Judicial Officers

Yuba County Superior Court has five elected judges.  Superior court judges are elected in nonpartisan elections to a term of six years.  If a vacancy occurs between elections, the governor makes an appointment to complete the term.

A “commissioner” is an attorney who is appointed by the court and given the power to hear and make decisions in certain kinds of legal matters.

A “pro tem judge” is an attorney who is appointed by the court and stipulated by the parties to hear and make decisions in certain types of cases.

Elected Superior Court Judges

Honorable Stephen W. Berrier

Current Courtroom:
Department 4

Current Assignments
Case Management Conference
LPS Conservatorships
Probate and Civil Law
Small Claims
Unlawful Detainers

Honorable Debra L. Givens

Current Courtroom:
Department 1

Current Assignments
Presiding Judge
Juvenile Law/Guardianships
Drug Court/Prop 36

Honorable MELANIE K. BENDORF

Current Courtroom:
Department 5

Current Assignments
Presiding Judge, Appellate Division
Family Law
Domestic Violence

Honorable Julia L. Scrogin

Current Courtroom:
Department 3

Current Assignments
Criminal Law
Felony Trials

Honorable Benjamin Z. Wirtschafter

Current Courtroom:
Department 2

Current Assignments
Criminal Law
Infraction Arraignment
Misdemeanor Trials
Traffic Court Trials
 

Non-Elected Superior Judicial Officers

Honorable TERRY N SPIES

Current Courtroom:
Department 6

Current Assignments
Title IV-D Child Support Cases