Deputy Attorney General *
Mike Murphy
Candidate for San Diego County Superior Court Judge - Seat 35
EXPERIENCE • INTEGRITY • FAIRNESS
Protecting Public Safety and Constitutional Rights for Over 25 Years
As a Deputy Attorney General I have protected our communities and sought justice for victims by prosecuting criminals for murder, assault, theft and other crimes. I have also fought to preserve criminal convictions and to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights by arguing numerous cases in the California Supreme Court. As a judge, I will continue my commitment to public safety and the Constitution, apply the law fairly and without bias, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Judicial Qualifications
Experience
I have served as a prosecutor for 25 years. As a Deputy Attorney General with the California Department of Justice, I have prosecuted violent criminals in superior court and defended convictions in the California Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court. My experience handling cases at all levels of California courts has given me the knowledge and skills to be an effective superior court judge. It has also instilled an appreciation for the fact that judges have a direct and significant impact on the lives of our citizens. I will always be mindful of that and strive to fulfill my duties in a manner that provides a fair and just forum for everyone involved.
Integrity
A judge serves in a position of trust and must always act with integrity. I have a record of doing the right thing, even when it is not popular. I have prosecuted government officials when they violated the law and dismissed charges against private citizens when further investigation cast doubt on their guilt. As a judge I will continue my commitment to do the right thing in every case.
Fairness
Fundamental fairness is the core of our judicial system and judges must apply the law fairly and without bias in all cases. I have learned that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best way to deal with those who violate our laws; instead, individual circumstances must be considered. Sometimes an emphasis on punishment should yield to an emphasis on rehabilitation. While public safety must remain a paramount concern, as a judge I will exercise my discretion with compassion and fairness to everyone involved in a particular case.
About Mike Murphy
A San Diego native, public servant and family man.
Mike was born and raised in San Diego. He grew up in Chula Vista and spent much of his free time surfing in Imperial Beach. His mother was an elementary school teacher and his father was an attorney.
Mike attended St. Augustine High School, earned his degree in business administration from San Diego State University in 1992, and his law degree from the University of San Diego in 1995.
Mike began his career in public service at the California Department of Justice in 1996, where he was hired as a Deputy Attorney General in the Criminal Division.
Mike now lives in Bonita with his wife Danna, who is the Chief Financial Officer of a community bank in San Diego. They have four children, who attend local high schools and universities. In his spare time, Mike enjoys bicycling, motorcycling riding, and gardening.
Endorsements
Organizations
San Diego Deputy District Attorneys Association
San Diegans Against Crime
San Diego County Probation Officers Association
Peace Officers Research Association of California
Oceanside Police Officers Association
Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
San Diego Police Officers Association
Latino American Political Association
Chula Vista Police Officers Association
Neighborhood Market Association
The Lincoln Club of San Diego County
El Cajon Police Officers' Association
San Diego Family Bar Association
Judges
Honorable Brad Weinreb - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Gary Bubis - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Robert Amador - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Patricia Cookson - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Steven Stone - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Evan Kirvin - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Timothy R. Walsh - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Robert F. O’Neill - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Herbert J. Exharos - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable CJ Mody - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Peter L. Gallagher - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court
Honorable Carlos O. Armour - Judge, San Diego Superior Court
Honorable William Y. Wood - Judge, San Diego Superior Court
Honorable Earl Maas - Judge, San Diego Superior Court
Honorable Melinda J. Lasater - Judge, San Diego Superior Court
Honorable Joseph P. Brannigan - Judge, San Diego Superior Court (Retired)
Honorable Louis Hanoian - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court (Retired)
Honorable Frank Bown - Judge, San Diego County Superior Court (Retired)
Community Leaders & Members
Bill Gore - Sheriff, San Diego County (Retired)
David Bejarano - Police Chief, City of San Diego & City of Chula Vista (Retired)
Shelley Zimmerman - Police Chief, City of San Diego (Retired)
Joel Anderson - San Diego County Supervisor, District 2
Brian Jones - California State Senator, District 38
Chris Cate – Councilmember, City of San Diego
Bill Wells - Mayor, City of El Cajon
Richard Bailey - Mayor, City of Coronado
John B. Franklin - Deputy Mayor, City of Vista
John McCann - Councilmember, City of Chula Vista
Adam Day - Chief Administrative Officer of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay NationMark Powell – Former County Board of Education member and President of Parents for Quality Education
Gary W. Schons - Senior Assistant Attorney General, California Department of Justice (Retired)
Ernie Susi - Past President San Diego County Probation Officers Association
Richard Negrete - Peace Officer (Retired)
Jim Geering - Fire Chief, City of Chula Vista (Retired)
Paul Robinson, Esq. - Vice-Chair, San Diego County Regional Airport AuthoritySamuel J. Kahn - President & CEO, Kent Holding & Affiliates
Hojjat Tom Tamar - President & CEO City Wide Group of Companies, Inc.
Derek McMahon - President & CEO McMahon Steel Company, Inc. and Board Member YMCA of San Diego CountyKevin McMahon - CFO & Vice President McMahon Steel Company, Inc. and Board of Trustees Member for Meals on Wheels
Paul Rudy - KUSI Host Good Morning San Diego, Co-Host Prep Pigskin ReportBurt Grossman - Executive Director of Adaptive Sports and Recreational Association, KUSI Co-Host Prep Pigskin Report & Former San Diego Charger Eric Schmidt - President, Exquadrum, IncDerek Dahlen - Owner, Bully's Restaurant Richard Feuerstein - Partner, Feuerstein, Murphy & Beals, LLPMichelle Murphy - Partner, Feuerstein, Murphy & Beals, LLP
Testimonials
“Deputy Attorney General Mike Murphy has handled appeals from cases I have presided over and tried cases before me as well. He is uncompromisingly fair, honest, and professional. In my opinion, Mike is an excellent candidate for Superior Court Judge.”
Honorable Louis Hanoian - San Diego County Superior Court Judge (Retired)
“It is my pleasure to lend my name and my support for Mike Murphy for San Diego County Superior Court Judge. Mike has the integrity and ethics to carry out his duties as judge in a professional and unbiased manner. I am confident that he will uphold the constitution and apply our laws equally and impartially. As a Deputy Attorney General, Mike has proven his commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens. Mike is a straightforward and fair person who has the judicial temperament to make him an ideal judge. It is with great admiration that I recommend Deputy Attorney General Mike Murphy to the position of San Diego Superior Court Judge"
Mark Powell - Former County Board of Education member and President of Parents for Quality Education
"Deputy Attorney General Mike Murphy is an accomplished trial prosecutor and appellate litigator. Mike’s extensive experience and commitment to fair and impartial justice make him an excellent candidate for judge."
Honorable Brad Weinreb - San Diego County Superior Court Judge
"As a 35 year career firefighter, public safety has always been and will always be a priority. That is why I support Deputy Attorney General Mike Murphy for Superior Court Judge. While balancing compassion and fairness, Mike’s entire 25 year career has always been focused on keeping our neighborhoods safe from criminal offenders. As a native to the San Diego area, Mike’s care and concern for our local communities is genuine."
Jim Geering - Fire Chief, City of Chula Vista
“I supervised and worked closely with Mike for more than 15 years at the California Attorney General’s Office. He is an excellent attorney and has the legal expertise, sound judgment, temperament, and upstanding character necessary to be a superior court judge.”Gary W. Schons - Senior Assistant Attorney General at the California Department of Justice (Retired)
“I was a sworn peace officer for 37 years and worked with Mike at the Department of Justice for many years. I can attest to the fact that he is a consummate professional who works hard to seek justice and do the right thing in every case. Mike will serve all San Diegans with distinction as a superior court judge.”Richard Negrete - Peace Officer (Retired)
Contact Us
I want to hear from you. Please contact me with any questions about my experience or if you would like to learn more about the qualifications that would make me an honorable Superior Court Judge. Thank you.