Commissioner Mikki Verissimo

Education

Michelle “Mikki” Verissimo earned her undergraduate degree (B.S. in Liberal Arts) from the University of Maryland. She then attended Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, where she obtained her J.D. Verissimo was admitted to the California Bar in early 2005 (state bar license #235682), indicating she completed law school by that time. These credentials prepared her for a career in public service.

Legal and Prosecutorial Career

Verissimo joined the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office shortly after law school and spent roughly 15 years as a prosecutor. During her tenure there she advanced from Deputy District Attorney to Supervising Deputy District Attorney. In those roles she handled a heavy felony caseload, specializing in violent crime prosecutions. She personally prosecuted many serious cases, including gang-related homicides, DUI-related fatalities, and sexual assault cases. For example, in 2014 she served as the lead prosecutor in a high-profile Visalia Mall shooting trial. Her courtroom experience earned her a reputation as an effective trial lawyer. Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward publicly praised her “exemplary service” when she left the office, reflecting the esteem in which she was held by colleagues.

Judicial Appointment

In late 2020 the Tulare County Superior Court conducted a recruitment for a new court commissioner. Verissimo was selected by the judges of the court and formally appointed in January 2021. (In California, court commissioners are appointed by the court’s judges rather than elected by voters.) She took the oath of office and began her duties as a judicial officer in early 2021. The appointment filled a vacancy in the court’s commissioner ranks and was noted in local media coverage at the time.

Court Assignments

As a court commissioner, Verissimo’s assignment has been focused on criminal cases. She serves in Department 18 of the Visalia courthouse. In this role she presides over arraignments and other pretrial proceedings in criminal matters. Specifically, her duties include handling all “in-custody” arraignments for defendants from both North County (Visalia/Exeter) and South County (Porterville/Lindsay/Tulare) jurisdictions, as well as out-of-custody misdemeanor arraignments for the southern area. These proceedings often involve setting or reviewing bail (“last day” arraignments) and conducting initial appearances on felony complaints. Like other commissioners, she may also oversee related matters such as small claims or traffic infraction cases when needed, but her primary assignment is on criminal arraignments and pretrial case management.

Notable Cases and Decision-Making

Commissioner Verissimo’s judicial duties mainly involve procedural and pretrial rulings, which typically are not published opinions. Thus there are few “rulings” in the legal sense to cite. One case that drew public attention occurred in June 2022: in that matter Verissimo signed a court order releasing two men accused of transporting a large load of fentanyl on their own recognizance. This decision was unusual given the volume of drugs involved, and it was later reviewed by a judge who set bail at over $2 million. The episode was covered in the media and highlighted the discretionary role commissioners have in bail and release decisions. Otherwise, Verissimo’s record shows her carrying out standard commissioner duties – setting preliminary hearing dates, appointing counsel in felony matters, handling misdemeanor matters and bail requests, etc. There is no indication from public records of a particular judicial philosophy or pattern beyond her neutral application of the law to the cases before her.

Professional Reputation

Within the Tulare County legal community, Verissimo is regarded as a highly experienced prosecutor who brings solid courtroom skills to the bench. She is described by colleagues as fair, diligent, and knowledgeable about criminal law. At the time of her appointment, court officials praised her “proven track record” in the District Attorney’s Office. Tulare County judges welcomed her as a “welcome addition” to the Superior Court bench. District Attorney Tim Ward honored her for years of effective service when she transitioned to her judicial role. Earlier in her career, Verissimo took part in county leadership and outreach programs – for example, as a member of the county’s Leadership Academy she helped organize educational programs and even addressed the Board of Supervisors about her experience. Her California Bar profile shows that her license is in good standing (inactive as of 2021 upon taking the bench) and there are no reports of any disciplinary or ethical issues.

Community Involvement

Verissimo has shown interest in public service and community outreach outside the courtroom. While serving as a prosecutor, she participated in Tulare County government programs like the employee Leadership Academy. In that role she helped organize a “career shadow day” for local students, matching them with various county departments to learn about public service. She later reported to elected supervisors on what she learned, noting how expansive county government is. These activities demonstrate her commitment to mentoring youth and raising awareness of government careers. There is no detailed public record of other volunteer or civic work, but her involvement in these county programs suggests she values education and community engagement alongside her legal duties.