Stockton, CA — On April 12, 2024, the residents of San Joaquin County elected two new Judges: Katy Jacot and Peter Devencenzi.
Judge-Elect Katy Jacot has been a Superior Court Commissioner since January 3, 2023. In her current role as Commissioner for the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, Judge-Elect Jacot handles matters such as Criminal, Limited Civil, Small Claims, Civil Harassment, and Traffic. Prior to becoming Commissioner, she worked in the San Joaquin Public Defender’s Office as a deputy public defender from January 1, 2007, until her selection as Commissioner. Judge-Elect Jacot graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in Political Science and obtained her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University, School of Law.
Judge-Elect Peter Devencenzi is a deputy district attorney for the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and joined the office in January 2013. While at the District Attorney’s Office, Judge-Elect Devencenzi’s case load consisted of Felony and hearings. Prior to his work at the District Attorney’s office, he worked at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and practiced Civil law with the firm of Mayall Hurley. Judge-Elect Devencenzi attended the University of the Pacific and majored in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law. Judge-Elect Devencenzi obtained his Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law.
Presiding Judge Gus Barrera II, had this to say, “I congratulate both Judge-Elect Jacot and Judge-Elect Devencenzi for running a very strategic, thoughtful, and effective campaigns. Each brings great legal experience and perspective to our bench. Both are extremely hardworking, enthusiastic, dedicated, and will be tremendous additions going forward. I look forward to working with each of them in their new roles.”
Judge-Elect Jacot and Judge-Elect Devencenzi will take the bench on January 1, 2025 unless they receive an early interim appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom. Their swearing in ceremonies have yet to be scheduled.
After this election, the Court has two judicial vacancies that need to be filled. In addition, a state Judicial Needs Assessment has found that the San Joaquin County Superior Court is in need of additional judgeships.