Is a jail or prison sentence negotiable with the judge?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. In many cases, you can plea bargain with the prosecuting attorney for a reduced sentencing recommendation in exchange for a guilty plea. In some cases, you can make a statement of mitigating circumstances BEFORE the judge determines that sentence as an argument for a lesser sentence.

If you even TRY to negotiate with the judge, the BEST case scenario is they stick with their original sentence instead of revising it to a harsher sentence.

Not directly. You need know who to go see. Talk to them. Have them talk to the judge for you. Do not forget to have a envelope with money fall out of your pocket. Unnoticed there. Do not ask for it back. It must be cash. Or something on some one they do not wish others to know about. Some times your attorney can handle this for you for a small fee. Once again cash. No checks. It will not be on your bill.

I'm sure he'll be more receptive if you ask him while serving tea and cookies in the judge's chambers.

Good luck with that! You give up many rights if you're being tried for an offense that carries a 20 year term!

Yes. It is called a plea bargain. It has to be done earlier on during the proceedings.

No. Those negotiations take place during the plea bargaining stage or during the sentencing hearing. The judge has the final stage.

Can you say to a judge 'You don't know anything - how about you just give me what I want instead?'

Yeah, sure you can!