Judge Belvin Perry could be next TV judge

Posted: 8:48 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, 2013


Belvin Perry


Judge Belvin Perry Show 'Sizzle' Reel

Judge Belvin Perry could be next TV judge

Eyewitness News talks to Judge Belvin Perry about possible television show

Cameras in the courtroom made him a star during the Casey Anthony trial.

Now, Judge Belvin Perry could be headed to syndicated television.

The Orange County chief judge who presided over the Casey Anthony trial may be in talks to do a television show.

People around the world got to know Perry and his no-nonsense style during the trial.

The criminal court judge could be the next television judge.

In a tweet, the ninth judicial circuit wrote: Confirmation. Judge Perry is exploring his options, including TV judge shows.

"Since the end of the trial, a number of people have approached me about doing this," Perry told Eyewitness News Monday. 

Producer Jim Lichtenstein said he's working with Perry to put together a show in a format similar to the "Judge Judy" show, where Perry would oversee a small-claims courtroom in Los Angeles.

Lichtenstein said interest in TV judges was waning until the Jodi Arias and George Zimmerman trials.

The producer said as of now, no production firm has agreed to buy the rights to a "Judge Perry" television show, but serious talks continue.

"It's an option that's out there and I would be foolish not to look at it and see whether or not it's a viable option," Perry said.

Perry has been a circuit judge since 1989.

He said he plans to retire in July of 2015 when his term as chief judge expires.

A show would require roughly 40 days of production per year.

Like the trial he presided over, Perry appreciates the audience and opportunity to educate those who tune it.

That education, he said, would be, "To provide 1) entertainment and 2) to provide the same insight as to how the law operates," Perry said.

If he's as successful as other TV judges, his salary would be in the millions.

The judge hasn't signed a contract.
 After he leaves the bench, Perry said if he doesn't pursue a television show, he'll practice personal injury law or continue his passion of nurturing children.


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By SCOTT MAXWELL

Many court observers have been wondering what one of America's most famous judges -- Belvin Perry -- would do after his recent retirement.

THE TV GUY | HAL BOEDEKER

The answer: Go back to work ... for one of Florida's most famous trial lawyers: John Morgan.

Morgan confirmed today that his "For the People" law firm is scheduled to make a formal announcement tomorrow (Tuesday) that Perry is joining the firm.

AT 10:10 PM SEPTEMBER 06, 2014

“Belvin Perry is one of the most respected jurists, if not the most respected jurist, in the state,” Morgan said. “A lot of firms wanted him. So I take it as a huge compliment that a guy like this, who could go anywhere, chose us.”

Perry has a lot of real-life courtroom experience under his belt. Long before he was a chief judge, Perry was a prosecutor. And Morgan said Perry will actually be trying cases.

Still, Morgan made no bones about the fact that simply having Perry’s name attached to the firm “will be a big draw." That’s why Perry’s job will be part lawyer, part business development.

Perry is best known for deftly presiding over the media circus that was the Casey Anthony trial. But his most meaningful legacy extends to issues the tabloids never cared about – helping troubled veterans, promoting mental health and trying to fix Florida’s shameful record of wrongful convictions. (See the July 12 column: “Belvin Perry went beyond his courtroom to make a difference.”)

Perry isn’t the first high-profile face to join Morgan’s “For the People” law firm. Former governor Charlie Crist works there. So have former Republican Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and other legislators from both sides of the aisle. This year, Morgan is spearheading the amendment push for medical marijuana.

I would hire him in a heartbeat if I could afford it.....