A superior court judge presides over a state-level trial court, acting as the primary judicial officer in both civil and criminal cases. They oversee legal proceedings, evaluate evidence and testimony, ensure adherence to laws, and make final decisions or instruct juries to do so. Judges are elected to six-year terms.
Ballot Designation
Superior Court Commissioner
For the past seven years, I have served as a Court Commissioner in Fresno County, presiding over Civil Limited, Misdemeanor, Domestic Violence, and Family Support cases. I have ruled on evidence, ensured fairness in proceedings, and issued thoughtful, impartial decisions. Every day, I work to uphold the rule of law with integrity and respect for all who appear before the court.
Before taking the bench, I served 12 years as a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Fresno County. I tried numerous cases to verdict and handled complex criminal matters. I was assigned to the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Unit, serving as lead prosecutor in my final year, and later spent four years in the Homicide Unit prosecuting serious and special-circumstance cases.
In addition to my courtroom service, I have mentored students through Mock Trial and Youth Court programs, reflecting my commitment to education, accountability, and public safety.
My career demonstrates experience, sound judgment, and dedication to our community. I am prepared to continue serving with fairness, independence, and respect for the law. I will apply the law faithfully, treat every person with dignity, and protect the rights of all parties without fear or favor.
What is going well for the Fresno County Superior Court is the dedication and commitment of its people, both staff and Judicial Officers, who care deeply about their work and consistently strive to uphold fairness and justice. I have the privilege of working alongside exceptional individuals who regularly go above and beyond, often working through breaks, lunches, and after hours to ensure they are fully prepared and ready for court each day.
An area for continued improvement within the Fresno County Superior Court is the allocation of resources for litigants. While many of the challenges stem from limited financial resources—factors largely beyond the Court’s control—there is an ongoing need to strengthen services that support access to justice. Expanding self-help services, which provide essential guidance to self-represented litigants, would be a meaningful step forward.
In addition, increasing the onsite availability of interpreters and broadening the range of languages offered would better serve our diverse and multicultural community. The demand for foreign language interpretation has grown significantly, and ensuring effective communication for all court users is critical.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many interpreters have transitioned to remote appearances via Zoom, enabling them to serve multiple courts statewide. While this approach has improved efficiency and expanded reach, it is not always an ideal substitute for in-person interpretation. Having interpreters physically present allows for greater flexibility in communication, enhances confidentiality between litigants and counsel, and fosters a greater sense of comfort and understanding of the court process for those involved.
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