Circuit Judge

2014

Judge Steven R. Ohmer was appointed as a circuit judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit in August 2000. He graduated from Florida State University and received his law degree from the Creighton University.

Judge Ohmer has served in the general trial division of the 22nd Circuit Court, handling the criminal docket. Previously, he was an assistant circuit attorney for several years. He is a member of The Missouri Bar, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Lawyers Association of St. Louis, Missouri Supreme Court Family Court Committee,  and chair of the Missouri Supreme Court Circuit Court Budget Committee.

The committee reviewed survey responses submitted by attorneys who had trials before Judge Ohmer and rated Judge Ohmer on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing “Strongly Disagree” and 5 representing “Strongly Agree.” Lawyers who responded to survey questions gave Judge Ohmer his highest scores for: addressing individuals respectfully in the courtroom (4.42); maintaining a professional demeanor in the courtroom (4.38); being prompt in rendering a decision (4.33); and listening carefully during the court proceeding (4.31).

Judge Ohmer’s lower scores were for: citing the applicable substantive law (4.11); decision followed logically from the evidence presented (4.11); and starting courtroom proceedings on time (3.95).

Jurors who had served during a trial before Judge Ohmer evaluated by him by answering 10 “yes” or “no” answers about his manner in the trial. All of the jurors agreed that Judge Ohmer clearly explained their responsibilities to them, maintained control of the courtroom, acted in a dignified manner, clearly explained the legal issues of the case, promoted public confidence in the courts, and clearly explained court proceedings.  Judge Ohmer’s scores never dropped below 98 percent affirmative, with his lower scores coming in response to the questions: “Did the judge act in a dignified manner?”; “Did the judge act with patience?”; and “Did the judge promote public confidence in the courts?”

Court staff who served in Judge Ohmer’s courtroom also completed a survey regarding Judge Ohmer. One staff member surveyed gave Judge Ohmer the highest marks for all questions asked. The remaining four staff members surveyed gave Judge Ohmer the highest marks in two-thirds of the questions asked. Judge Ohmer received the highest marks for treating the parties equally, maintaining professional demeanor in the courtroom, starting courtroom proceedings on time, and providing court staff with clear direction.

The committee also reviewed written opinions by Judge Ohmer. His opinions were well reasoned with easy-to-follow explanations, competent in the law, and adhered closely to precedent as well as to constitutional and statutory law. The precedents were cited and clearly explained.

On June 20, 2014, the committee also observed Judge Ohmer in the courtroom, where he was straightforward and to the point. Judge Ohmer was handling a criminal docket. His interaction with defendants and attorneys was efficient, professional, and direct. He was thorough in his questioning of both sides and weighed all options prior to rendering a decision.