Friday, October 24, 2014

Judge Hugh Swift for Superior Court Judge Dept 2



Judge Hugh Swift’s 29 year legal career includes a diverse background uniquely qualifying him for the position he currently holds – Calaveras County Superior Court Judge.  As recently noted by retired Judge Douglas Mewhinney, “Judge Swift’s breadth of experience is indispensable in a two-judge court.”
For the first 13 years of his career, Judge Swift practiced civil litigation in Southern California.  In 1999 he moved to Calaveras County and began his career with the California courts working as a research attorney for the Amador Superior Court, soon thereafter promoting to the position of Court Executive Officer.  In 2006 Judge Swift was appointed to serve as a Superior Court Commissioner. As a commissioner, Judge Swift presided over Child Support and Small Claims cases on a weekly basis. The decisions he made in those cases had the same legal force and effect as the decisions he currently makes as a judge. In December 2013, Judge Swift was appointed to the Calaveras Superior Court after a lengthy and thorough vetting process by the California State Bar’s Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE).  A process only judges who are appointed by the Governor are required to go through; which is designed to determine an applicant’s qualifications, character and judicial demeanor
Currently, Judge Swift hears criminal, civil, traffic, family law, probate, domestic violence and civil harassment cases.   Since taking the bench, Judge Swift has presided over felony and misdemeanor jury trials, in addition to civil, family law and probate court trials.
Judge Swift hears all Drug Court cases and is working with the Court’s justice partners and veteran’s advocates to establish a Veterans Treatment Court.  More than 20 Superior Court Judges, including Judge John Martin and retired Judge Mewhinney of the Calaveras Superior Court endorse Judge Swift.  In addition, he enjoys the support of educators, health care professionals, small business owners and members of the community.
Judge Hugh Swift has lived in Calaveras County for 15 years, where he is raising his children and is active in his community. Judge Swift was a partner in Newsome Harlow Wine and a member of the board of directors of Mind Matters Clinic in Murphys.  He enjoys spending time hiking, hunting, riding horses and watching his daughters dance and play soccer.
Judge Swift has not sought the endorsement of any political party for this non partisan position.