Judge Carrie M. Stephens: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Stanislaus County Superior Court, Department 12

CA Bar #: 148399 (December 1990)

Appointed By: Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Carrie M. Stephens is a judge for the Stanislaus County Superior Court in California[1]. Stephens was elected to the bench in June 2018 and was appointed to the same position by former Governor Jerry Brown, effective August 3, 2018, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Loretta Murphy Begen[2][3].

Stephens served as assistant presiding judge before her colleagues elected her presiding judge of the Stanislaus County Superior Court for a two-year term that began on January 1, 2023[4]. Her assignments have included criminal and juvenile matters[5]. In 2024, she spearheaded the inaugural Day on the Bench program for legislators and other elected officials in Stanislaus County[6].

Educational background

Stephens earned a B.S. in business administration from the University of the Pacific in 1986. At the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, she completed a J.D. in 1990. She also attended the Naval Justice School in 1991. Stephens was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1990).

Career history

After law school, Stephens began her legal career with the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps and served there through 1996. During that period, she worked as a special assistant U.S. attorney with the U.S. Attorney's Office (1991 to 1996), first in the Civil Division from 1991 to 1994 and then in the Criminal Division from 1994 to 1996. Her Navy assignments also included service as a base attorney at Port Hueneme from 1994 to 1996.

In 1996, Stephens joined the Stanislaus County Public Defender's Office as a deputy public defender and remained there until 1999. Beginning in 1997, she continued her service in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Two years later, Stephens transitioned to the Stanislaus County Counsel's Office as a deputy county counsel, where her practice included family, civil, criminal, and probate matters.

From 2010 to 2015, her reserve assignments included service as a military trial judge with the Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judiciary, including two years beginning in 2013 as chief judge of the reserve component. In 2015, she served as commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Region Legal Service Office in Japan. Two years later, Stephens became an appellate judge on the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals and continued in that role while working in the County Counsel's Office.

Her affiliations have included the State Bar of California, the Wray Ladine American Inn of Court, the Stanislaus County Bar Association, the Criminal Bar Association, the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, and the Academic Intervention Mentor Program. Stephens was also listed as a member of the National Association of Women Judges[7]. Her military commendations have included the Navy Achievement Medal (1994 and 1997), the Coast Guard Team Commendation Medal (2004), the Navy Commendation Medal (2005 and 2008), and the Meritorious Service Medal (2010 and 2015).

Personal life

Stephens was born and raised in Stanislaus County. She was a resident of Newman in 2018[2].

Stephens is registered as a Republican[3].

References

[1] California Courts — Superior Courts Judges Roster
[2] Governor of California Press Release (July 20, 2018)
[3] Ballotpedia — Carrie M. Stephens (Superior Court of Stanislaus County, California, Candidate 2024)
[4] Stanislaus County Superior Court Media Release (December 28, 2022)
[5] Stanislaus County Superior Court — Judicial Assignments
[6] Westside Connect — Local Legislators Spend a Day on the Bench
[7] National Association of Women Judges District 14 Newsletter (November 2015)

Recent Cases by Hon. Carrie M. Stephens

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs YOUNG, JAMES DEAN

On July 6, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Jul 06, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs HUGHES, REBECCA LEE

On June 8, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Jun 08, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs HISAW, REBECCA JEAN

On June 7, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Jun 07, 2021

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Stanislaus County

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 11, 2021

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs TIDBALL, SEAN ALLEN

On June 2, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Jun 02, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs HERNANDEZ, LUIS ANTONIO

On June 2, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Jun 02, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs LUCERO, ROCHELLE EILEEN

On May 28, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2021

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs GUAJARDO, ROBERT ANTHONY

On May 28, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2021

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs MACIAS, EURALIO

On May 25, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 25, 2021

Status

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs FLORES, ANDREW MICHAEL

On May 19, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 19, 2021

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs TORRES, VICTOR JESS AVELINO

On May 18, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 18, 2021

Status

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 28, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs ESCANUELAS, ROBERT JOSEPH, Jr

On May 17, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 17, 2021

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs MIRANDA, CAROLINA GARCIA

On May 14, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 14, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 28, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs SANTOYO, ARTURO ESTRADA, Jr

On May 11, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 11, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs MILLS, STACEY MELYNNE

On May 11, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 11, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs BOWERMAN, JEFFREY DEAN

On May 6, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 06, 2021

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs SANTILLAN, JUANPABLO

On May 3, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

May 03, 2021

Status

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 28, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs SANCHEZ, CECILIA

On April 26, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Apr 26, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs TROMBETTA, THOMAS JASON

On April 26, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Apr 26, 2021

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 27, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs ROJAS, FELIZARIO

On April 19, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Apr 19, 2021

Status

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs GONZALEZ, FRANCISCO PEREZ

On April 15, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Apr 15, 2021

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs ANGELES, CISCO ANTHONY

On April 13, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Apr 13, 2021

Status

Other

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs GRATTON, MICHAEL RAYMOND

On April 6, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Apr 06, 2021

Status

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 30, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs AHERNE, MAURA ROSE

On April 1, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Apr 01, 2021

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs RODRIGUEZ, ISMAEL NEZUMI, Jr

On March 23, 2021 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Stanislaus County. Judge Carrie M. Stephens presiding.

Filed

Mar 23, 2021

Status

Judge

Hon. Carrie M. Stephens 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Carrie M. Stephens

Court

Superior

County

Stanislaus County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2023

About

Carrie M. Stephens
Current Appointment Stanislaus County Superior Court, Department 12	Stanislaus County Superior Court, Department 12
Education J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law - 1990 B.S., University of the Pacific - 1986	J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law - 1990 B.S., University of the Pacific - 1986

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - Stanislaus County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (209) 530-3100 x8 x3 x2 x2
Criminal-Arraignments:	+1 (209) 530-3100 x4

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Deputy County Counsel	Stanislaus County Counsel’s Office	Stanislaus County, California
Appellate Judge	U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals	None
Military Trial Judge	U.S. Navy and U.S.Marine Corps Trial Judiciary	None
Deputy Public Defender	Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office	Stanislaus County, California
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney	U.S. Attorney's Office	None
Officer	U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corp	None