Meet the Judges: Oklahoma City Federal Judges

If your federal criminal case is pending in Oklahoma City, one of the most important factors in your case is the judge assigned to it. Federal judges control scheduling, rule on motions, decide evidentiary disputes, preside over trials, and ultimately impose sentences. Understanding the structure of the federal courts and learning about the judges who serve in the Western District of Oklahoma can help you better navigate the federal criminal process.

Below, you’ll find an overview of key federal court judges in the Western District of Oklahoma, where Oklahoma City is located. This article is only about Oklahoma federal judges. At Evergreen Attorneys, we are federal lawyers first and foremost so we want to provide a resource about the local Oklahoma City federal judges. 

Evergreen Attorneys are proud to defend federal criminal cases in Oklahoma. Contact us today by phone at (405) 948-9996 or email [email protected] if you need to get in touch.

OKC Courts and Judges

Oklahoma City is home to the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. This federal district covers much of the state and hears criminal prosecutions brought by the United States government. Unlike state judges, federal judges are appointed for life and are not elected. Their decisions can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of a case. Federal judges in Oklahoma City handle cases involving:

• Drug trafficking
• Wire fraud and white collar crimes
• Firearms offenses
• Child exploitation cases
• Immigration cases
• Conspiracy charges
• Public corruption investigations

The Western District of Oklahoma has two courthouses, one in Oklahoma City and another in Lawton. Appeals from the district courts are heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Each level of court involves judges with distinct responsibilities. Understanding their roles can make a real difference in how your case unfolds. And knowing these details can help you better prepare for success in the courtroom.

Active Oklahoma City Federal District Judges & Senior Judges

Honorable Scott L. Palk, Chief Judge

• Appointed By: Donald Trump
• Assumed Office: October 31, 2017
• Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1992
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Lori – 405-609-5162
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Concise Bio: Before joining the bench, Judge Palk served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and later as Assistant Dean at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Judge Palk has presided over significant criminal and civil matters, including litigation involving Oklahoma’s execution protocols and disputes arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honorable Timothy D. DeGiusti, U.S. District Judge

• Appointed By: George W. Bush 
• Assumed Office: August 9, 2007
• Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1989
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Jane – 405-609-5122
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Concise Bio: Prior to his federal appointment, he served as both an Assistant U.S. Attorney and a state district judge in Oklahoma County. He has handled numerous high-profile criminal prosecutions and was assigned several major civil cases involving government regulations and constitutional challenges.

Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge

• Appointed By: Donald Trump
• Assumed Office: December 20, 2019
• Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 2002
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Carole – 405-609-5521
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Concise Bio: Judge Dishman brings extensive experience in both civil and criminal litigation. Her docket includes federal criminal cases as well as disputes involving energy, agriculture, and commercial matters.

Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Court Judge

• Appointed By: Donald Trump
• Assumed Office: August 30, 2018
• Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1994
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Jacob – 405-609-5015
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Concise Bio: Judge Goodwin is widely recognized for overseeing complex multi-district litigation involving the national opioid crisis, including cases brought against pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

Honorable Joe Heaton, U.S. District Court Judge

• Appointed By: George W. Bush
• Assumed Office: December 10, 2001
• Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1977
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Lisa – 405-609-5601
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Concise Bio: Before joining the bench, Judge Heaton practiced law in Oklahoma City and served as a bankruptcy judge. Over more than two decades on the federal bench, he has presided over numerous white collar, drug trafficking, and complex civil cases.

Honorable Bernard M. Jones II, U.S. District Court Judge

• Appointed By: Donald Trump
• Assumed Office: December 21, 2019
• Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 2002
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: D Wayne – 405-609-5042
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Concise Bio: Judge Jones became the first African American federal district judge in the Western District of Oklahoma. He presides over a diverse docket involving criminal prosecutions, civil rights claims, and business disputes.

Honorable David L. Russell, U.S. District Court Judge

• Appointed By: Ronald Reagan
• Assumed Office: May 1, 1981
• Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1965
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Mikayla & Taylor – 405-609-5101
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Concise Bio: Judge Russell is one of the longest serving federal judges in Oklahoma. Prior to his appointment, he served in the Oklahoma Senate and practiced law in Oklahoma City. Throughout his distinguished career, he has handled major criminal prosecutions and significant civil litigation and remains an active senior judge.

Honorable Patrick R. Wyrick, U.S. District Court Judge

• Appointed By: Donald Trump
• Assumed Office: April 30, 2019
• Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 2007
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Angie – 405-609-5301, Emily – 405-609-5302
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Concise Bio: Judge Wyrick was one of the youngest federal judges in the country at the time of his appointment. In 2023, he dismissed an indictment charging 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) holding that the prosecution was unconstitutional in light of Bruen.

Active Senior Judges:

• Hon. David L. Russel
  • Appointed By: Ronald Reagan
  • Assumed Office: December 17, 1981
  • Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1965
• Hon. Joe L. Heaton
  • Appointed By: George W. Bush
  • Assumed Office: December 10, 2001
  • Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1977
• Hon. Stephen P. Friot
  • Appointed By: George W. Bush
  • Assumed Office: November 13, 2001
  • Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1976
• Hon. Robin J. Cauthron
  • Appointed By: George W. Bush
  • Assumed Office: March 25, 1991
  • Legal Education: University of Oklahoma College of Law, 1977

Magistrate Judges:

• Hon. Shon T. Irwin
• Hon. Amanda Maxfield
• Hon. Suzanne Mitchell
• Hon. Chris M. Stephens

How to Know Which Judge Will Hear Your Case

To find which judge is assigned to your case, check your jury summons or court documents. In federal court, the district clerk will assign initials of the judges on your case following the case number. You can look up your Oklahoma federal judge on your case by creating a free PACER account and then searching for your name here: https://pacer.login.uscourts.gov/csologin/login.jsf?pscCourtId=CODC&appurl=https://ecf.cod.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/iquery.pl

There will typically be a federal magistrate judge assigned to a criminal case to hear certain pretrial matters. Then every federal criminal trial case will be heard by a U.S. District Court judge in Oklahoma. That means you get an Article III judge who is appointed for life in your federal criminal case in Oklahoma. The assigned judge’s name is typically listed throughout these legal papers. You can also find case assignments on the Oklahoma Judicial Branch Website. This website only applies to state court judges.

Why Your Assigned Judge Matters

No two judges manage their courtroom exactly the same. Some judges set aggressive schedules, while others permit more extensive briefing and hearings. Individual judges also differ in sentencing practices, evidentiary rulings, motion procedures, trial management, conditions of release, and/or plea agreement practices. Understanding the judge assigned to your case allows your defense team to prepare more effectively and anticipate procedural issues before they arise.

Oklahoma Federal Criminal Defense Team at Evergreen Attorneys

Need Federal Criminal Defense Legal Guidance?

When you’re facing a federal criminal charge or civil dispute in Oklahoma, understanding your judge isn’t just helpful, it can be a real advantage. At Evergreen Attorneys, our attorneys don’t walk into court blind.

We’ve argued cases in front of federal judges across Oklahoma’s District Courts, and we know how to represent our clients effectively. 

Our deep experience means we understand the expectations, preferences, and courtroom styles of the judges who may hear your case. Whether it’s negotiating a plea, making strategic pretrial motions, or presenting evidence at trial, our insight allows us to tailor your defense to the realities of your courtroom, not just the theory of the law.

Strong legal representation starts with knowing the terrain. At Evergreen Attorneys, we’ve built a reputation for professionalism, preparation, and results. We are Oklahoma federal criminal defense lawyers through and through.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Evergreen Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and get the legal guidance and courtroom experience you deserve. Call us at (405) 948-9996 or email us at [email protected].

FAQs with Oklahoma City’s Federal Defense Attorneys

1. How are federal judges in Oklahoma City selected?
   • Federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate. Once confirmed, they generally serve lifetime appointments.
2. Which court handles federal criminal cases in Oklahoma City? 
   • Most federal criminal prosecutions are filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.
3. Can I request a different federal judge?
   • Generally, cases are assigned randomly. Reassignment is uncommon and occurs only in limited circumstances.
4. Which court hears appeals from Oklahoma federal cases?
   • Appeals from Oklahoma federal district courts are heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.