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.