Michael J. Finifter

Does not take the facts into consideration. If he doesn't like you/your charges he's going to throw the book at you. My 1st time offender, black son, who had no prior run-ins with the law was given 24 yrs for his first offensive. The judge even said he knew it was excessive, but sentenced him 24 yrs anyways!! He doesn't judge with fairness, just however he feels about the person/case! Horrible man!!

Smart person but lacking in ability to weigh all the facts and handle a criminal trial or even a criminal plea or sentencing. Additionally, I'm not sure he fully understood several important points I made on a criminal plea regarding mitigating factors and parole eligibility. It's very clear he has no real background in trial law or criminal law. For example, in a criminal case I had in late 2024, he remarked at several points during sentencing about minor facts that neither the State nor defense had emphasized at any state of the case. He also imposed a sentence that made no sense, even after I had explained that the sentence would contradict some important rules. It wasn't that he was trying to "stick it" to my client; it was that he genuinely didn't understand even after being a judge for quite some time.

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!