This judge is fantastic. Unexpectedly, J. Crooks held our matter under advisement and issued a thoughtful and well-reasoned written opinion. We didn't prevail on several claims but we greatly appreciate how carefully he addressed our evidence and arguments, notwithstanding him denying us relief.

The Commodore is recognized as the Court's most talented, pleasant, and (since 2018) knowledgeable judge. The bar and bench hold Judge Crooks in high regard, dog case notwithstanding. Keeps his docket moving. His decisions are issued promptly. He will eventually be appointed to an appellate or federal court. A true 10-star flag officer of the bench.