Judge Debra R. Archuleta: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Debra R. Archuleta is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. She was elected to the bench on November 8, 2016.

Archuleta worked as a legal secretary while completing a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Irvine, in 1985. She went on to earn a J.D. from Western State University College of Law in 1990. While attending law school, Archuleta clerked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

After graduating from law school, Archuleta began her legal career as a deputy district attorney for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. She worked in that capacity for twenty-five years, holding assignments in the Hardcore Gang Unit, the Central Trials Unit, and the Family Violence Unit. She also led the office’s Stalking and Threat Assessment Team, where she prosecuted several high-profile cases involving celebrities and public officials.

Some of her many memberships have included the National Women's Political Caucus, the Democrats For Israel, the Stonewall Democratic Club, and the East Area Progressive Democratic Club. She has also served as a volunteer for Project LEAD, teaching children about the legal system.

She and her husband, Jay, have two children. Jay is a retired music teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District. When not presiding over legal proceedings, she enjoys reading, traveling, and playing pickleball.