Biographical Information
- Education: Cal State Hayward (B.A. English Lit) / Hastings College of Law (J.D.)
- Pre-bench Legal Experience: 22 years with District Attorney’s Office Alameda Co
- Political Affiliation: Democrat
Judicial Experience
- 8 years on the Bench—Criminal.
- Presently in Martinez doing the felony probation violation calendar Tuesday and Thursday mornings, as well as arraignments on felonies daily in the afternoons. Bail motions, probation revocations formal hearings on Friday afternoons. Misdemeanor pre-trial hearings Friday mornings.
Current Civic & Professional Activities
- Currently serving on California Criminal Law and Procedure Committee for two years, through CJA.
- Bail Committee
Courtroom Policies
No water bottles or cell phones by attorneys. Do not approach the bench while in session.
Teleconferencing
Allowed on occasion.
Motions
Felony Law and Motions are Monday and Wednesday, and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Briefs
According to California Rules of Court.
Discovery
As per Penal Code.
Settlement Conferences
Pre-trial hearings. Bring client as much as possible. Send attorney who can dispo. the case.
In Limine Motions
In writing.
Voir Dire
- Time limits depending on type of case being tried.
- Attorneys and court conduct voire dire.
- Jury instructions to be submitted on first day of trail for clerks to begin to prepare them.
Jury Instructions
On first day of trial have a list ready for my clerk, for misdemeanors.
Sanctions
Rare.
Decorum
Dress and speak professionally. Be on time. If can’t be, call the courtroom. As per Judicial Ethics.
Computers in the Courtroom
OK if they are not noisy.
Audio-visual
For presentations to jury or court.
Cameras in the Courtroom
No. Not without a hearing.