Michael Rudisill, Sanford attorney, appointed judge in the 18th...

Don't worry, most new judges bend over backwards to be fair. But each judge I've known has his own prejudices. I've heard this one really hates employers who steal money from their employees, for example. He just hates thieves. So, as long as you aren't a lying crook, you should be OK.
Then again, maybe not, HL.

In my 29 years of practice, I've never seen a less qualified appointment. But, I've got to deal with it. Maybe I can teach him something.

I met Mike when I first started at the State Attorney's Office. He was always helpful and ready to lend a hand if needed. If you've never worked for the state - then let me tell you - it's not often you find a Mike Rudisill in over-worked and under-paid individuals. However, aside from his positive character, I've practiced in front of numerous judges and let me also tell you that there are some "comfortable" ones that have sat on the bench for years and have created their own courtroom law (like foregoing the rules of evidence - local attorneys will probably know what I am talking about) and refuse to allow anything otherwise. Not to mention all the comments about certain judges that are too nice, too state oriented, too defense oriented, too scared to be overturned, too green and/or too old. These comments are mostly from attorneys that have either lost valuable time to these judges or just lost their arguments in front of them. The point is - no matter how experienced, how old, how young or how inexperienced a judge is, they will make mistakes and attorneys will criticize them. I guess that's why there are appeals ...

Congratulations Mike. I have great faith that you can be a great judge. You have been very blessed and are being rewarded for all your many strengths. I have faith in you!

The only bright side to this story is that in order for him to keep his position he must win election in 2010. Considering his opposition I hope Mike hasn't burned any bridges-he'll need his old job back.