Judge Judith K. Dulcich

Education: B.A. from San Diego State University; J.D. from University of San Diego School of Law.
Appointed: 2007 to the Kern County Superior Court by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Years on Bench: 2007–present (18 years of judicial service).
Prior Legal Experience: 17-year career as Deputy District Attorney in Kern County (1990–2007).
Court Role: Superior Court Judge (currently presiding over felony criminal cases; previously served in the Family Law division and as a regional branch court judge).
Election History: Retained by voters in 2016 and 2022 (unopposed; current term expires January 2029).
Leadership: Served as Presiding Judge of the Kern County Superior Court (2019–2020) and earlier as Assistant Presiding Judge.
Community Involvement: A voting member of the Judicial Council of California for a term spanning September 2024 to September 2027.(first Kern County judge appointed since 1967); active on statewide judicial committees for access, fairness, and pretrial reform.

Education and Early Legal Career

Judith K. Dulcich earned her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law. She began her legal career in 1990 as a Deputy District Attorney in Kern County. Over 17 years as a prosecutor, she handled a wide range of criminal cases and gained extensive trial experience in the local courts. This early career in public prosecution provided her with a strong foundation in criminal law and deep familiarity with the community she would later serve as a judge.

Appointment and Judicial Experience

In October 2007, Dulcich was appointed to the Superior Court of California, County of Kern, by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. She filled a trial court vacancy and became a Superior Court judge, embarking on what is now nearly two decades on the bench. She was subsequently retained by Kern County voters to continue in office, running unopposed in judicial elections (including in 2016 and 2022).

During her tenure on the Superior Court, Judge Dulcich has served in a variety of assignments. Early in her judgeship, she spent several years as the resident judge of an outlying regional courthouse (the Shafter-Wasco branch), where for about seven years she managed all calendars and administrative duties. In that role, she handled everything from serious felony and misdemeanor criminal matters to family law, traffic, small claims, unlawful detainers, and civil cases. After returning to the court’s Metropolitan Division in Bakersfield, she presided in the Family Law division for a period of time. She now serves in the Criminal Division, where she oversees a felony trial calendar. This breadth of experience across case types has given Judge Dulcich a well-rounded perspective on the law and the operations of the court system.

Notable Cases and Legal Approach

Throughout her judicial career, Judge Dulcich has presided over a number of high-profile and complex cases. One notable case was a 2018 DUI hit-and-run matter involving John Giumarra III, a member of a prominent local farming family. The case drew significant public attention after Giumarra struck and killed a bicyclist while driving under the influence. During the proceedings, Judge Dulcich made headlines by reducing a felony hit-and-run charge against Giumarra to misdemeanors – a decision that went against the recommendations of the District Attorney’s Office. This controversial ruling, which substantially lowered the potential penalties, showcased her willingness to exercise independent judicial discretion based on the evidence and circumstances, even in the face of public scrutiny and prosecutorial objection.

In the courtroom, Judge Dulcich is known for a balanced and fair approach. Colleagues and attorneys describe her as firm but even-handed – she maintains control of proceedings and upholds high standards, while ensuring that all parties are heard. Her background as a career prosecutor gives her a thorough understanding of criminal justice, but she applies the law impartially and does not hesitate to rule according to the merits of each case. As Presiding Judge, Dulcich also demonstrated a collaborative and proactive style: she implemented new health and safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic and established an open line of communication with the local bar, inviting attorneys’ input on improving court operations. This responsiveness to stakeholder feedback reflects her broader legal philosophy of continually improving the fairness and effectiveness of the justice system.

Reputation and Judicial Philosophy

Judge Dulcich enjoys a strong reputation in the legal community for her professionalism, integrity, and leadership. Attorneys who have practiced in her courtroom have praised her preparedness and respectful demeanor. She is regarded as an efficient judge who moves cases along while giving careful consideration to the arguments and evidence. These qualities have made her court an environment where litigants feel the process is fair and attorneys appreciate the clear expectations. As a jurist, she is seen as both tough and compassionate – capable of delivering stern justice in serious criminal cases, yet also mindful of individual circumstances and the importance of rehabilitation and fairness.

A trailblazer in her county, Judge Dulcich is one of the first women to serve in the top leadership of the Kern County judiciary. In fact, she and Judge Colette Humphrey remain the only two women in the court’s history to have held the position of Presiding Judge. Her success in this role has made her a role model for other female attorneys and judges in the region. Judge Dulcich’s judicial philosophy centers on upholding the rule of law with consistency and impartiality, while also striving to ensure access to justice. Her work on committees dedicated to access and fairness underscores her belief that the legal system must be equitable and inclusive. Overall, she is widely respected as a fair-minded, collaborative, and forward-thinking judge who is committed to public service.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Beyond her regular judicial duties, Judge Dulcich has taken on significant leadership roles within the court and the broader judicial branch. Her colleagues elected her to serve in court administration, first as the Assistant Presiding Judge and then as the Presiding Judge of the Kern County Superior Court for the 2019–2020 term. In these capacities, she was responsible for overseeing the administration of the county’s trial courts – managing court policies, calendars, and operations. During her tenure as Presiding Judge, she guided the court through challenges such as implementing new procedures during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that essential court functions continued safely. Her leadership was marked by steady management and open communication, helping maintain public trust during a difficult time.

On a statewide level, Judge Dulcich has extended her impact through service on the Judicial Council of California – the policymaking body for the state’s courts. In 2022, she became the first Kern County judge in over half a century to be appointed to the Judicial Council. She continues to serve as a member of the Council (reappointed for a term beginning in 2024), where she contributes to shaping policies to improve the consistency, efficiency, and accessibility of California’s justice system. Additionally, Judge Dulcich has been active on several Judicial Council advisory committees. She served on the Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness (acting as a liaison to the State Bar’s Council on Access and Fairness), reflecting her dedication to promoting equity in the courts. She also participated in the Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee and the Chief Justice’s Pretrial Reform Workgroup, engaging in statewide efforts to improve court operations and reform pretrial processes. Through these leadership and committee roles, Judge Dulcich has demonstrated a commitment to community engagement and the betterment of the judicial system, working to ensure that the courts serve the public effectively and fairly.