Caldwell vs. Piedrahita: Hottest Judge Race

District Judge Mike Caldwell faces his most serious challenge in 18 years on the bench from Baton Rouge attorney Randy Piedrahita.

Piedrahita has criticized Caldwell for refusing to hear criminal cases for 17 of the past 18 years and carrying a light load of civil cases.  He says the state Constitution and the backlog of criminal cases necessitate that district judges hear both civil and criminal cases.

Caldwell has hit Piedrahita for being a Democrat until two years ago and for being a trial lawyer.

Piedrahita was named one of the state’s TopLawyers and given an 10AV rating by his peers, the highest rating that attorneys can give one another.

Caldwell says he is well respected by the bar and tries cases fairly.  He says that the 19th Judicial District has divided judgeships into civil and criminal and that it is accepted practice.