Circuit Judge

2014

Judge Timothy J. Wilson was appointed as a circuit judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit in 1989. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Saint Louis University.

Judge Wilson has served on the general trial docket of the 22nd Circuit Court, including all felonies and unlimited civil trials. Previously, he was the assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. He is a member of The Missouri Bar and the Missouri State Judiciary. He is also affiliated with the America Eskimo Dog Rescue, Stray Rescue, St. Louis Partners for Paws, St. Joseph Indian School (Chamberlain South Dakota), and the Marlin Perkins Society – St. Louis Zoo.

The committee reviewed survey responses submitted by attorneys who had trials before Judge Wilson and rated Judge Wilson 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 Wilson his highest scores for: allowing the appropriate amount of time for each case being prepared for court (4.34); making sure all parties understand the court proceedings (4.47); and addressing individuals respectfully in the courtroom (4.50). Judge Wilson’s lower scores were for: using courtroom time efficiently (4.00); applying rules of evidence relevant to the case (4.03); and starting courtroom proceedings on time (4.05).

Jurors who served on a trial before Judge Wilson evaluated by him by answering 10 “yes” or “no” answers about his manner in the trial. All of the jurors agreed that Judge Wilson clearly explained their responsibilities to them, maintained control of the courtroom, and clearly explained court proceedings. Judge Wilson’s scores never dropped below 95 percent affirmative, with his lower scores coming in response to the questions: “Did the judge act with patience?” (95.8 percent); “Did the judge promote public confidence in the courts?” (97.4 percent); and “Did the judge clearly explain the legal issues of the case?” (98.3 percent).

Court staff members who served in Judge Wilson’s courtroom also completed a survey regarding Judge Wilson. All but one of the staff members surveyed gave Judge Wilson the highest marks.  he one staff member who didn’t give him the highest marks in regard to all questions gave him the highest marks in two-thirds of the questions asked and the second highest marks in the rest.

The committee also reviewed written opinions by Judge Wilson. 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 March 27, 2014, the committee also observed Judge Wilson in the courtroom, where he was straightforward and to the point. Judge Wilson was handling a criminal docket, and his interaction with defendants and attorneys was efficient, professional, and direct.