Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado
The Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado is a general-jurisdiction state trial court in California, where most civil and criminal cases are first heard. Its judges are chosen by gubernatorial appointment from a nominating commission, followed by retention elections, the method California uses for its judges. This page lists the judges on record for this court from our public-records source, current and former; trial-court coverage is partial.
| Judge | Since |
|---|---|
| Kenneth John Melikian | 2009 |
| Dylan Marie Sullivan | 2014 |
| Michael J. McLaughlin | 2018 |
| Jamie L. Pesce | 2018 |
| Mark Alan Ralphs | 2018 |
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| Vicki Ashworth | 2015–2019 |
| Warren C. Stracener | 2011–2020 |
| Steven C. Bailey | 2009–2017 |
| Nelson Keith Brooks | 2009–2017 |
| Douglas C. Phimister | 2003–2014 |
| Daniel B. Proud | 2003–2014 |
| James R. Wagoner | 2003–2017 |
| Gregory F. Haas | 1998–2003 |
| Jerald M. Lasarow | 1998–2008 |
| Thomas A. Smith | 1998–2003 |
| Suzanne N. Kingsbury | 1997–2020 |
| Eddie T. Keller | 1989–2007 |
| Patrick John Riley | 1989–2001 |
| Lloyd B. Hamilton | 1987–1989 |
| Terrence M. Finney | 1977–1997 |
| Charles F. Fogerty | 1974–1989 |
| William E. Byrne | 1964–1986 |
How a judge reaches this court. Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado are appointed by the governor to 12-year terms and then face yes-or-no retention elections. Selection methods vary by jurisdiction and have changed over time; this page reflects the court’s current method (source: National Center for State Courts). Open any judge to see their tenure and whom they succeeded.
Source: CourtListener / Free Law Project (bulk data); selection method from the National Center for State Courts. Data last verified 2026-06-30. Verify against the primary source before relying. Not a consumer report (FCRA).