Overview
The Hon. Mario Barrera is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California[1]. Barrera was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jerry Brown on October 11, 2018, filling the vacancy created by the passing of the Hon. Sandra A. Thompson[2].
His assignments have included juvenile justice matters at the East Los Angeles courthouse[3]. In 2022, Barrera sentenced Hannah Tubbs to two years in a juvenile facility after concluding that the prosecution had not sought transfer to adult court and that the juvenile term was the maximum disposition available[4].
Educational background
Barrera earned a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles[3]. At Southwestern Law School, he completed a J.D. in 1992[3]. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1992).
Career history
After graduating from law school, Barrera began his legal career as a deputy public defender with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office in 1992[3]. After fifteen years there, he joined the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender's Office as a deputy alternate public defender in 2007 and continued in that role until 2018[3].
Personal life
At the time of his 2018 appointment, Barrera resided in Palmdale, California[2]. In discussing juvenile matters, Barrera described the court's role as assessing services for minors and their families[3].
Barrera is registered as a Democrat[5].
References
[1] California Courts — Judges Roster
[2] Governor of California Press Release (October 11, 2018)
[3] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile
[4] Los Angeles Times — 26-Year-Old Who Sexually Assaulted Girl While Underage Will Serve Two-Year Term in Juvenile Facility, Judge Rules
[5] Ballotpedia — Mario Barrera
