Judicial and Legal Experience / Awards
Associate Justice, California Court of Appeal, Third District
December 2010 – January 2022
Superior Court Judge, San Joaquin County
December 1995 – 2010
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Presiding Judge: January 2008 – January 2010
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Assignments: Criminal trials and preliminary hearings; Jury Service Compliance and Education Program calendars; Felony Home Court (felony arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-preliminary hearing conferences, and pre-trial conferences); Civil Law & Motion; Civil trials; Family law trials
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Chair, Court Facilities Working Group (January 2008 – December 2010) – Worked on the design of the new Stockton Courthouse
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Chair, Community-Focused Court Planning Team (April 1999 – 2010)
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Chair, Media Committee (January 2002 – December 2005; January 2010 – December 2010)
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Member, Superior Court Executive Committee (January 1998 – December 2010)
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Chair, Jury Service Committee (2000 – December 2005; January 2008 – January 2010)
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Co-Creator, Judicial Council award-winning Jury Service Compliance and Education Program — Ralph N. Kleps Award (2000)
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Co-Creator, Judicial Council award-winning Court-Community Leadership & Liaison Program — Ralph N. Kleps Award (2001)
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San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office
April 1986 – December 1995
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Assistant District Attorney (Second in Command): 1992 – 1995
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Deputy District Attorney, Homicide Team: 1987 – 1992
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Deputy District Attorney, Superior Court Team: 1986 – 1987
Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn, New York
August 1982 – April 1986
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1985-1986 – Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney: Major Offense Prosecution Bureau (Major felony career criminal cases); Homicide Bureau.
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1983-1985 – Assistant District Attorney: Investigations Unit; Supreme Court Bureau (Felony prosecutions); Major Offense Prosecutions Bureau.
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1982-1983 – Assistant District Attorney: Criminal Court Bureau (Misdemeanor prosecutions, intake, arraignments).
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Law School
George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Juris Doctor, 1982.
Undergraduate
Frostburg State College (Now Frostburg State University), Frostburg, Maryland.
B.S. Political Science and Economics Double Major (Magna cum laude), 1979.
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California Judges Association Bernard S. Jefferson Award for Distinguished Service in Judicial Education: 2019.
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Placer County Bar Association Access to Justice Award: 2016.
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American Inns of Court, National Award for Outstanding Program (Honorable Mention Award), 12 Angry Yoots Kill a Mockingbird – Team Leader: 2012-2013.
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American Inns of Court, National Award for Outstanding Program (Honorable Mention Award), Eastside Story – Team Leader: 2011-2012.
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Stockton Branch NAACP — Hall of Fame Award: 2023
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Wiley Manuel Bar Association — Lifetime Achievement Award: 2022
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California Black Lawyers Association — Public Service Award: 2022
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Frostburg State University — Distinguished Alumni Award: 2021
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California Black Lawyers Association — Judicial Excellence Award: 2019
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San Joaquin County Office of Education — High School Mock Trial Hall of Fame: 2018
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Stockton Branch NAACP — Freedom Fighter Award: 2013
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Wiley Manuel Bar Association — Judge of the Year: 2013
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California Black Lawyers Association, Judicial Section — Distinguished Judicial Officer Award: 2011
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San Joaquin Black History Month Award: 2008
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California Bench-Bar Coalition — Judicial Officer of the Year: 2007
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California Association of Leadership Programs — Distinguished Leader Award: 2004
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Mediation Center of San Joaquin County — Peacemaker of the Year Award: 2003
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San Joaquin County Bar Association — Law Day Award Recipient: 2002
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Benjamin L. Hooks Award: 2002
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Stockton Branch NAACP — Community Impact Award: 2000
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Stockton Branch NAACP — Martin Luther King, Jr. Frontrunner Award for Community Service: 1996
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San Joaquin County Employees Association — Employee of the Year Nominee: March 1994
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Recognized as one of California’s “Most Effective Prosecutors,” California Lawyer (State Bar publication): October 1990, p. 41
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — Outstanding Collegian: 1979
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John Allison Outstanding Senior Award (President’s Award), Frostburg State College: 1979
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Political Science Department Honors Award, Frostburg State College: 1979
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Honorable
Justice William J. Murray, Jr. (Ret.)
A dedicated public servant, the Honorable William J. Murray, Jr. (Ret.) devoted his entire 40-year career to the administration of justice. During that time, he made significant contributions to the administration of the California Judicial Branch, including on committees to which he was appointed by the California Chief Justice. He was repeatedly requested by California judicial officers, judicial branch staff and attorneys to provide continuing legal education training for the Center of Judicial Education and Research (CJER), the California Judges Association (CJA) and various bar associations. He continued to provide these programs when asked and without compensation even after his retirement. Applying his years of experience as a prosecutor and trial court judge, his independent research and his own thoughtful legal analysis, he made important contributions to California jurisprudence including several opinions in the area of uncharged conduct evidence (California Evidence Code sections 1101, 1108, and 1109), major opinions on implied malice murder and California securities fraud law as well as several important administrative, family and civil law opinions. Many of the opinions Justice Murray authored have been repeatedly cited by appellate courts and secondary sources and relied upon by trial court judges and attorneys. This website outlines his contributions to the administration of justice in California. For additional information, see HERE
Press Release
December 10, 2025
Today, I acknowledge the findings issued by the California Commission on Judicial Performance regarding my performance as a Justice on the Third District Court of Appeal, where I faithfully served from 2010 to when I retired in 2022. I respect the Commission’s role in maintaining the integrity of our judiciary, and I would only like to provide the public with clarification and context and briefly discuss some of the extraordinary contributions I made to the administration of justice in California during my career.
The Commission’s inquiry lasted 4 years, starting during my service, and ending this week. Formal proceedings, which the Commission initiated after 19 months of no contact and after my memory and the memories of witnesses had faded, were set to begin December 1 before Special Masters in Sacramento. I elected to resolve the case to avoid an extended trial and the adverse impact on my health and family – but with it went the opportunity to explain the context of my time on the Third District. Put another way, there are many things you won’t find in the Stipulation.
In 2010, I was honored to be appointed to the Third District, after having made significant contributions to the administration of justice during my time as a county prosecutor and 15 years as Superior Court Judge. The opportunity was fitting, as public service is in my family’s DNA. The State Bar Judicial Nominations Evaluations Committee thought I was a good fit, rating me “exceptionally well qualified” (the highest rating) in large measure due to my work ethic.
I brought my zeal and work ethic to my new job. I worked tirelessly and to exhaustion and sacrificed time with my family and my health. The challenges were formidable – slashed state budgets which delayed replacement of an attorney position in my chambers at key times, inconsistent performance from staff, unforeseen significant changes in the law, and a prodigious flow of cases. My colleagues and I worked to titrate the workflow, clear the backlog, and move opinions out of the queue. Despite great effort and appreciable collaboration, it was a mountain too high for me to ascend despite my best efforts, given the evolving and unforeseeable circumstances which are given short shrift in the Stipulation.
In 2013, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine. While I had long before experienced daytime somnolence (which I addressed with excessive amounts of coffee), I began experiencing more serious symptoms of this condition after I added the one-hour commute to and from the Third District courthouse to my daily routine. As documented in my medical records from that time, my symptoms included headaches, mental slowness, short-term memory and attention problems in addition to daytime somnolence. Those symptoms impacted my productivity between 2010 and 2013 and again for short periods in 2014 and 2015, requiring adjustments to the CPAP.
In August 2017, I suffered two ischemic strokes. The first occurred when I was working in my chambers after business hours (as I customarily did) and the second occurred at the hospital the following day. Instead of using this new health challenge as an excuse to take significant time off work after I was discharged from the hospital, I worked at home on my cases and cases circulating to me from other justices. I voluntarily participated in two previously scheduled oral arguments telephonically during the time I was home convalescing and rehabilitating. I then went back to work in chambers only three short weeks after my strokes.
Notably, the Commission did not find that I was seriously debilitated by the strokes or that I would have qualified for retirement disability, contrary to the erroneously reported allegations in the media. In fact, in addition to returning to work in chambers after only three weeks, I solo-taught a three-hour judicial education course and participated as a panelist in two other legal education programs within three months of the strokes.
The Stipulation does not include other significant facts. For example, it states that I did not “terminate” or take other disciplinary action against an underperforming attorney who had been working in my chambers. The Stipulation omits the main reason I did not do so was because that attorney had a serious injury requiring surgery and later a pregnancy. Under these circumstances, I did not know how to increase her productivity and thought I should give her the time and space to recover from the surgery and later adjust to being a new parent. Ultimately, I did fire her from my chambers but recommended that she be transferred to the central staff where the work was less complex.
What is also not in the Stipulation are my efforts to absolutely ensure the opinions I authored arrived at the right result for the right reasons, that they were supported by the record and the law, and that justice was served. To that end, I devoted significant time and energy to personally researching the record and the law in most of my cases. The Commission does not dispute this, but criticized this approach as inefficient. I acknowledge that this effort contributed to the delays and I overextended myself by doing that extra work.
However, using my 15 years experience as a trial court judge and more than 13 years as prosecutor, I also added my own independent and thoughtful legal analysis to the opinions I dedicatedly authored. Many of those opinions have been cited over and over again by other appellate courts and have been relied upon by trial courts as controlling precedent. I take pride in having made significant contributions to California’s jurisprudence.
My contributions to the administration of justice, not detailed in the Stipulation, did not stop there. For example, I coordinated three successful outreach programs for the Third District for which my colleagues were appreciative, participated on several judicial branch committees, and worked on AB 3070 (Jury Selection Reform) and AB 2542 (Racial Justice Act) for the judicial branch when those measures were pending in the Legislature. While at the Third District, I also provided judicial and attorney training in 23 different programs, including the only branch-wide training on AB 3070 during the year before it became operational.
After I retired, I answered the call to provide judicial and attorney training in 13 programs and updated educational materials I authored for the judicial branch, all without compensation. In 2019, the California Judges Association recognized the value I brought to the administration of justice in California by honoring me with the Hon. Bernard Jefferson Award for distinguished service in judicial education.
You will read in the Stipulation that I engaged in a neglect of duty to promptly and efficiently author cases and a pattern of decisional delay. I accept responsibility for my conduct even under the circumstances I faced. I have no regrets in agreeing to enter a stipulated result – I am retired and relieved to put this 5-year odyssey with the Commission behind me. That said, I feel it is important to present a more fulsome picture here – for the good of those judicial officers and staff who toil in some of the same ways I did, have challenges outside their control, and who work tirelessly and with dedication to the greater good in the same uncelebrated ways.
The attached CVs outline my 40 years of service to the public in more detail, and the list of awards document the value others have placed on my public service.
I would like to thank the two chambers attorneys who were working with me when I retired. Both were excellent, and things would have been different if they had worked for me the entire time I was at the Third District.
It has been an honor to serve the people of California, the California judicial branch, and the legal profession of our great state. While I committed my career to public service and the administration of justice, now that I am retired, I turn to focus on my family whose sacrifices on my behalf have been immeasurable.
Justice Murray (Ret.) is represented by Andrew Waxler, Randall Miller, and Jeanette Chu of Miller Waxler LLP in Los Angeles.
Curriculum Vitae – Contributions to the Administration of Justice
California Judicial Council
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California Judicial Council Member: September 2003 – September 2006
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Judicial Council Internal Committees:
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Chair, Litigation Management Committee (June 2006 – September 2006)
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Vice Chair, Executive and Planning Committee (September 2005 – September 2006)
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Vice Chair, Rules & Projects Committee (now Rules Committee) (September 2004 – September 2005)
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Member, Policy Coordination and Liaison Committee (now Legislation Committee) (September 2003 – September 2004)
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Liaison, Criminal Law Advisory Committee (September 2003 – September 2006)
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California Judicial Council Advisory Committees & Other Committees-
Criminal Law Advisory Committee (January 2018 – September 2021)
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Providing Access and Fairness Advisory Committee (October 2013 – September 2021)
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Co-Chair, Presiding Judge/Court Executive Officer Joint Working Group on Jury Administration and Management (August 2007 – December 2010)
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Bench, Bar, Media Committee — Public Education Subcommittee Chair (February 2009 – December 2010)
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Judicial Council Access and Fairness Advisory Committee (September 2007 – September 2011)
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Commission for Impartial Courts — Steering Committee and Retention & Selection Task Force (September 2007 – December 2009)
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Criminal Law Advisory Committee (2002 – 2003)
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Task Force on Jury System Improvements (2002 – 2003)
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Kleps Awards Committee (Innovation Awards) (2002 – 2003)
Other Statewide Administration of Justice Activities-
California Judges Association Eliminating Bias and Inequality Task Force (2020 – 2025)
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California Supreme Court Jury Selection Working Group (2020 – 2022)
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California Judges Association Judicial Fairness Coalition Member (2018 – 2022)
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State Bar Legal Services Trust Fund Commission — Advisory Member (2013 – 2021)
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Third District Court of Appeal Outreach Committee — Chair (2012 – 2016), Member (2016 – 2017)
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California Bench-Bar Coalition — Co-Chair (2007); Executive Board (2006 – 2012); Member (2004 – 2020)
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California Judges Association Response to Criticism Team Member (2001 – 2008)
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California Judges Association Bernard S. Jefferson Award for Distinguished Service in Judicial Education: 2019.
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Placer County Bar Association Access to Justice Award: 2016.
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American Inns of Court, National Award for Outstanding Program (Honorable Mention Award), 12 Angry Yoots Kill a Mockingbird – Team Leader: 2012-2013.
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American Inns of Court, National Award for Outstanding Program (Honorable Mention Award), Eastside Story – Team Leader: 2011-2012.
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Hon. William J. Murray, Jr. Unity Bar Section, San Joaquin County Bar Association, Executive Committee: 2021-present.
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Center for Judicial Education & Research (CJER) Access, Ethics and Fairness Education Committee: 2016-2021.
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Court of Appeal, Third District, Oral Arguments in High Schools program – Roseville Joint Union High School District (Two sessions, 4 high schools - 2015)
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Court of Appeal, Third District, Oral Arguments in High School Oral program – Elk Grove Unified School District (Two sessions, 12 high schools - 2014)
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CJER Continuing the Dialogue webinar programs planner/presenter/moderator; 2013, 2014, 2018, 2021.
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Court of Appeal, Third District, Let Freedom Ring Program at the California State Fair – Chair, Coordinator, and Moderator: July 2013.
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Chair, Oversight Committee for the first statewide conference jointly held by the California Judicial Council, the California Judges Association, and the California State Bar: September 2005.
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CJER Criminal Law Education Committee: 2002-2003.
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2025
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Panelist, California Judges Association — Creating High School and College Internship Programs (September)
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Solo Presenter, California Judges Association — A.B. 2542, The Racial Justice Act (Two-Part Webinar, January)
2024
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Solo Presenter, Monterey County Bar Association — A.B. 2542: The Racial Justice Act (August)
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Panelist, California Black Lawyers Association — A.B. 2542, Racial Justice Act and A.B. 3070: Jury Selection Reform (April)
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Solo Presenter, CJER Trial Court Judicial Attorneys Institute — A.B. 2542, The Racial Justice Act (March)
2023
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Solo Presenter, California Lawyers Association — A.B. 3070, Jury Selection Reform (April)
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Solo Presenter, Stanislaus County Inn of Court — Implicit Bias in Jury Decision Making (February)
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Solo Presenter, California Judicial Council Black History Month Webinar Series — A.B. 2542 and Other Criminal Justice Reforms (February)
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Solo Presenter, San Joaquin County Bar Association Masters Series — Implicit Bias in Jury Decision Making (January)
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Coordinator & Co-Presenter, San Joaquin County Bar Association Masters Series — Historical Housing Discrimination and Its Continuing Influence on Society (January)
2022
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Solo Presenter, Fresno County Superior Court — A.B. 3070, Jury Selection Reform (April)
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Solo Presenter, California Judges Association — A.B. 3070, Jury Selection Reform (April)
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Solo Presenter, San Joaquin County Bar Association — A.B. 3070, Jury Selection Reform (February)
2021
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Solo Presenter, Orange County Inn of Court — A.B. 3070, Jury Selection Reform (November)
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Co-Presenter, CJER Appellate Justices Institute — A.B. 2542, The Racial Justice Act (October)
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Solo Presenter, CJER Appellate Justices Institute — A.B. 3070, Jury Selection Reform (October)
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Solo Presenter, CJER statewide judicial branch webinar — A.B. 3070: Jury Selection Reform (October)
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Solo Presenter, CJER Criminal Law Institute — A.B. 3070, Jury Selection Reform (May)
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Solo Presenter, California Association of African-American Judges — Batson/Wheeler Issues (Two-Part Webinar, February)
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Co-Presenter, California Judicial Council Criminal Services Webinars — A.B. 2542: The Racial Justice Act (Two sessions -January)
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Planning Committee Member & Panelist, CJER — Continuing the Dialogue webinar: Wrongful Convictions (February)
2019
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Solo Presenter, CJER B.E. Witkin Judicial College — Batson/Wheeler Issues (August)
2018
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Coordinator & Moderator, California Judges Association Midyear Conference — Panel of Constitutional Scholars on the Masterpiece Cakeshop sexual orientation discrimination case (March)
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Planning Committee Member & Panelist, CJER — Continuing the Dialogue webinar: Redlining, Restrictive Covenants, and the Fair Housing Act (November)
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Solo Presenter, CJER — Four-Part Podcast on Batson/Wheeler Issues (March)
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Solo Presenter, San Joaquin County Bar Association — Jury Misconduct (January)
2017
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Panelist, Bar Association of San Francisco — Jury Diversity Issues (November)
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Coordinator, Panelist & Moderator, Third District Court of Appeal Conference — Adult Civic Engagement (October)
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Solo Presenter, CJER Criminal Law Institute — Selecting and Managing Juries (October)
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Solo Presenter, Solano County Bar Association — Batson/Wheeler Issues (February)
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Solo Presenter, San Joaquin County Bar Association — Batson/Wheeler Issues (January)
2016
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Co-Presenter, California Judges Association — Batson/Wheeler Issues (September)
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Panelist, California Judicial Council & California State Bar Diversity Summit — Judicial Diversity (September)
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Adjunct Professor, Drivon School of Law, Humphreys University — Appellate Advocacy (Summer Semester)
2015
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Adjunct Professor, Drivon School of Law, Humphreys University — Appellate Advocacy (Summer Semester)
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Solo Presenter, Placer County Bar Association — Batson/Wheeler Issues (April)
2014
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Solo Presenter, California Judges Association — Jury Misconduct (September)
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Panel Moderator & Presenter, CJER Appellate Attorneys Institute — Batson/Wheeler Issues (March)
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Co-Presenter, CJER — Continuing the Dialogue webinar: Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass; Lessons for Today (February)
2013
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Co-Panelist, CJER, Continuing the Dialogue webinar — A Conversation with Abraham Lincoln: The Third District at the State Fair (July)
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Coordinator & Moderator, Third District Court of Appeal State Fair Program — Let Freedom Ring (July)
2012
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Panelist, California Bar Association — Protecting the Appellate Record in the Trial Court (April)
2011
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Panelist, California Bar Association — Appellate Practice (April)
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Panelist, Nevada County Bar Association — Appellate Practice (March)
2010
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Co-Presenter, CJER Presiding Judges & Court Executive Officer Conference — Court Administration Issues (November)
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Co-Presenter, CJER B.E. Witkin Judicial College — Court Community Outreach (August)
2009
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Adjunct Professor, Drivon School of Law, Humphreys University — Evidence I & II (September – April)
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Co-Presenter, Judicial Council Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee — Jury Service Compliance (May)
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Solo Presenter, San Joaquin County Superior Court — Jury Management (May)
2008
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Adjunct Professor, Drivon School of Law, Humphreys University — Evidence I & II (September – April)
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Solo Presenter, State-Federal Judicial Council — Jury Service Compliance (November)
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Solo Presenter, CJER Continuing Judicial Studies program — Jury Issues (August)
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Solo Presenter, San Joaquin County Superior Court — Search Warrants (August)
2007
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Adjunct Professor, Drivon School of Law, Humphreys University — Evidence I & II (September – April)
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Solo Presenter, CJER Criminal Law Institute — Jury Issues (October)
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Solo Presenter, California Judges Association — Jury Issues (March)
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Co-Presenter, Joint CJER / CJA / State Bar Conference — Criminal Trials and Jury Issues (September)
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Solo Presenter, California Judges Association — Jury Misconduct and Batson/Wheeler Update (May)
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Solo Presenter, William J. Rae-ABOTA Inn of Court (Los Angeles) — Batson/Wheeler Issues (February)
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Oversight Committee Chair, CJER / CJA / State Bar Conference (January – September)
2006
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Adjunct Professor, Drivon School of Law, Humphreys University — Evidence I & II (2006–2008)
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Solo presenter, Conference of State Court Administrators – Court Community Outreach (October)
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Co-presenter, CJER Criminal Law and Procedure Institute – Innovative Jury Practices and Batson/Wheeler issues (March)
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Solo presenter, CJER Continuing Judicial Studies live program – Jury Misconduct (January)
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Solo presenter, CJER Continuing Judicial Studies live program – Batson-Wheeler Issues (January)
2005
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Co-Presenter, live program at the California Judicial Administration Conference – Court Outreach
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Solo presenter, CJER Continuing Judicial Studies live program – Juror Misconduct (October)
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Solo presenter, Judicial Council/California Judges Association/State Bar Conference live program – Juror Misconduct (September)
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Solo presenter, CJER live program – Court Community Outreach (September)
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Solo presenter, California Judges Association live program – Court Community Outreach (September)
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Solo presenter, CJER live program – Juror Misconduct (September)
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Co-presenter, CJER Race & Ethnic Bias Issues in the Courts live program – Court Community Outreach (May)
2004
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Solo presenter, CJER Criminal Law Institute live program – Jury Misconduct (October)
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Solo presenter, CJER Criminal Law Regional Institute live program – Jury Misconduct (August)
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Solo presenter, CJER Continuing Judicial Education Program live program – Jury Issues (January
2003
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Co-Presenter, CJER Celebrating California’s Juvenile Courts Conference live program – Court Community Outreach (December)
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Co-presenter, California Judges Association live program – Court Community Outreach (November)
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Solo presenter, CJER Criminal Law Institute live program – Jury Issues (February)
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Solo presenter, CJER Continuing Judicial Studies live program – Community Outreach (August)
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Solo presenter, CJER Criminal Law and Procedure Institute live program – Jury Misconduct (2003)
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Solo presenter, CJER Continuing Judicial Studies live program – Jury Selection, Batson/Wheeler Issues (January)
2002
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Solo presenter, CJER Continuing Judicial Studies live program – Jury Misconduct (August)
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Solo presenter, 9th Circuit Judicial Conference live program – Jury Service Compliance Programming (July)
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Solo presenter, CJER Race and Ethnic Bias in the Courts live program – Jury Diversity and Batson/Wheeler
1999
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Adjunct Professor, California State University, Stanislaus — Criminal Procedure: Fifth Amendment Issues (Fall Semester)
1995
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Co-Presenter, California District Attorneys Association — Cross-Examination of Defense Experts
1992 – 1995
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Solo Presenter & MCLE Coordinator, San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office — Various Legal Topics
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Author, A.B. 3070 Compendium and Checklist: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025.
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Jury Misconduct Checklist: 2018.
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Consultant, CJER Jury Management Bench Handbook: 2011, 2014.
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Author, Wheeler/Batson at a Glance: 2008-2022.
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Author, Selected Jury Misconduct Issues and Cases (last edition 2008).
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Author, Wheeler/Batson Case Compendium and Checklist Script (last edition 2008).
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Author, Selected Jury Selection and Management Issues in Criminal Cases (Cited by the California Supreme Court as a resource judges should consult in People v. Heard (2003) 31 Cal.4th 946, 967, fn 9.) (last edition 2004).
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San Joaquin County Bar Association — Hon. William J. Murray Jr. Unity Bar Section: 2021 – Present
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Wiley Manuel Bar Association — Contract for Success School and Juvenile Hall Outreach Program: 2012 – 2014
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Friends Care (Programing for children of incarcerated persons and at-risk youth): Planning Board, 2011, 2012; Workshop Presenter, October 2011, May 2012, October 2015
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San Joaquin County Beyond Incarceration Program (programming for prison and jail inmates and children of incarcerated persons): 2008 – 2013
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Stockton Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Crime: Fall 2005 – 2008
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San Joaquin County Law Library Board of Trustees: Board President 1998 to 2000; Trustee, 1997-1998
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Panelist, Governor’s Crime Summit, Los Angeles: February 1994
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CRIMINAL APPEALS
Appointment of Counsel for Superior Court Appellate Division – Appeal of Restitution Order-
Harris v. Appellate Division of Superior Court (2017) 14 Cal.App.5th 142
Attempted Murder and Mayhem – Aiding and Abetting-
People v. Strain, et. al. 2013 WL 3233242
Burglary – Consent Defense / Entry to Engage in Felonious Sexual Conduct with a Minor without Parents’ Knowledge-
People v. Sigur (2015) 238 Cal.App.4th 656
Child Abuse-
People v. Clark (2011) 201 Cal.App.4th 235
Child Pornography-
People v. Holford (2012) 203 Cal.App.4th 155
Confessions – Cultural Implications-
People v. Yor Xiong (2020) 54 Cal.App.5th 1046
DNA Data Base Evidence-
People v. Roberts (2021) 68 Cal.App.5th 64
Domestic Violence-
People v. Mani (2022) 74 Cal.App.5th 343
DUI – Felony Attempted DUI-
People v. Cummings (2021) 61 Cal.App.5th 603
DUI – Ambien / Sleep Driving-
People v. Mathson (2012) 210 Cal.App.4th 1297
Elder Abuse-
People v. Fruits (2016) 247 Cal.App.4th 188
Great Bodily Injury Enhancement-
People v. Elder (2014) 227 Cal.App.4th 411
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People v. Strain, et. al., 2013 WL 3233242
Hearsay – Declaration Against Interests-
People v. Vasquez (2012) 205 Cal.App.4th 609
Hearsay – Prior Testimony Exception / Confrontation Clause-
People v. Hull (2019) 31 Cal.App.5th 1003
Hit and Run - Vehicular Manslaughter
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People v. Vela (2012) 205 Cal.App.4th 942
Home Detention – Willful Failure to Return-
People v. Potts (2016) 247 Cal.App.4th 1167
Impeachment of Defendant by Prior Convictions / Forfeiture-
People v. Sanghera (2016) 6 Cal.App.5th 365
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel-
People v. Kaihea (2021) 70 Cal.App.5th 257
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People v. Brewer (2021) 65 Cal.App.5th 199
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People v. Barksdale 2012 WL 50643
Information Amendment-
People v. Mora-Duran (2020) 45 Cal.App.5th 589
Judicial Immunity for Defense Witnesses-
People v. Hull (2019) 31 Cal.App.5th 1003
Jury Law – Challenges for Cause / Dismissal of Sworn Juror / Jury Misconduct-
People v. Henderson (2022) 78 Cal.App.5th 530
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People v. Wilcoxen 2018 WL 6061399
Kidnapping for Robbery-
People v. Stinson (2019) 31 Cal.App.5th 464
Miranda – Interrogation / Booking Information-
People v. Villa-Gomez (2017) 9 Cal.App.5th 527
Miranda – Pre-arrest Silence-
People v. Ramos (2013) 216 Cal.App.4th 195
Mistake of Law Defense-
People v. Koenig (2020) 58 Cal.App.5th 771
Murder – Aiding and Abetting Implied Malice Murder-
People v. Glukhoy (2022) 77 Cal.App.5th 576
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People v. Powell (2021) 63 Cal.App.5th 689
Murder – Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder / Special Circumstances-
People v. Rodriguez (2021) 66 Cal.App.5th 749
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People v. Ackerman, et. al. 2016 WL 7158030
Murder – Deliberate and Premeditated-
People v. Winkler (2020) 56 Cal.App.5th 1102
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People v. Wilcoxen 2018 WL 6061399
Murder – Gang Related-
People v. Garcia, et. al. 2024 WL 1786740
Murder – Self-Defense / Defense of Others / Heat of Passion / Gangs-
People v. Kaihea (2021) 70 Cal.App.5th 257
Own Recognizance Agreement – Substantial Compliance Doctrine-
People v. Carroll (2014) 222 Cal.App.4th 1406
Plea Bargaining – Withdrawal of Court Approval-
People v. Mora-Duran (2020) 45 Cal.App.5th 589
Plea Bargaining – Plea Form-
People v. Silva (2016) 247 Cal.App.4th 578
Post-conviction Change in Law Regarding Theories of Liability
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People v. Hola (2022) 77 Cal.App.5th 362
Preparing False Documents-
People v. Lucero (2019) 41 Cal.App.5th 370
Proposition 36 – Armed / Possession of Weapon-
People v. Valdez (2017) 10 Cal.App.5th 1338
Proposition 64 – Unreasonable Risk to Public Safety-
People v. Saelee (2018) 28 Cal.App.5th 744
Protective Orders-
People v. Kelley (2022) 76 Cal.App.5th 993
Resisting Arrest by Force or Violence-
People v. Hendrix (2013) 214 Cal.App.4th 216
Restitution – Comparative Negligence-
People v. Nichols (2017) 8 Cal.App.5th 330
Restitution for Public Agencies – Law Enforcement Investigative Costs / Workers Comp Fraud-
People v. Clapp (2021) 62 Cal.App.5th 862
Restitution – Uncharged Crimes / Reasonable Relation to Conviction Crime or Deterring Criminality-
People v. Snow (2012) 205 Cal.App.4th 932
Robbery – Force / Fear-
People v. Montalvo (2019) 36 Cal.App.5th 597
Second Amendment – Sawed-Off Shotguns-
People v. Brown (2014) 227 Cal.App.4th 451
Securities Fraud – Conspiracy Liability / Aiding and Abetting Liability-
People v. Koenig (2020) 58 Cal.App.5th 771
Self-Defense – Home Protection Bill of Rights-
People v. Wilson (2021) 67 Cal.App.5th 819
Sentencing – Consolidated Sentences from Multiple Counties / Credits-
People v. Phoenix (2014) 231 Cal.App.4th 1119
Sentencing – Cruel and Unusual Punishment-
People v. Brewer (2021) 65 Cal.App.5th 199
Sentencing – Jail Booking Fee / Forfeiture-
People v. McCullough (2011) 193 Cal.App.4th 864
Sentencing – Recall and Resentencing-
People v. Pillsbury (2021) 69 Cal.App.5th 776
Severance of Counts-
People v. Ybarra (2016) 245 Cal.App.4th 1420
Statutory Construction – Ejusdem Generis / Noscitur a Sociis-
People v. Lucero (2019) 41 Cal.App.5th 370
Uncharged Conduct Evidence
-
People v. Mani (2022) 74 Cal.App.5th 343
-
People v. Clark (2021) 62 Cal.App.5th 939
-
People v. Winkler (2020) 56 Cal.App.5th 1102
-
People v. Phea (2018) 29 Cal.App.5th 583
-
People v. Fruits (2016) 247 Cal.App.4th 188
-
People v. Hendrix (2013) 214 Cal.App.4th 216
-
People v. Holford (2012) 203 Cal.App.4th 155
Unconsciousness Defense and Instruction-
People v. Mathson (2012) 210 Cal.App.4th 1297
Venue – Aiding and Abetting Drug Sales-
People v. Beatty (2018) 21 Cal.App.5th 1273
Void for Vagueness-
People v. Bermudez (2020) 45 Cal.App.5th 358, disapproved on other grounds, People v. Valencia (2021) 11 Cal.5th 818, 839, fn. 17
Williamson Rule-
People v. Lucero (2019) 41 Cal.App.5th 370
-
People v. Montalvo (2019) 36 Cal.App.5th 597
CHILD DEPENDENCY APPEALS
Appointment of Guardian ad Litem and Counsel – Tort Claims Against County-
In re Nicole H. (2011) 201 Cal.App.4th 388
Indian Child Welfare Act – Forfeiture-
In re Z.W. (2011) 194 Cal.App.4th 54
Tribal Customary Adoption – Forfeiture-
In re G.C. (2013) 216 Cal.App.4th 1391
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel-
In re V.E., 2012 WL 3245411
CIVIL APPEALS
Administrative Appeals – Municipal Airports / Fixed Base Operator Applications / City Approvals-
Jay v. Rock and Jay v. City of Chico 2019 WL 2448239
Administrative Law – Professional License Revocation
-
Ryan-Lanigan v. Bureau of Real Estate (2013) 222 Cal.App.4th 72
Administrative Law – Physician Assistants-
Davis v. Physician Assistant Board (2021) 66 Cal.App.5th 227
Administrative Law – Proposition 65 Cancer Warnings-
American Chemistry Council v. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (2020) 55 Cal.App.5th 1113
Administrative Law – Preservation of Issues / Waste Disposal Facilities-
Sustainability, Parks, Recycling & Wildlife Defense Fund v. Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery (2019) 34 Cal.App.5th 676
Anti-SLAPP-
Sheley v. Harrop (2017) 9 Cal.App.5th 1147
Arbitration – Kaiser / CalPERS-
Kuntz v. Kaiser Foundation Hospital (2021) 62 Cal.App.5th 1135
Arbitration – Insurance Policy / 3rd Party Beneficiary / Estoppel / Parole Evidence
-
Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co. v. SMG Holdings, Inc. (2019) 44 Cal.App.5th 834
Conservatorships – Jury Fees-
Conservatorship of John D. (2014) 224 Cal.App.4th 410
Demurrers - Substantial Compliance Corporate Revivor / CEQA Statute of Limitations
-
Friends of Shingle Springs Interchange, Inc. v. County of El Dorado (2011) 200 Cal.App.4th 1470
Disability Retirement – Public Employees-
Cameron v. Sacramento County Employees’ Retirement System (2016) 4 Cal.App.5th 1266
Employment Law – Wage Statements-
Noori v. Countrywide Payroll & HR Solutions, Inc. (2019) 43 Cal.App.5th 957
Environmental Law-
California Coastkeeper Alliance v. State Lands Commission (2021) 64 Cal.App.5th 36
-
Citizens for Environmental Responsibility v. State ex rel. 14th District Agricultural Association (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 555
-
Friends of Shingle Springs Interchange, Inc. v. County of El Dorado (2011) 200 Cal.App.4th 1470
-
California Clean Energy Committee v. Placer County (2015) 2015 WL 9412772
Family Law
-
In re Marriage of Thompson (2022) 74 Cal.App.5th 481
-
In re Marriage of Mullonkal and Kodiyamplakkil (2020) 51 Cal.App.5th 604
-
In re Marriage of Rubin (2019) 2019 WL 1785493
Home Foreclosure – Homeowners Bill of Rights-
Potocki v. Wells Fargo Bank (2019) 38 Cal.App.5th 566
Indian Gaming – Federal Preemption-
Sharp Image Gaming, Inc. v. Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (2017) 15 Cal.App.5th 391
Judicial Notice-
Friends of Shingle Springs Interchange, Inc. v. County of El Dorado (2011) 200 Cal.App.4th 1470
-
Herrera v. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. (2011) 196 Cal.App.4th 1366
Lemon Law / Consumer Remedies-
Anderson v. Ford Motor Co. (2022) 74 Cal.App.5th 946
Local Rules of Court-
Sabato v. Brooks (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 715
Medical Expenses Damages – Payments by a Factor-
Uspenskaya v. Meline (2015) 241 Cal.App.4th 996
Motion for Relief from Default-
Gee v. Greyhound Lines, Inc. (2017) 6 Cal.App.5th 477
Natural Condition Immunity-
City of Chico v. Superior Court (2021) 68 Cal.App.5th 352
Negligence – Duty / Foreseeability / 3rd party Conduct-
Shipp v. Western Engineering, Inc. (2020) 55 Cal.App.5th 476
Negligence – Gross Negligence / Release of Liability-
Jimenez v. 24 Hour Fitness USA, Inc. (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 546
Negligence – Informed Consent-
Davis v. Physician Assistant Board (2021) 66 Cal.App.5th 227
New Trial Motions-
Collins v. Sutter Memorial Hospital (2011) 196 Cal.App.4th 1
Personal Jurisdiction – Waiver-
Sabato v. Brooks (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 715
Proof of Service – Overnight Delivery-
Humane Society of the United States v. Superior Court (2013) 214 Cal.App.4th 1233
Protective Orders-
In re Marriage of Carlisle (2021) 60 Cal.App.5th 244
-
Sabato v. Brooks (2015) 242 Cal.App.4th 715
Public Records Act – Academic Studies by State Entities
-
Humane Society of the United States v. Superior Court (2013) 214 Cal.App.4th 1233
Redevelopment Law-
Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County v. Department of Finance; City of Redwood v. Bosler (2020) 59 Cal.App.5th 166
Summary Judgment
-
Jimenez v. 24 Hour Fitness USA, Inc. (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 546
-
Honors and Awards
-
Stockton Branch NAACP — Hall of Fame Award: 2023
-
Wiley Manuel Bar Association — Lifetime Achievement Award: 2022
-
California Black Lawyers Association — Public Service Award: 2022
-
Frostburg State University — Distinguished Alumni Award: 2021
-
California Judges Association — Justice Bernard Jefferson Award for Excellence in Judicial Education: 2019
-
California Black Lawyers Association — Judicial Excellence Award: 2019
-
San Joaquin County Office of Education — High School Mock Trial Hall of Fame: 2018
-
Placer County Bar Association — Access to Justice Award: 2016
-
Stockton Branch NAACP — Freedom Fighter Award: 2013
-
Wiley Manuel Bar Association — Judge of the Year: 2013
-
California Black Lawyers Association, Judicial Section — Distinguished Judicial Officer Award: 2011
-
San Joaquin Black History Month Award: 2008
-
California Bench-Bar Coalition — Judicial Officer of the Year: 2007
-
California Association of Leadership Programs — Distinguished Leader Award: 2004
-
Mediation Center of San Joaquin County — Peacemaker of the Year Award: 2003
-
San Joaquin County Bar Association — Law Day Award Recipient: 2002
-
Benjamin L. Hooks Award: 2002
-
Stockton Branch NAACP — Community Impact Award: 2000
-
Stockton Branch NAACP — Martin Luther King, Jr. Frontrunner Award for Community Service: 1996
-
San Joaquin County Employees Association — Employee of the Year Nominee: March 1994
-
Recognized as one of California’s “Most Effective Prosecutors,” California Lawyer (State Bar publication): October 1990, p. 41
-
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — Outstanding Collegian: 1979
-
John Allison Outstanding Senior Award (President’s Award), Frostburg State College: 1979
-
Political Science Department Honors Award, Frostburg State College: 1979
-
CRIMINAL APPEALS CASES
2017
Appointment of Counsel for Superior Court Appellate Division – Appeal of Restitution Order
14 Cal.App.5th 142
2015
Burglary – Consent Defense / Entry to Engage in Felonious Sexual Conduct with a Minor without Parents’ Knowledge
238 Cal.App.4th 656
2022
Jury Law – Challenges for Cause / Dismissal of Sworn Juror / Jury Misconduct
78 Cal.App.5th 530
2021
Murder – Aiding and Abetting Felony Murder / Special Circumstances
66 Cal.App.5th 749
2021
Murder – Self-Defense / Defense of Others / Heat of Passion / Gangs
70 Cal.App.5th 257
2014
Own Recognizance Agreement – Substantial Compliance Doctrine
222 Cal.App.4th 1406
CHILD DEPENDENCY APPEALS CASES
2011
Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem and Counsel – Tort Claims Against County
In re Nicole H.
201 Cal.App.4th 388
2011
Indian Child Welfare Act – Forfeiture
In re Z.W.
194 Cal.App.4th 54
2013
Tribal Customary Adoption – Forfeiture
In re G.C.
216 Cal.App.4th 1391
CIVIL APPEALS CASES
2013
Administrative Law – Professional License Revocation
Ryan-Lanigan v. Bureau of Real Estate
222 Cal.App.4th 72
2021
Administrative Law – Physician Assistants
Davis v. Physician Assistant Bd.
66 Cal.App.5th 227
2020
Administrative Law – Proposition 65 Cancer Warnings
American Chemistry Council v. OEHHA
55 Cal.App.5th 1113
2019
Administrative Law – Preservation of Issues
WDR Fund v. Dept. of Resources Recycling & Recovery
34 Cal.App.5th 676
2017
Anti-SLAPP
Sheley v. Harrop
9 Cal.App.5th 1147
2021
Arbitration – Kaiser / CalPERS
Kuntz v. Kaiser Foundation Hospital
62 Cal.App.5th 1135
2019
Arbitration – Insurance Policy / Estoppel / Parole Evidence
Philadelphia Indemnity vs SMG Holdings
44 Cal.App.5th 834
2011
Demurrers – Corporate Powers / CEQA
Friends of Shingle Springs Interchange v. County of El Dorado
200 Cal.App.4th 1470
2016
Disability Retirement – Public Employees
Cameron v. SCERS
4 Cal.App.5th 1266
2019
Employment Law – Wage Statements
Noori v. Countrywide Payroll
43 Cal.App.5th 957
2021
Environmental Law
California Coastkeeper Alliance v. State Lands Commission
64 Cal.App.5th 36
2015
Environmental Responsibility
Citizens for Environmental Responsibility v. 14th Dist. Ag. Assn.
242 Cal.App.4th 555
2015
Environmental Law – Clean Energy
California Clean Energy Committee v. Placer County
2015 WL 9412772
2022
Family Law – Dissolution
In re Marriage of Thompson
74 Cal.App.5th 481
2020
Family Law – Dissolution
In re Marriage of Mullonkal and Kodiyamplakkil
51 Cal.App.5th 604
2019
Family Law – Dissolution
In re Marriage of Rubin
2019 WL 1785493
2019
Home Foreclosure – Homeowners Bill of Rights
Potocki v. Wells Fargo
38 Cal.App.5th 566
2017
Indian Gaming – Preemption
Sharp Image Gaming v. Shingle Springs Band
15 Cal.App.5th 391
2011
Judicial Notice
Friends of Shingle Springs Interchange v. County of El Dorado
200 Cal.App.4th 1470
2011
Judicial Notice
Herrera v. Deutsche Bank
196 Cal.App.4th 1366
2014
Lanterman-Petris-Short Conservatorship
Conservatorship of John D.
224 Cal.App.4th 410
2022
Lemon Law / Consumer Remedies
Anderson v. Ford Motor Co.
74 Cal.App.5th 946
2015
Local Rules of Court
Sabato v. Brooks
242 Cal.App.4th 715
2015
Medical Damages – Evidence
Uspenskaya v. Meline
241 Cal.App.4th 996
2017
Motion for Relief from Default
Gee v. Greyhound Lines
6 Cal.App.5th 477
2021
Natural Condition Immunity
City of Chico v. Superior Court
68 Cal.App.5th 352
2020
Negligence – Duty / Foreseeability
Shipp v. Western Engineering
55 Cal.App.5th 476
2015
Negligence – Gross Negligence
Jimenez v. 24 Hour Fitness
237 Cal.App.4th 546
2011
New Trial Motions
Collins v. Sutter Memorial Hospital
196 Cal.App.4th 1
2013
Proof of Service – Overnight Delivery
Humane Society v. Superior Court
214 Cal.App.4th 1233
2021
Protective Orders
In re Marriage of Carlisle
60 Cal.App.5th 244
2013
Public Records Act – Academic Studies
Humane Society v. Superior Court
214 Cal.App.4th 1233
2020
Redevelopment Law
Legal Aid Society v. Dept. of Finance; City of Redwood v. Bosler
59 Cal.App.5th 166