Superior Court of California, County of Madera
The Superior Court of California, County of Madera 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 |
|---|---|
| Thomas L. Bender | 1998 |
| Brian T. Austin | 2019 |
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| Michael J. Jurkovich | 2012–2019 |
| Dale J. Blea | 2010–2020 |
| Joseph A. Soldani | 2010–2019 |
| Ernest J. LiCalsi | 2009–2016 |
| D. Lynn Collet | 2008–2014 |
| Mitchell C. Rigby | 2007–2012 |
| Eric C. Wyatt | 2005–2011 |
| Jennifer Rae Steding Detjen | 2001–2006 |
| Charles A. Wieland | 2001–2001 |
| Thomas Fletcher | 1998–1999 |
| David D. Minier | 1998–2003 |
| Roger L. Wayne | 1998–2003 |
| John W. DeGroot | 1991–2008 |
| James E. Oakley | 1988–2010 |
| Edward P. II Moffat | 1986–2010 |
| Paul R. Martin | 1985–1997 |
| Clifford H. Plumley | 1979–1985 |
| Jack L. Hammerberg | 1966–1986 |
How a judge reaches this court. Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Madera 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).