Ortrie D. Smith

Each time we get Judge Otrie Smith for a Judge in our case, he dismisses the case. Our case is a Fair Housing and Corruption case, yet he states we do not have a Federal issue. we requested Jury. Motion for reconsideration denied. hmmm. He rules it is not worth more than 75,000, closes case. Will refile and hope we get another judge or at least if we get him again, he reconsiders his dismissing before the summons has even been served. We are looking for Justice here. Bullied and abused good tenants.

Dear Honorable Sir: I am writing to thank you for Gizmo, the pitbull that was forced into dog fighting, by Rick Hihath. Thank you for taking the crime of dog fighting seriously. Thank you for sentencing Rick Hihath to 16 months in prison, and for not allowing him to own a dog for three years while he is on probation. However, sixteen months is hardly enough time for such a serious crime. And not owning a dog for three years is not stiff enough. Why not a prison term for 10 years? Why not ban dog ownership for Rick Hihath's entire life? What can we do to change the law to enforce tougher sentencing for abuse of innocent animals? While I do applaud your decision to sentence Rich Hihath, I would have liked to see a stiffer sentence.

If I had an important decision that affected my life or my family, I'd trust Judge Smith to make it.

Good judge, except for mandatory sentencing and a total failure at comprehending the relevance of 404b material - gives lip service to it being a rule of inclusion, then always excludes, no matter how relevant.

Judge Smith is always a gentleman in the courtroom. He really hates to send people off to prison, but will follow the Guidelines as a general rule. He has a big heart, but will usually follow the Eigth Circuit law --except relating to Rule 404(b).

Excellent, involved judge who takes his job very seriously.

Judge Smith is a very even-handed judge, unfailingly courteous to parties and counsel.