Congratulations on retirement, Honorable Judge Smerling.
Congratulations on retirement, Honorable Judge Smerling. He was going to send me to prison for 3 years back in 2015 bc I had an emotional breakdown. But, when my therapist (Francisco Reyes RIP) came to my court date to advocate for me, Judge Smerling had mercy on me. He realized my mental health history in foster care and reduced what would have been a felony to a misdemeanor. This allowed me to keep my section 8 housing that I fought so hard to get and helped me get tha help I need. Because California has truly become a dangerous place, I left the state before fulfilling my obligations. When I came back, I was picked up on the warrant. Smerling gave me a county lid and said I was cut loose after that. I am writing this review bc Judge Terry Smerling truly embodied the character that Judge Ronald Owen Kaye falsely exudes today. From an objective POV, Smerling absolutely exercised true equal justice, by recognizing that my conduct was criminal, but psychological and emotional, and it helped me to develop a sense of accountability for my life and my actions. Since then, I have developed tremendous emotional regulation. The one chance Smerling gave me, I can honestly and openly say, ultimately made me a better individual. I am thankful for his work on tha bench as far as I'm concerned. Truly, Judge Suzette Louise Clover, Judge Ronald Owen Kaye, Judge Michael Douglas Carter, Judge Darrell Shaun Mavis, and Judge Ashfaq Chowdhury can surely learn a thing or two from Smerling, who exercised judicial discretion with the utmost respect for public safety. Thank you for your service, Judge Smerling. You are one of tha great ones. Honorable mention of Alternate Public Defender Ken Nakamura (now retired) who believed in me thru tha process. -Michael Bernard Taylor, Jr. (XNEGA1111-32) thawilsonblock.com