Stockton, CA — The Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, is accepting applications for service on the 2026–2027 San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury. The deadline to submit an application is March 27, 2026.

You can apply on your own or applicants may also be nominated by a judge of the Superior Court or by any member of the community. The Civil Grand Jury is responsible for examining and investigating the operations and functions of local governmental bodies, agencies, and public officials within San Joaquin County. The Grand Jury also reviews complaints submitted by members of the public. Past investigations have included topics such as juvenile group homes, local city government, community colleges, school districts, jail operations, special districts, and housing authorities.

Recent civil grand jurors have described their service as a meaningful way to contribute to their community. Many noted that the experience provided valuable insight into how local government operates while helping promote transparency and accountability for the public.

Applicants must be able to work in person and have the ability to participate remotely via telephone or video appearance. A smartphone and internet access are required. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen, and a resident of San Joaquin County for at least one year. Applicants must possess sufficient knowledge of the English language and may not be currently serving as a trial juror or as an elected public official. Qualified applicants may be interviewed by a Superior Court judge. Background investigations, including law enforcement record checks, will be conducted by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.

Members of the 2026–2027 Civil Grand Jury will begin their service on July 1, 2026. The Grand Jury is composed of 19 citizens whose names are randomly selected from a list of qualified applicants.
Applications are available by calling (209) 992-5695 or by visiting the court’s website at www.sjcourts.org/general-info/civil-grand-jury

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Stockton, CA — The Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kerry Krueger as its newest Court Commissioner. Ms. Krueger will begin her service with the Court on January 26, 2026. Her appointment fills a current vacancy and will provide much-needed assistance to support the Court’s caseload and ensure the continued timely administration of justice.

Ms. Krueger brings nearly four decades of professional experience spanning higher education administration and civil and probate law practice. She holds undergraduate, master’s, and law degrees, which together provided a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, analytical application, and effective communication. These skills, coupled with her strong work ethic, integrity, passion for problem solving, and commitment to justice, have supported two successful careers—first as a higher education administrator for 20 years, and subsequently as a civil and probate law practitioner for the past 19 years.

Throughout her legal career, Ms. Krueger has engaged in both transactional work and litigation across a broad range of practice areas, including contract law, employment law, elder abuse, negligence, fiduciary and entity matters, restraining orders, conservatorships, trust disputes, and real estate matters.

As a law firm partner, active member of the State Bar, and engaged community member, Ms. Krueger is known for her collaborative approach, respectful communication style, and commitment to ethical professional conduct. She values diverse perspectives and approaches challenges with preparation and humility. Her experience has also reinforced the importance of adaptability, sound judgment, and maintaining perspective in high-pressure environments.

Ms. Krueger’s early professional career brought her to Stockton, and her subsequent legal career firmly rooted her in the local legal community. She takes great pride in being part of both communities and looks forward to serving the residents of San Joaquin County in her new role. “San Joaquin County has been my professional home for many years,” Ms. Krueger said. “I am honored by the opportunity to continue serving this community and am committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness, integrity, and public service.”

The Court welcomes Ms. Krueger and is confident that her experience, judgment, and professionalism will be an asset to the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin.

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Stockton, CA — The San Joaquin County Superior Court is pleased to announce Hon. Judge Lance G. Jacot has been selected as the new Presiding Judge, effective January 1, 2026. Judge Jacot replaces outgoing Presiding Judge Gus Barrera II, whose leadership and service to the court are gratefully acknowledged.

Judge Jacot most recently served as Assistant Presiding Judge during the 2024–2025 term, providing continuity and institutional knowledge as he assumes his new role. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Gavin Newsom in December 2019.

Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Jacot built a distinguished legal career dedicated to public service. He served as a Deputy Public Defender with the San Joaquin County Public Defender’s Office from 1999 to 2010, and again from 2019 until his appointment to the bench. From 2010 to 2019, Judge Jacot practiced as a sole practitioner, gaining broad experience in criminal defense and courtroom advocacy.

Judge Jacot earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Presiding Judge Jacot along with the assistance of Court Executive Officer, Stephanie Bohrer will oversee the administration of the court, working closely with judicial officers and staff to ensure the fair, efficient, and accessible delivery of justice to the San Joaquin County community.

Judge Jayne Chong-Soon Lee has been named the new Assistant Presiding Judge. Appointed to the San Joaquin County Superior Court in December 2019, she currently serves as Supervising Judge for the Civil Division.

Prior to her appointment, Judge Lee served as a court commissioner, judge pro tem, and supervising probate attorney for the San Joaquin County Superior Court. Her earlier experience includes serving as a legal research attorney with the Alameda County Superior Court, Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco, and an adjunct professor and lecturer at Golden Gate University School of Law and Stanford Law School.

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Stockton, CA — The Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its DUI Court Program. The grant supports program operations from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, with the goal of reducing the number of individuals injured or killed in alcohol-related collisions in San Joaquin County.

The San Joaquin DUI Court Program began in 2008 and targets all repeat DUI offenders in Stockton. The program includes a treatment track designed for offenders with substance dependence or addiction, focusing on providing substance abuse treatment in conjunction with continuous alcohol monitoring, drug testing, and regular court appearances. Additionally, the program will continue to expand a new monitoring track focused on monitoring and regular court appearances for repeat offenders who are assessed as not having a dependence or addiction problem.

This grant will allow the San Joaquin DUI Court Program to enhance its established program by focusing on strengthening its two-tier system and capacity building. It will fund two full-time case managers who will support both the Court and community. Case managers assist in improving offender accountability, increasing court appearance rates, and enhancing retention and successful completion.

The grant will also support the Choices and Consequences school outreach program, which educates middle and high school students on the dangers of driving while under the influence. The Court initially implemented the virtual format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the virtual option has been maintained for the convenience of participating schools and to expand outreach to additional students. The Court expects to reach several hundred students during the grant period.

DUI Court partners with healthcare treatment providers, social services, and other community-based organizations to develop an effective course of treatment for participants through a combination of judicial supervision and other supportive services.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.