SAN DIEGO, California – Valerie Summers, a candidate for San Diego County Superior Court judge, Office 43, is vying for a position that demands experience and a strong track record in administering fair and equal justice. Drawing from her more than 35 years of service as a deputy district attorney, Summers emphasizes her commitment to community safety and dedication to upholding the rule of law. Summers’ qualifications have earned her an exceptional rating from the San Diego County Bar Association.
As a prosecutor, Summers has handled a wide range of criminal cases, including murder, child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, rape, and human trafficking. Her successful prosecutions include high-profile cases such as the cop killer who targeted San Diego police officer Jonathan De Guzman, as well as the child rapist-killer Scott Erskine, responsible for sexually assaulting and murdering Charlie Keever and Jonathan Sellers. Summers has also taken on cold homicide cases, bringing criminals like Kevin Ford and David Frediani to justice for their heinous crimes.
In her role as chief of the Family Protection Division, chief of the Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division, and assistant chief of the Gang Prosecution Unit, Summers has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. To further contribute to her field, she has shared her expertise as an educator, teaching courses on felony sentencing, homicide law, and evidence to attorneys and probation officers. For over two decades, she has served as a university educator, imparting knowledge in criminal justice-related courses at UC San Diego and Cal State San Marcos.
Summers’ dedication to justice has earned her recognition from her peers and law enforcement. She received accolades such as the Prosecutor of the Year in 2022 from the San Diego Deputy District Attorneys Association, the Edwin L Miller Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, and the Charles Nickel Award for Excellence in Training and Legal Education in 2014. Her outstanding achievements have been acknowledged multiple times throughout her career by the Deputy District Attorneys Association. The San Diego Police Officers’ Association also honored Summers for her dedication to public service and delivering justice for Jonathan De Guzman and his family in 2021. Additionally, she has received statewide recognition, including the California District Attorneys Association George Williamson Career Achievement Award in 2022 and the California District Attorney Investigators’ Association Prosecutor of the Year Award in 2019.
San Diego has been Summers’ home for over three decades, and she is deeply connected to the community. After graduating from San Diego State University as an Aztec and completing her law degree at Loyola Law School, she has been committed to ensuring the safety of San Diego residents. Her dedication has earned her endorsements from influential leaders and organizations, including over 70 judges, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, and former director of the Doris Tate Crime Victims Bureau Susan Fisher. She also enjoys the support of numerous law enforcement associations, such as the San Diego Police Officers Association, San Diego County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.
Summers’ approach to the judiciary is guided by a commitment to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of San Diego. The district attorney, Summer Stephan, expresses her confidence in Summers, stating, “Valerie Summers has held criminals accountable and protected crime victims. She will follow the rule of law and keep San Diego safe.” With a strong foundation of experience and a reputation for integrity, Summers aims to continue her pursuit of justice as a San Diego County Superior Court judge.