As of January, 2025 Judge Byrum is assigned to Div 5 of the Torrance Courthouse. This Courtroom has historically served as a misdemeanor pretrial courtroom that handles DUI and criminal cases from the city of Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Lomita, Rancho Palos Verdes and other cities in the South Bay that do not have their own city prosecutors.

First impressions of Judge Byrum are that she is friendly, patient and polite. She is a good listener and allows all persons appearing before the court to be heard. This Judge clearly has a good understanding of the law and how to apply it in a fair and impartial manner. Her Judicial Temperament is excellent.

Prior to being appointed, Byrum was a Court Commissioner since 2019. She was legal counsel to the Consulate of Colombia in Los Angeles from 1992 to 2019 and was in private practice from 1983 to 2019.

Judge Maria Byrum does expect all parties, both defense counsel and prosecutors, to be prepared and move cases along. From experience, this judge will not allow multiple continuances without sufficient good cause. Also, from personal experience, Judge Maria Byrum’s legal rulings on motions are well reasoned and fair.

Bottom Line-From the perspective of a criminal defense attorney, Judge Maria Byrum is a judge that should be accepted to hear your case and will be impartial and fair to our clients.

Matthew Ruff is a Torrance Criminal Defense Lawyer and Top Rated DUI Attorney with over 30 years experience.