Judge Daniel J. Healy

Judge Daniel J. Healy serves as a commissioner in Solano County Superior Court, handling traffic, small claims, and misdemeanor matters on a high-volume docket. He was appointed by Governor Brown on July 1, 2019, and received his legal education from Empire College School of Law. His court is based at the Hall of Justice in Solano County, with jurisdiction extending to Vallejo-area proceedings. The most documented ruling in the available record is Judge Healy's October 2024 decision to keep the Vallejo police 'badge bending' investigation report sealed, a proceeding he conducted from a locked courtroom. This ruling demonstrates a concrete willingness to prioritize confidentiality in sensitive law enforcement matters and to take procedural steps — including restricting courtroom access — to enforce that confidentiality. He has also been associated with drug court and therapeutic justice initiatives in Solano County, indicating exposure to rehabilitative frameworks alongside his standard misdemeanor and traffic docket. Attorneys should be aware that Judge Healy has a record on file with the California Commission on Judicial Performance. The nature and outcome of that record are not detailed in the available data, but its existence is a material fact attorneys should independently research before appearing before him.

Given Judge Healy's high-volume docket in traffic, small claims, and misdemeanor matters, attorneys should arrive fully prepared for efficient, concise presentations. High-volume commissioners typically move calendars quickly, and extended oral argument on routine matters is unlikely to be welcomed. Prioritize clarity and brevity in all filings and oral presentations. In matters touching on law enforcement records, investigations, or sensitive governmental information, the October 2024 badge-bending ruling signals that Judge Healy is receptive to confidentiality arguments and willing to take strong procedural measures — including courtroom lockdowns — to enforce them. Attorneys seeking disclosure of such records should anticipate a skeptical bench and prepare robust legal authority supporting access. Conversely, parties seeking to seal or protect sensitive law enforcement materials have a documented favorable precedent from this judge. For matters before drug court or involving rehabilitative dispositions, Judge Healy's documented association with Solano County drug court initiatives suggests familiarity with therapeutic justice frameworks. Attorneys representing defendants in eligible matters should be prepared to engage substantively with treatment plans, compliance records, and rehabilitative programming as part of their advocacy.

• critical

  Research CJP Record Independently

  The California Commission on Judicial Performance maintains public records of formal discipline. Attorneys should review the CJP's public docket for Judge Healy before appearing to understand the nature of any disciplinary findings and assess whether they are relevant to the matter at hand.

• critical

  Prepare Concise, Efficient Presentations

  Judge Healy's high-volume docket in traffic, small claims, and misdemeanor matters demands streamlined argument. Prepare a clear, prioritized outline of key points and eliminate any redundant or tangential material before appearing.

• important

  Research Sealing and Confidentiality Standards if Relevant

  If your matter involves sensitive records or law enforcement materials, the October 2024 badge-bending ruling is directly on point. Research the legal standards Judge Healy applied and prepare arguments that engage with those standards specifically.

• important

  Compile Treatment and Compliance Records for Drug Court Matters

  For clients eligible for drug court or rehabilitative dispositions, gather comprehensive documentation of treatment participation, compliance history, and program recommendations. Judge Healy's documented involvement with drug court initiatives means this evidence will be engaged substantively.

• important

  Verify Courtroom Access Procedures in Advance

  The locked courtroom used in the October 2024 hearing indicates Judge Healy will restrict access when he deems it appropriate. Confirm courtroom access procedures with the clerk's office before any sensitive hearing to avoid being excluded.

• ›Arrive on time and ready to proceed immediately; high-volume dockets move quickly and delays are not accommodated.
• ›Keep oral argument focused and brief; present only your strongest points and avoid repetition given the volume of matters on calendar.
• ›Do not challenge courtroom access restrictions or sealed-proceeding orders without fully briefed legal authority; Judge Healy has demonstrated willingness to enforce such restrictions procedurally.
• ›Treat all law enforcement-related confidentiality issues with heightened care; the court has shown a documented disposition to protect such materials.