Biographical Information
- Education: Undergrad: Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts; Law School: Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley
- Pre-bench Legal Experience: 23 years with the public defender’s office in Contra Costa County, California.
- Political Affiliation: Democrat
Judicial Experience
Judge Scanlon took the Bench on October 3, 2005. She has served two years in Richmond, doing a general criminal assignment; two years in juvenile; and two years in family law. She was again doing a general criminal assignment in Richmond. Since January 2014, she has been doing felony trials.
Pre-bench Civic & Professional Activities
Her Honor was a member of the California Public Defenders Assoc., California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and Women Defenders.
Courtroom Policies
When appropriate, the judge rules from bench.
Briefs
Follow local rules of court.
Settlement Conferences
Pre-trial motions are heard on Thursday and Friday mornings.
In Limine Motions
The Judge conducts evidentiary hearings on misdemeanor trials.
Voir Dire
The Judge conducts her voir dire, and then she allows each attorney 15 minutes.
Jury Instructions
The Judge instructs the jury, but will consider special requests.
Decorum
Attorneys are to act professionally and to be on time.
Court Reporters & Translators
Interpreters and court reporters are provided for criminal and domestic violence restraining order cases.
Computers in the Courtroom
Not an issue.
Audio-visual
The court has a VCR, but all other audio-visual requirements must be provided by the attorneys.
Cameras in the Courtroom
This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Advice
Be on time. Know the law. Dress appropriately. Have your client dress appropriately.