Mary Lou Villar de Longoria

She had no interest in hearing from the family whatsoever. She had no interest in trying to understand the severity of the mental illness before her. My son is now on probation when he should be in a mental health facility getting treatment for his schizophrenic delusions, and she was not at all interested even though she released him into our care at the first hearing. She was not interested at all in the second hearing as to the result of her decision to release him into our care and cared only to keep things moving. We didn't want special treatment - we just wanted a voice to say a few words on our son's behalf to get him the treatment he so desperately needs. She only said, "Someone is raising their hand. I don't take questions in my courtroom."

I agree law and case law are not her strong suit. She is fact-centered. If you follow her rules, she will be more than decent. I have gotten her to release OR or to Open Plea to diversion, but you must build a reporte and state facts relevant to these things. She congratulates those who make progress and scolds those who don’t. She is prosecution-oriented, but it is predominately because she goes by facts. If the facts are there, she holds it to answer. She will lend to the prosecution if they establish a give-and-take relationship with her, but she will also do the same for the defense, if they do the same. If one establishes this relationship, she calls them by their first name in court. She is efficient and commanding. I have seen her been lenient and I’ve seen her be unyielding. If the defense and prosecution agree, she seldom gets in the way and instead facilitates. She is impatient, but makes good use of time and keeps both sides on their toes. She will force both a UTP or bench warrant before noon.

She is the worst Judge in Southern California; not just Los Angeles. I have been a lawyer for 25 years and this is not an even minded person. File a 170.6 immediately. It is our collective fault to allow this type of person on the Bench. She has no idea what the rules of evidence are, and has the absolute worst demeanor I have ever seen!