Superior Court of California, County of Napa
A general-jurisdiction trial court in California.
The Superior Court of California, County of Napa 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.
Roster as of the CourtListener bulk-data snapshot (2026-03-31): recent departures and appointments may not be reflected, so it is shown as “on record,” not “currently serving.”
Judges on record
Former judges
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| Cynthia Pillsbury Smith | 2018–2020 |
| Elia Ortiz | 2012–2019 |
| Michael S. Williams | 2012–2017 |
| Mark Boessenecker | 2007–2021 |
| Diane M. Price | 2006–2019 |
| Rodney G. Stone | 2006–2018 |
| Raymond A. Guadagni | 2000–2012 |
| Stephen Thomas Kroyer | 1998–2011 |
| Francisca P. Tisher | 1998–2017 |
| W. Scott Snowden | 1985–2005 |
| Philip A. Champlin | 1979–2000 |
| Thomas Kongsgaard | 1959–1985 |
Other courts in County, California
County is also served by these courts.
How a judge reaches this court. Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Napa 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 as of 2026-03-31 (CourtListener bulk snapshot). Verify against the primary source before relying. Not a consumer report (FCRA).