Judge Timothy S. Healy

Judge Timothy S. Healy serves on the Calaveras County Superior Court, having been sworn in following his appointment in January 2015 and subsequently retained through election. His tenure spans nearly a decade, during which he has presided over serious criminal matters, including a 2020 homicide sentencing involving a 15-year prison term for an Avery man convicted of killing his son. This case signals familiarity with high-stakes criminal proceedings and a willingness to impose substantial custodial sentences in violent crime matters. The most significant and defining data point in Judge Healy's public record is a formal public admonishment issued by the California Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP) in July 2024. A CJP public admonishment is a serious disciplinary action — one step below removal — and is issued only after investigation and a finding of judicial misconduct. The admonishment specifically cited disparaging remarks and bias, which raises concrete, documented concerns about judicial temperament, impartiality, and the treatment of parties or counsel in his courtroom. This is not an allegation but a formal finding by the state's judicial oversight body. Given the limited volume of available ruling data and attorney observations, this profile is necessarily weighted toward the CJP record, which is itself a high-quality, authoritative data source. Attorneys appearing before Judge Healy should treat the admonishment as a material fact about courtroom dynamics, not background noise. His conduct in court may be more guarded post-admonishment, but the underlying temperament concerns documented by the CJP warrant proactive preparation and careful courtroom conduct.

The CJP admonishment for disparaging remarks and bias is the central strategic consideration for any attorney appearing before Judge Healy. Because the admonishment is public record, attorneys should be aware that Judge Healy is operating under heightened scrutiny from the Commission and may be more self-conscious about his conduct — which could cut both ways. He may be more measured and formal in proceedings, or he may react defensively to perceived challenges to his authority. Avoid any conduct that could be interpreted as confrontational or as an implicit reference to the admonishment. In criminal matters, the 2020 homicide sentencing suggests Judge Healy is comfortable imposing significant custodial time in violent crime cases. Defense attorneys should not assume leniency in serious felony matters and should prepare robust mitigation packages well in advance of sentencing. Prosecution attorneys should be prepared for a judge who takes violent crime seriously but should not overreach in argument. Given the bias finding in the CJP record, attorneys representing clients from any group that may have been the subject of the disparaging remarks should be especially vigilant. Document everything — maintain detailed notes of courtroom proceedings, request transcripts where feasible, and preserve the record carefully. If bias appears to manifest during proceedings, address it through proper procedural channels, including timely objections on the record, rather than direct confrontation with the judge.

• critical

  Review the Full CJP Admonishment Decision

  The July 2024 CJP public admonishment is publicly available through the Commission on Judicial Performance website. Attorneys should read the full decision to understand the specific nature of the disparaging remarks and bias findings, which groups or circumstances were involved, and what conduct triggered the discipline. This intelligence is essential for assessing risk to your specific client.

• critical

  Establish a Detailed Record-Preservation Protocol

  Given the documented bias concerns, arrange for court reporters in all significant proceedings, request transcripts of key hearings, and maintain contemporaneous notes of all courtroom interactions. This is essential groundwork for any potential appeal or CJP complaint if misconduct recurs.

• critical

  Gather Local Practitioner Intelligence

  With minimal public ruling data available, consult with attorneys who regularly practice in Calaveras County Superior Court. Local practitioners will have firsthand knowledge of Judge Healy's post-admonishment demeanor, preferred courtroom practices, and any observable changes in his conduct since July 2024.

• important

  Prepare Comprehensive Sentencing Mitigation in Criminal Cases

  In any criminal matter with sentencing exposure, prepare a thorough mitigation package including character letters, rehabilitation evidence, and expert testimony where appropriate. The 2020 homicide sentencing suggests Judge Healy is willing to impose substantial terms and will not be moved by superficial mitigation.

• important

  Anticipate Bias Objection Strategy

  Prepare a clear, professional strategy for making bias objections on the record if disparaging or prejudicial conduct occurs during proceedings. Know the applicable procedural mechanisms, including Code of Civil Procedure section 170.1 for disqualification, and be prepared to use them appropriately without escalating courtroom tension.

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  Research Calaveras County Local Rules and Preferences

  As a small county court, Calaveras County Superior Court may have informal practices and local expectations that differ from larger urban courts. Review local rules, standing orders, and any published preferences for motion practice, briefing schedules, and courtroom decorum.

• ›Maintain scrupulous professionalism at all times — given the documented temperament concerns, do not give Judge Healy any basis to direct frustration toward you or your client. Remain calm and measured even if the judge's tone becomes sharp or dismissive.
• ›Address the court formally and respectfully at all times. Do not make any reference, direct or indirect, to the CJP admonishment during proceedings — doing so will almost certainly provoke a negative reaction and will not advance your client's interests.
• ›Make all objections and procedural challenges clearly and on the record. Given the importance of record preservation in this courtroom, be precise in stating the legal basis for every objection rather than using shorthand or informal objection language.
• ›Arrive early and be fully prepared. Small county courts often have tighter dockets and judges who notice when attorneys are unprepared. Demonstrating thorough preparation signals respect for the court and reduces opportunities for judicial impatience.
• ›If the judge makes a comment that appears disparaging or biased, respond calmly and professionally on the record — note your objection clearly without escalating. Avoid any sarcastic, confrontational, or emotional response that could undermine your client's position.