He tried to plea down to a misdemeanor charge, but the judge did not like the deal.

I don't think this is the correct framing. The judge questioned the parties (required during a deal) and found that the parties disagreed on the interpretation of the deal and exposure to additional charges (highly unusual - these agreements are typically watertight). Since there was a disagreement there was no meeting of the minds and the deal fell apart. The judges feelings have nothing to do with it.