"The Robing Room: MD State Judges

Hon. Alfred Nance	See Rating Details
Circuit Judge Circuit Court
Baltimore City County 8th Circuit	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 6.4 - 20 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 7.0 - 3 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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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. Alfred Nance

Comments

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD6283
Rating:2.3

Comments:
Nasty to counsel and litigants. Sanctioned repeatedly by the Judicial Disabilities folks. Should not be a judge.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD6058
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Arrogant. Rude toward lawyers...inappropriate comments. Avoid

Other

Comment #: MD4006
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I found him to be quite interesting,Judge Nance is really a sweet guy.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD2516
Rating:8.5

Comments:
I was recently representing a client on a VOP before Judge Nance. The client decided to come to court wearing a t-shirt and cargo pants hanging off of his waist. The immediate sense of dread that I felt in seeing my client's attire was justified, as Judge Nance, before my client could even take a seat in the gallery, ordered him to leave the courtroom. This kid had to literally beg another defendant to borrow a polo shirt before reentering the courtroom, at which time Judge Nance revoked bail and sent the client to jail for 3 months. Judge Nance specifically asked me "what I was doing", as if to suggest that my client's decision not to heed my warnings (and his mother's warnings) about appropriate courtroom dress was my fault.

The moral of the story: Judge Nance will address any shortcoming that he perceives to be an insult to courtroom decorum. It's not at all pleasant to be on the receiving end of his wrath but, then again, it's understandable. He is really quite fair when it comes to sentencing, and he routinely gives defendants a chance to earn his leniency. The problem is that so many of these folks become repeat visitors to his courtroom, which has to be frustrating for any judge.

Walking into his courtroom, you have to realize that it's going to be uncomfortable to some degree, and you're going to have to bite your tongue, but your client will get a fair shake and, if he's your trial judge, he will listen to any arguments you have and provide a reasonably well-founded ruling.

Having a couple more judges on the bench like Nance might be tough for us lawyers, but it may also help to get this city on the right track.

Other

Comment #: MD2396
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Nance is well-prepared and straight forward. He requires professionalism of everyone, especially attorneys. He is a stickler for rules and appropriate conduct in his courtroom, which is not a bad thing. After more than a decade in Baltimore, I am glad he is on the bench administering justice

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD2289
Rating:2.8

Comments:
He is horrible. He berates people. He has no consideration for attorneys or jurors. In a recent case I had, he started at 9:30am, and took no break of any kind until 3pm -- no recess, no lunch. He hates people. I have no respect for him.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1985
Rating:8.9

Comments:
Great experience in both civil and criminal court. I feel that even when he rules against me, I have a better understanding of the law. Great asset to the bench.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1892
Rating:9.0

Comments:
I've appeared before Judge Nance in a number of cases over the years. He has always been very well prepared and has displayed excellent judicial demeanor. His questions have been incisive and his opinions well thought out. He is an excellent judge.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1822
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Nance is an extremely bright, well-versed in evidentiary and substantative issues. Rules timely, clearly and suscinctly. He is a pleasure to practice before.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1767
Rating:8.6

Comments:
I've appeared before him numerous times. A jewel. One of the best prepared and fair judges in the system. Extraordinarily quick mind, reads and understands everything, able to quickly get the point with intelligent questions, low tolerance for BS, decisive, courageous, compassionate, no discernible biases. If your legal position is correct, expect a ruling in your favor.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1766
Rating:8.6

Civil Litigation - Govt.

Comment #: MD1716
Rating:9.8

Comments:
Over the years, I have tried many civil matters before Judge Nance for the government and found him to be both fair and impartial. I just found this site and want lawyers to know that he listens to your argument, explains his decisions, and does not have a bias. We need more judges like him on the bench.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1707
Rating:9.4

Comments:
Nearly always starts on time and is prepared for the case. In several cases I've had before him he explored settlement before jumping into trial which led to reasonable settlement terms that saved both parties time and money.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1704
Rating:9.3

Comments:
Excellent judicial temperament. I find him very even handed, fair and judicious. He always treats my clients with respect. I am always pleased to try a complex civil litigation case before him.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1671
Rating:6.6

Comments:
His temperament needs improving, but I felt he tried to give a fair trial.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1586
Rating:1.5

Comments:
He has a terrible temperament, is extremely haughty, doesn't understand the issues before him and it is clear that he has racial preferences. He doesn't permit people to go to the restroom without his permission even if you are not testifying (and just sitting in the court room). He has had more complaints about him, from all different types of people, than any other judge. How he is still on the bench is a wonder!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1378
Rating:1.3

Comments:
I had the worst experience of my legal career before this judge. He is arrogant, made inappropriate comments to jurors, and would routinely make comments on the bench just to hear himself talk as he always needed to bring attention towards himself.

Other

Comment #: MD412
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He is about as haughty as they come. Has no problem publicly humiliating potential jurors.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD118
Rating:3.4

Comments:
Leaps at the first fact that is adduced at trial and does not hear anything after that fact. Makes comments that are off the wall and totally inappropriate. Probably could do the job if he would apply himself but does not. Bad experience.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD74
Rating:2.7

Comments:
Inappropriate remarks and conduct are the hallmark of this judge. He is not smart but thinks he is - which is the worst combination. Any lawyer in front of this judge needs a stiff drink at the end of the day. His shenanigans are pointless and make a mockery of the court. Annoying. Rude.