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Sandhu now presiding judge of Stanislaus County Superior Court
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Judge Sonny S. Sandhu began his two-year term as presiding judge of the Stanislaus County Superior Court as of Jan. 1.

Sandhu, who has been serving as the assistant presiding judge, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role.

Judge Sandhu was appointed to the Stanislaus County Superior Court by Governor Jerry Brown in 2018. He served as a judge in the Civil Assignment in Department 24. Sandhu holds dual bachelor of arts degrees in Psychology and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a juris doctorate from Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar in December 2002.

Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Sandhu worked at the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office and later at the Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office, where he was promoted to Chief Deputy Public Defender in 2013 and appointed as the Public Defender in 2017. During his tenure, he played a key role in various community initiatives, including the Veteran’s Treatment Court and the Community Corrections Partnership.

“I am deeply honored to be elected by my colleagues to serve as the Presiding Judge of the Stanislaus Superior Court,” said Sandhu. “As a lifelong resident of Stanislaus County, it is a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the fair and impartial administration of justice in our community. Together with my colleagues, we will continue working to ensure that justice is served efficiently and equitably for all who seek it in Stanislaus County.”

Judge Sandhu currently chairs the California Judicial Mentorship Program for Stanislaus County and is a member of the Judicial Council of California’s Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee. He previously served as president of the California Asian Pacific American Judges Association.

In addition to Sandhu’s appointment, the court announced that Judge Kellee Westbrook began her term as assistant presiding judge on Jan. 1. Judge Westbrook most recently served as the supervising judge of the Criminal Division and as a member of the Court’s Executive Committee.