Judge Julia Campins

Judge Julia Campins has served on the Contra Costa County Superior Court since her appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 25, 2019, filling the seat vacated by retiring Judge Lois Haight. Her appointment by a Democratic governor suggests alignment with progressive judicial values, though this alone should not be used to predict outcomes in any specific matter. What is known from public records is that Judge Campins has presided over criminal matters in Contra Costa County, with documented involvement in mental health diversion proceedings — a specialized and nuanced area of criminal law that requires a judge to balance public safety concerns with rehabilitative and therapeutic considerations. Her handling of the November 2023 Lafayette hostage suspect case involving mental health diversion signals familiarity with Penal Code § 1001.36 and related statutory frameworks, and suggests she is willing to engage seriously with diversion as a legitimate alternative to traditional prosecution. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Campins practiced law in Moraga, California, though the specific nature of her practice — whether civil, criminal, family, or otherwise — is not confirmed by available data. Her pre-bench experience in a suburban East Bay community may inform a practical, community-oriented judicial temperament. A June 2024 Daily Journal article titled 'Ambition for Justice' may offer additional insight into her judicial philosophy, though its full contents were not available for this analysis. Given the limited data available, attorneys should treat this profile as a baseline orientation rather than a definitive behavioral map. The confidence level is intentionally modest, and practitioners are strongly encouraged to supplement this intelligence with direct courtroom observation and peer consultation before high-stakes appearances.

Because Judge Campins has documented involvement in mental health diversion matters, attorneys handling criminal cases — particularly those involving defendants with documented mental health histories — should be prepared to engage substantively with the statutory criteria under Penal Code § 1001.36. Do not treat diversion motions as perfunctory; Judge Campins appears to take these proceedings seriously, and a well-supported motion with clinical documentation, a concrete treatment plan, and a clear nexus between the mental disorder and the charged offense is likely to receive genuine consideration. Conversely, prosecutors opposing diversion should be prepared to articulate specific public safety concerns with particularity rather than relying on the severity of the charge alone. For all matters before Judge Campins, attorneys should default to thorough preparation and professional decorum. Appointed by Governor Newsom in 2019, she entered the bench relatively recently and may still be developing her courtroom preferences and procedural expectations. This means attorneys have an opportunity to make strong first impressions through organized, well-briefed presentations. Avoid assumptions about her positions based solely on her appointing authority. Focus arguments on statutory text, case law, and factual record rather than policy appeals. Given the absence of detailed ruling data, attorneys should arrive early to observe her courtroom rhythm, note how she manages calendar, and pay attention to how she interacts with self-represented litigants and counsel alike. Peer consultation with Contra Costa County practitioners who have appeared before her recently is strongly recommended before any contested hearing.

• critical

  Conduct Direct Courtroom Observation Before Contested Hearings

  Given the absence of ruling data in this profile, attending a session in Judge Campins's courtroom before your contested matter is critical. Observe how she manages argument time, whether she interrupts counsel, how she handles objections, and her general demeanor toward attorneys and parties.

• critical

  Consult Contra Costa County Practitioners Who Have Appeared Before Her

  Local bar members and public defenders or prosecutors who regularly appear in her courtroom will have firsthand knowledge of her preferences, pet peeves, and procedural expectations. This peer intelligence is the most reliable supplement to this profile given current data limitations.

• critical

  Prepare Comprehensive Mental Health Documentation for Diversion Motions

  If your matter involves a mental health diversion motion, assemble complete psychiatric evaluations, a concrete treatment plan with provider commitments, and a clear written nexus argument linking the diagnosed disorder to the charged conduct. Judge Campins's documented engagement with these cases suggests she will scrutinize the record carefully.

• important

  Review the June 2024 Daily Journal 'Ambition for Justice' Article

  A Daily Journal profile may contain direct quotes or descriptions of her judicial philosophy. Obtaining and reviewing this article could provide rare first-person insight into her values and approach to the bench that is not available from case records alone.

• important

  Prepare Thorough Written Briefs Even for Routine Motions

  Without data on her oral argument preferences, defaulting to comprehensive written submissions ensures your positions are fully preserved and presented. Judges who came from private practice often appreciate well-organized briefs that mirror the structure of effective legal memoranda.

• important

  Research Contra Costa County Local Rules and Standing Orders

  Confirm whether Judge Campins has issued any standing orders, preferred scheduling procedures, or courtroom-specific rules through the court's website or clerk's office. Compliance with local procedural expectations signals professionalism and avoids unnecessary friction.

• ›Arrive early and observe how the courtroom is managed before your matter is called — note whether she runs a tight calendar and whether she expects counsel to be ready to proceed immediately when called.
• ›Address the court formally and avoid interrupting the judge; as a relatively recent appointee, she may be particularly attentive to whether counsel demonstrates appropriate deference to the bench.
• ›Be prepared to answer questions about the factual record and statutory authority without referring extensively to notes — familiarity with your own case signals credibility and preparation.
• ›If appearing in a criminal matter, be sensitive to the presence of victims, families, or defendants with mental health needs in the courtroom; her documented work in mental health diversion suggests she is attentive to the human dimensions of criminal proceedings.
• ›Confirm courtroom technology and submission protocols with the clerk in advance — do not assume that exhibit presentation or remote appearance procedures match other departments in the courthouse.