Biographical Information
- Education: B.A. UC San Diego, Political Science: J.D. Hastings College of Law
- Pre-bench Legal Experience: Civil litigator, Deputy District Attorney, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chief U.S. Attorney’s office in Oakland
Judicial Experience
Appointed March 2006. Criminal courts, felony law and motion judge, specialty courts, felony trial judge, and juvenile court
Pre-bench Civic & Professional Activities
Coached baseball and basketball for many years. High school moot court program.
Current Civic & Professional Activities
Inns of Court, law school moot court judge.
Continuing Legal Education Faculty
MCLE instructor on law and motion practice for criminal law.
Important published decision(s)
People v. Gutierrez – Established law that district attorney to provide Brady by preliminary examination.
Typical weekly schedule
Currently handling long-cause juvenile trials, W&I proceedings, SARB calendar and Civil and Criminal Grant Jury Supervising Judge.
Courtroom Policies
Generally rules from the bench.
Appearances
Professional demeanor, attire.
Motions
Follow Rules of Court.
Briefs
Follow Rules of Court.
Discovery
Follow PC 1054.
Continuances
Follow Rules of Court.
In Limine Motions
Can be filed day of trial.
Voir Dire
For cause issues only.
Jury Instructions
Parties to provide requested instructions. Use CalCrim.
Witnesses
Have witnesses ready.
Sanctions
Rarely imposed.
Documents
Have Exhibits pre-marked.
Decorum
Professional and courteous at all times.
Court Reporters & Translators
Slow down for both.
Computers in the Courtroom
Allowed.
Audio-visual
Allowed.
Cameras in the Courtroom
Court does not allow. For news group, accommodations may be made for still shots at beginning of proceeding but this is very limited.
Advice
Be prepared. Be courteous. Be straight with the court. Stay honest.