Attorney Reveals: When You Can Change Judges Truth

Yes—you can change judges by filing a peremptory challenge once in California criminal cases, and you can also seek recusal for proven bias or a disqualifying conflict. It’s uncommon because judges rarely step aside without clear facts showing impartiality is reasonably in doubt. This article explains the legal standards, timing, and strategy for requesting a different judge.

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“If you have previous history with a Judge, maybe on a particular crime, or if he or she has previous history with the defendant, your client, and something abnormal occurred, is it possible to ever recuse the Judge?”

Andrew Dósa – Criminal Defense Attorney – Oakland, CA

“It is possible, but it is pretty unusual for the Judge to recuse himself or herself. And it is not because they dislike the defendant, it’s because they have some other connection that may interfere with performing their duties. It’s not going to happen very often.”

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“Okay”

Andrew Dósa – Criminal Defense Attorney – Oakland, CA

“If Judges disliked defendants, as a general rule, everybody in the system wants them to be on the bench because they would hammer the defendants, and get their fines and fees, and generate income for the State of California. They’re not going to change their views, they are going to take a tougher position. And they’re going to stay there. They’ll not allow anything to interfere with their approach to cases.”