Timothy M. Burgess

Judge Burgess is the judge who fined the Passenger from a UA flight who assaulted and threatened to kill the purser on a flight LAX to Tokyo, in 2020, $49,700 in victim restitution and fines, probation for 5 years, but no jail time. The flight was diverted to Anchorage at great expense when he struck the purser and wrestled her to the floor, causing long lasting injuries. Some think his sentence was too lenient, since the actual cost was 10 times that amount. I think it was not severe enough which is why I gave him a 9. He is to be commended for taking it seriously and not giving a wrist slap. Zero tolerance for violence on an airplane must be the nationwide policy. I am glad this judge stood up for that.

I like to be in front of Judge Burgess. In my experience, he's pretty even-handed, for federal court anyway. He knows the law and he lets you try your case and make your argument. Further, for this district, he's open to sentences below the guidelines. I have had several cases in which he has made clear efforts to help my clients get good sentences.

Judge Burgess is more concerned with his own image and ongoing relationships with prosecutors, defense attorneys and politicians than justice. He was not a competent prosecutor and continues to seek the advice and assistance of others in order to make decisions. He seems to have little regard towards impact on others.