Michael Domenzain sworn in as Superior Court judge
EL CENTRO — The Superior Court of Imperial County enrobed its newest judge, Michael Domenzain, Friday afternoon. The swearing took place inside the courthouse in El Centro.
Domenzain was sworn in and enrobed as a traffic referee who handles the traffic and small claims calendar for Imperial County.
Previously, he had spent almost a decade with the Imperial County District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor.
There he said he prosecuted everything from misdemeanors to major felonies to special prosecution unit that handles major narcotics cases.
During the swearing in ceremony Judge Marco Núñez was highly complementary of Domenzain, “Although he’s young. Michael brings to the table a broad life experience that allows him to speak in a language that is intelligible to all,” he said. “Don’t let his youthful, good looks fool you — Michael is intellectually and emotionally mature. He’s balanced. Congratulations, my fellow jurist. You’re going to do a fine job.”
“As an attorney, when you are sitting on the opposite side of the bench, typically you are responsible for the intake of cases, charging cases, speaking with police officers, witnesses, and you are in a position where you are waiting on everyone. When you are defense counsel you are negotiating the case. As a judge, you are taking more of a leadership role in the courtroom, and, of course, you are the one making the decisions,” Domenzain said.
The position is new for Domenzain, but he is ready for the challenge.
“It is definitely a different challenge for me because I had no prior experience in terms of being a judge and nothing really prepares you for it. It is something I am very much looking forward to. I was born and raised here, and I want to serve the community because this community has served me well,” Domenzain said.
Domenzain’s grandmother Molly Sanchez was the one who enrobed him at this swearing.
This was an emotional moment for Judge Domenzain, “It felt very good. Unfortunately, my mother had passed away a couple of years ago and I know it is very important to her and it just felt so good. She worked for years at Harding school and retired from the school district. She has always been there for me and it was very important to me. I am very happy,” said Domenzain.