Judge Blaine K. Bowman

Judge Blaine K. Bowman was appointed to the San Diego Superior Court by Governor Jerry Brown in 2008 and presides at the San Diego Central Courthouse. The public record documents his handling of several high-profile and complex cases across criminal, civil, and municipal law domains. In the criminal sphere, he oversaw the Kellen Winslow II sexual assault prosecution, managing the case through a guilty plea in 2019 and imposing a 14-year prison sentence in March 2021 — a proceeding that drew sustained national media attention and required management of significant public scrutiny. He also presided over the Julie Harper murder retrial in 2015, demonstrating experience with high-stakes, emotionally charged criminal proceedings. On the civil side, Judge Bowman presided over the Octapharma Plasma Inc. age discrimination and failure-to-accommodate case that resulted in an $11.2 million jury verdict in 2024, reflecting his willingness to allow substantial jury verdicts to stand in employment discrimination matters. He also handled a San Diego cat control ordinance dispute in 2024, described in coverage as the 'trial of the century,' indicating a willingness to give full judicial attention to matters that may appear minor but carry significant community interest. Taken together, the documented case record shows a judge with broad subject matter exposure — spanning serious felony sentencing, employment civil rights, and municipal regulatory disputes.

Given Judge Bowman's documented handling of the Octapharma Plasma case, attorneys in employment discrimination matters should be prepared for jury trials to proceed to verdict without early resolution pressure from the bench. The $11.2 million verdict in that case was reached under his supervision, which signals that he allows juries to exercise their full fact-finding function in civil rights and employment cases. Plaintiffs' counsel in employment matters should be prepared to present damages evidence comprehensively, while defense counsel should not assume the court will intervene to limit exposure before verdict. In criminal matters, the Kellen Winslow II case demonstrates that Judge Bowman manages high-profile proceedings with attention to procedural integrity under intense public and media scrutiny. Attorneys in serious felony cases before him should anticipate a deliberate, process-oriented approach. The gap between the 2019 guilty plea and the March 2021 sentencing in the Winslow case reflects a methodical sentencing process. Counsel should be thoroughly prepared on sentencing factors, victim impact considerations, and any applicable sentencing guidelines well in advance of sentencing hearings. The documented breadth of case types — from felony sentencing to municipal ordinance disputes — suggests Judge Bowman does not treat any matter as beneath careful judicial attention.

• critical

  Prepare Comprehensive Sentencing Memoranda in Criminal Cases

  The Winslow II case involved a multi-year gap between guilty plea and sentencing, reflecting a deliberate sentencing process. Counsel should prepare thorough sentencing briefs addressing all statutory factors, victim impact, and mitigating or aggravating circumstances well in advance.

• critical

  Prepare Full Damages Case in Employment Discrimination Matters

  The Octapharma Plasma verdict of $11.2 million demonstrates that juries in cases before Judge Bowman can return substantial awards. Both plaintiffs and defendants should prepare complete damages evidence and expert testimony.

• important

  Anticipate Media and Public Attention Management Protocols

  Judge Bowman has managed multiple high-profile cases with significant media coverage. Attorneys in prominent cases should be prepared for courtroom decorum requirements consistent with public proceedings under scrutiny.

• important

  Review Procedural History of Any Retrial Assignments

  His experience with the Julie Harper murder retrial indicates familiarity with retrial-specific procedural issues. Counsel in retrial matters should be prepared to address prior trial record, evidentiary rulings, and any issues preserved on appeal.

• important

  Research Local San Diego Superior Court Rules and Practices

  With no ruling analyses available, attorneys should independently research San Diego Superior Court local rules and any standing orders applicable to Judge Bowman's department to ensure procedural compliance.

• ›Treat all case types — from municipal ordinance disputes to serious felony matters — with equal preparation and professionalism, as the documented record reflects Judge Bowman gives full attention to cases regardless of their public profile.
• ›In high-profile or media-covered cases, maintain strict courtroom decorum; Judge Bowman has managed nationally covered proceedings and is experienced with the demands of public scrutiny.
• ›In criminal sentencing proceedings, be prepared for a deliberate and thorough process; do not expect expedited hearings, as the Winslow II sentencing timeline reflects a methodical approach.
• ›In civil jury trials, present damages evidence completely and professionally; the court has allowed substantial jury verdicts to be reached without apparent intervention.