an Francisco Superior Court Judge Perker Meeks reportedly had a good shot on the basketball court. He also shoots straight -- but fast -- in the courtroom.
"He makes up his mind quickly about what's going on," says defense attorney Marc Zilversmit. "It's difficult to explain anything that goes against his initial perception. . . . If you get out of his mindset, he doesn't want to do it."
Zilversmit, at San Francisco's Riordan & Rosenthal, says he and Meeks once had a "heated discussion" in the courtroom during a hearing.
The lawyer came out on the short end.
"He said, 'I've had enough of this'," recalls Zilversmit. "I said, 'Enough of what?'"
"OK, counsel, you're in contempt," Meeks told the attorney. The judge later discharged the contempt order without a hearing.
"He's good on the law, but it's kind of like walking on egg shells with him," says Zilversmit.
Deputy Public Defender Matthew Gonzalez recently had a similar exchange with Meeks during a preliminary hearing. He, too, lost and was held in contempt.
Meeks declined to be interviewed about his contempt orders or courtroom attitude.
For their part, several lawyers say they sense that Meeks has lost "the passion" for his work on the bench. Others feel he's mired in his own ways.
"He marches to a different drummer and does his own thing in terms of procedure," says solo defense attorney Kenneth Quigley. "He's consistent in what he expects, but he wants you to abide by his rules."
Deputy Public Defender Grace Suarez, a colleague of Meeks when he was in the PD's office, offers this assessment of him: "As a judge, he was a very good lawyer," says Suarez, with a devilish laugh.
Assistant District Attorney Susan Breall says she thinks Meeks needs a change of scenery and a new challenge.
"Judge Meeks has been in Dept. 9 [preliminary hearings] for as long as I can remember," says Breall. "I think whether you're a district attorney, a public defender or a judge, you deserve a rotation -- a chance to stretch your wings and try other assignments, even felony trials."
Meeks has been on the bench for 20 years and in Dept. 9 since 1994. At 56, he's four years shy of qualifying for a full pension, which some lawyers believe Meeks is waiting to do.
While Meeks has usually avoided discussing his courtroom habits, he has in the past openly talked about the noon hours he used to spend on basketball courts throughout the city.
"He was a hell of a basketball player until his knees went out," recalls a defense attorney.
While he was on the municipal court in 1986, Meeks presided over a case involving former Golden State Warriors guard Chris Mullin. The athlete had been arrested by the California Highway Patrol for reckless driving, speeding, following too close and improper lane change as he roared onto the Bay Bridge in his Mercedes-Benz.
Meeks dismissed all charges against Mullin over the objection of the San Francisco DA's office. In exchange, he ordered the sharpshooting pro hoopster to conduct a summer basketball camp for children.
"I just call 'em as I see 'em," Meeks said from the bench at the time.
Deputy Public Defender Rafael Trujillo says "knowing your judge is always important in breaking the ice. It's pasta with [Presiding Judge Alfred] Chiantelli and basketball with Meeks."
Defense attorney George Beckwith says Meeks "always likes to know in advance what's going on." His tip to lawyers: "Be there early."
To which defense attorney Charles Bourdon offers this piece of advice: "If you anticipate when there might be a wrinkle in your case, let him know. Prepare a written memo the day before, and let him be the judge."
Meeks recently advised a lawyer that he subscribes to the "four P's . . . Preparation Prevents Poor Performance."
