Hon. Cheryl A. McCally See Rating Details
Associate Circuit Judge
Circuit Court
Montgomery County
6th Circuit
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Attorney Average Rating:   1.6 - 18 rating(s)
Non-Attorney Average Rating:   1.0 - 10 rating(s)
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Only items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating.


General Rating Criteria

* Temperament (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Scholarship (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Industriousness (1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
* Ability to Handle Complex Litigation (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Punctuality (1=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters (1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge (1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling (1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)


Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation (1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions (1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)


Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation (1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions (1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination (1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)
Comments


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What others have said about Hon. Cheryl A. McCally


Comments


Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD9599
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Judge McCally had an emotional outburst at a guardianship hearing in front of the children. Totally unprofessional. I would suggest psychological testing because she may be struggling with mental health issues. her conduct is not normal and certainly not appropriate for a Judge working with children.

Other

Comment #: MD9550
Rating:1.0
Comments:
As a journalist who observed a pivotal five-day custody trial overseen by Judge Cheryl McCauley, I feel compelled to share a concerning review of her judicial conduct. Throughout the proceedings, Judge McCally demonstrated a troubling bias by obstructing crucial evidence and showing a lack of comprehension regarding child abuse, specifically sexual abuse. Her decisions appeared incoherent and failed to grasp the severity of the situation, ultimately putting the lives of two innocent children at risk.

A very distressing incident in this case involved children pleading for assistance within our justice system. A boy courageously penned a letter to Administrative Judge Bonifant, seeking help. Despite the gravity of the situation, Judge McCally, the presiding judge, callously dismissed the letter without even reading its contents or allowing it to be considered as evidence of potential child abuse.

This disregard for a child's cry for help underscores the systemic issues within our legal processes. I am committed to bringing attention to this case and others overseen by Judge Cheryl McCally, aiming to raise public awareness of the injustices that persist unchecked within our legal system.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD9532
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Agree with the posts below. She's mean and nasty and has the wrong temperament for a judge. She doesn't know the rules of evidence. So glad she's retired.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD9430
Rating:1.0
Comments:
She's mean and rude.
Needs to take a civility class.

Litigant

Comment #: MD9146
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
HORRIBLE JUST OUTRIGHT WRONG FOR LAW ALL TOGETHER SHE IS THE REASON THE WORLD HAS NO TRUST IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND IT'S IMPROPER HANDLING OF CASES IN THE MD CHILD FAMILY CASES SHE IS OUT FOR THE WHOLE COURTROOM TO PRAISE HER FOR SHOWING HER IGNORANCE OF THE LAW AND LAUGHING AFTER BEING ASKED TO RECUSE HERSELF SHE HELD A HEARING ON HER OWN RECUSAL AND WAS FOUND INCOMPETENT ON THE RECORD AND THEN ASKED FOR IT TO BE SEALED AFTER THREATENING THAT OUR CHILDREN WOULD NEVER SEE US AGAIN IF WE DONT GIVE UP OUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AMONGST OTHER UNLAWFUL FALSE DISCOVERIES SHE WAS ASTONISHED TO SEE SOMEONE CHALLENGE HER FOR THEIR CHILDRENS WELL BEING SHE WAS WRONG ON EVERY ALLEGATION THAT KEPT ME FROM MY CHILDREN AND SHE STILL IS WRONG JOIN ME AT DAWANFOREVER22@GMAIL.COM LET'S BRING IT TO THE PRESS LIKE WE SHOULD AND HOLD HER ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE MILIONS OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS THAT HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES AND HOMES AND CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS FOR HER PERSON GAINS. CLASS ACTION JOIN ME NOW LET'S CHANGE HER POSITION AND HOLD HER ACCOUNTABLE FOR HER MALPRACTICE OF LAW......240-437-6913 LEGAL BEAGLE

Litigant

Comment #: MD9000
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Because of the mis-handling of my case by Cheryl A. McCally, I filed a complaint against this woman online:

https://www.courts.state.md.us/cjd/complaint

In the submitted complaint I provided the details, the reasons to complain. After about 3 weeks I received a letter saying the complaint would be investigated. Now I'm waiting for their resolution.

According to the Commission's website:
"(This Commission) is an independent body with the power to investigate complaints against Maryland judges and, when warranted, conduct hearings concerning such complaints and take certain actions or make recommendations for other actions to the Court of Appeals. Through the exercise of its powers, the Commission plays an important role in promoting public confidence in, and preserving, the integrity and independence of the judiciary."

You can all do the same to make your voices heard by the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities. Let's act to remove this unprofessional, biased, and arrogant Cheryl A. MCcally from the bench.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD8998
Rating:1.0
Comments:
When handling my case, Cheryl A. McCally ordered me to answer "Yes" or "No" to her questions; she simply did not allow me to explain or provide any details. She accused me of wasting her time when I raised a question about her decision.

Cheryl A. McCally showed blatant racial bias in her handling of cases.

It is a shame that such an incompetent, ignorant, arrogant woman has been placed in this position. Cheryl A. McCally is wasting tax-payers' money and distorting justice.

Other

Comment #: MD8943
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Cheryl McCalley disregardS sexual abuse facts from victims. My teen-aged daughters verified their sexual abuse by their father yet, she insisted on reunification therapy despite the strongest recommendations from court-appointed therapists and lawyers that this should not occur. She is not helpful to the victim or the legal system.

Litigant

Comment #: MD8763
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
How many lives will this incompetent lady destroy before she is taken out of the bench? She is an absolute disaster. Shame on Maryland state governor Hogan to keep her. Will we have to suffer until 2025?

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD8762
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Is this a judge in the USA in 2021? Really? McCally is totally incompetent, outrageous and unprofessional. Obviously biased towards liars and fraudulent litigants. By far the worst judge still sitting in MD state court. She has no clue about civil cases and does not understand evidence. A shame for the judicial system of this state and this country. She needs to be removed asap from the bench!

Other

Comment #: MD8761
Rating:1.0
Comments:
This unsympathetic lady just ignored a mountain of evidences showing the opposite side was clearly lying and providing only fraudulent elements, and ruled against basic international law and common sense. It was an embarrassing moment to witness this. Cheryl A. McCally is totally incompetent and needs to be removed asap. She is supporting liars and crooks and punishing respectable people. She is a shame for the judicial system of our Maryland State and our country.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD8730
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Cheryl McCalley needs to be removed from the bench. Her blatent bias, inability to carry out a hearing without irrelevant commentary is an insult to the judicial system.

Litigant

Comment #: MD8487
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Unprofessional, repetetive, tedious and seems to be to losing it. Speaks to court about her personal life, attempts to embarrass plaintiff and fails to understand basic legal premises. Likes to threaten both parties. On Zoom, her office? chambers? were a disorganized mess. Resembled a middle class housewife who had been called at the last minute.

Other

Comment #: MD7982
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
A defendant. I found Judge McCally understanding on my criminal plea sentencing surrounding a divorce & custody dispute. She did not throw the book at me, despite not receiving a PBJ upfront she encouraged me to show progress & she’ll allow a reconsideration hearing.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7972
Rating:1.3
Comments:
No ability to understand complex issues. Doesn’t understand basic rules of evidence. Ignores facts.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7921
Rating:1.0
Comments:
She honestly deserves 0s. Horrible temperament and a severe bias. I can't imagine a person more unsuited to civil and criminal work. She really should resign! And I'm being polite.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7851
Rating:1.6
Comments:
There's a reason the State's Attorney loves her. Horrible temperament. Excessive sentences combined with constant yelling and pontificating.

Other

Comment #: MD7733
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Another judge misled by the AFCC to believe abuse victims are lying and are to be treated with contempt. Doesn't explain how this judge repeatedly disregards evidence of abuse and expert testimony.

Complaints of judicial misconduct can be filed with the Commission for Judicial Disabilities.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7552
Rating:1.9
Comments:
McCalley needs to be removed from civil service. Every attorney in the courtroom looked in disbelief at her sentencing ranting which made little sense to the case. She is not knowledgeable about sexual abuse matters and should not be deciding these cases. She has obviously unresolved personal issues that she brings into the courtroom with disregard to the case. She is biased and not a level judicial representative. Pray that she is removed from presiding. Best interests of minor children are not served from her incompetence. Furthermore, did she go to Pepperdine Law School when they sent out letters asking people to join the new class, rather than have applications...

Other

Comment #: MD7551
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Horrendous -
Egregious disregard for the facts of a sexual abuse case. Irrational diatribe to courtroom about her own upbringing as a child of divorce. Sentencing did not match the crime.

Other

Comment #: MD7498
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Shes is the worst judge ever. Very racist and not understanding also she never looks at the evidence. She needs to be fired so people can get a fair trial

Other

Comment #: MD7346
Rating:1.0
Comments:
By the far the worst or one of the worst judges in MD. This woman doesn’t understand the definition of evidence. It’s like she is allergic to evidence and doing the right thing. She discriminated against my age and race in the court room. I will be filing multiple complaints to the courts and media outlets.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD7254
Rating:1.0
Comments:
She really is as bad as others say she is. Been in front of her several times and she seems to get worse as time goes on. Do your best to avoid her.
If you are stuck with her, consider settlement, even if you have a strong case. She's a crapshoot. Good luck!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7250
Rating:2.5
Comments:
By far the worst judge still sitting in MD state court. She has no clue what she is doing in civil cases and does not understand evidence to save her life

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7124
Rating:1.0
Comments:
One of the worst judges I've ever seen.
Doesn't understand basic rules of evidence.
How did she become a judge?

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD7042
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Terrible judge.
Late, or have extended breaks for whatever reasons, not taking into account important evidence in the family court. Allowed abusive parent to have 50% of custody. Abuse is confirmed by the therapist and numerous witnesses, and continues now.
I am not sure how she is even allowed to be a judge...

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD6944
Rating:2.1
Comments:
Judge McCally is incompetent. My new pastime is to count how many times during her hearing dockets she pulls a confused face and says, "I don't understand." She cannot grasp even the simplest concepts. How did she get on the bench?! And WHY is she staying there. She must know she's not bright.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD6930
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Awful judge!
In family law she is clearly pro-father (in three cases before her she ruled for father when the evidence in the record was clearly going the other way).
Shows up late for hearings and doesn't even apologize for it (try not to get after lunch, when she comes strolling in about 30 minutes late).
Also doesn't seem to be aware that the rules of evidence should apply in her courtroom. The client couldn't afford to appeal otherwise I'd have loved to had her overturned.
Shes a bad judge.

Litigant

Comment #: MD6662
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Opposite to what representative of law and fair judgment should be. Always late. Not paying attention to the case. She missed (I believe deliberately) important pieces of evidence and twisted one of the important witness' testimony in my case. I was shocked. Not much to say, but I think she also needs to be evaluated for the racial profiling. Unfortunately I will have to give up as I don't have funds to appeal, but at least someone will read my review about this person.

I honestly think she does not deserve to judge, and needs to be removed.

Civil Litigation - Govt.

Comment #: MD6279
Rating:1.0
Comments:
She is not judge material! She needs to be removed from the bench!

Litigant

Comment #: MD6274
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Judge Cheryl A.McNally is a very incompetent racist judge! She should be removed from the bench immediately! She made me homeless and refused to give me my fair day in court on two separate court dates! Having her reside over my appeals and court proceedings was a waste of my time! She was chronically late both times that I went out of my way to be heard by her on my court dates! She did not let me speak and had the defendant's lawyer do all the talking! She told the biggest lie that I would get one hour to plead my case. Thirty minutes of this case was taken up, waiting for her to show up! Then,she showed up so late with a very non-challant attitude! She allowed the defendant to speak first for twenty minutes of the hour! I got no more than five or ten minutes before this incompetent judge said she was going to turn my case back to HOC, HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION so they could make the final decision! With all of the preponderance of proof that I showed this incompetent judge that my voucher was wrongly terminated,she still allowed racist Carrie Blackman,HOC's lawyer to have the bulk of the time in court. She then incompetently did not know how to exact justice, so she turned my case right back over to HOC to further carry out her lack of knowledge in dealing with fair housing issues! Do not allow this ignorant, racist, incompetent judge to preside over your case! She is a waste of the tax paying dollar.She is always late, doesn't listen or allow the plaintiff to speak! Please remove her from the bench!

Other

Comment #: MD5135
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Zealously pro-prosecution.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD3435
Rating:7.5
Comments:
I had Judge McCally for a summary judgment hearing. She allowed the parties to complete their arguments, asked appropriate questions when necessary, and kept command of the courtroom while being polite. I am interested to see her in trial.