Charlaine Olmedo

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge

Charlaine F. Olmedo is a judge for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County in California. She has been on the bench since 2002 and is known for presiding over complex, high-profile criminal cases.

Current Assignment and Courtroom

As of April 2026, Judge Olmedo is assigned to Department 106 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles. Her department typically handles general felony and high-security criminal matters.

Notable Cases

• Singer D4vd (2026): She is currently presiding over the capital murder case of musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, who is accused in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. In April 2026, she notably denied a defense request to seal prosecution documents, allowing details of the evidence to be made public.
• Danny Masterson (2023): Judge Olmedo presided over the high-profile rape trial of actor Danny Masterson, eventually sentencing him to 30 years to life in prison. During the trial, she gained national attention for her firm handling of attorney misconduct and her defense of the victims’ rights.
• Anthony Rauda: She handled the case of the “Malibu Creek State Park shooter,” rejecting defense motions to dismiss charges in the murder of scientist Tristan Beaudette.

Career and Background

• Judicial Appointment: Appointed to the bench by Governor Gray Davis on August 23, 2002.
• Legal Experience: Before her appointment, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles (1994–2002), where she worked on the Organized Crime Strike Force. She was also a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County from 1989 to 1994.
• Education: She earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 1989 and her undergraduate degree from UCLA.
• Reputation: Legal professionals describe her as a stern, decisive, and highly prepared judge who balances courtroom rigor with composure.