Thistlethwaite sworn in as new judge

Jamie Thistlethwaite, who spent 30 years fighting for criminal defendants in Sonoma County courtrooms, became the newest Superior Court judge on Friday.

Thistlethwaite was a tireless advocate for her clients and will be an excellent judge, supporters said.

"Jamie Thistlethwaite has been, day in and day out, the single most effective criminal defense lawyer in Sonoma County," said Harry Allen, one of the county's longest-practicing defense attorneys. "She wins most of her cases."

She also won high praise from fellow judges. "You are an individual with a high sense of justice who believes in the rights of all," said Gary Nadler, the court system's presiding judge. "You have a big heart."

Thistlethwaite, 58, was elected last June in a race with Chris Mazzia, a Santa Rosa civil attorney. She succeeds Judge Cerena Wong, who has retired.

Thistlethwaite's campaign had backing from many judges and even prosecutors. "That's because they wouldn't have to face her in court," joked Allen.

Her advocacy didn't end in the courtroom, he said. She helped troubled clients turn their lives around, protested against nuclear weapons and traveled to Florida and Nevada in 2004 and 2008 to register Democratic voters, Allen said.

Thistlethwaite was sworn into office in a courtroom packed with friends, family and colleagues.

She was raised to fight for the underdog, Thistlethwaite told the crowd. She spent 10 years in the county Public Defender's Office before going into private practice.

"Mom always raised me to be a public defender, because (she said) DA's are cops in suits," Thistlethwaite cracked.

She promised to treat everyone equally. "I will strive to find justice in every situation and to treat all who appear before me with dignity," Thistlethwaite said. "I will not let you down."