A Proven Prosecutor.
A Trusted Leader.
A Fair and Ethical Voice for Justice.
Laurie Hauf is a veteran prosecutor with over 16 years of service in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. She has the courtroom experience, leadership skills, and integrity that our community deserves on the bench. Her candidacy for Superior Court Judge is grounded in a deep commitment to public safety, fairness, and community engagement.
Proudly Endorsed By:
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Real Courtroom Experience
Laurie Hauf has tried over 70 cases in San Diego County and handled thousands more. She has a proven track record of delivering justice in complex and high-profile cases, particularly those involving violent and repeat offenders.
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In People v. Boyle, Laurie secured a conviction against a serial rapist, obtaining the maximum sentence allowed by law.
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In People v. Rafail, she brought justice for multiple victims of a previously convicted child molester who reoffended after prison.
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In People v. Torrez, she prosecuted an Escondido gang member who fatally shot Catherine Kennedy, a woman tragically caught in the crossfire while driving home from church.
Laurie’s extensive trial experience uniquely prepares her to transition seamlessly to the bench and ensure fair, well-reasoned rulings from day one.
Demonstrated Leadership
Laurie has years of service supervising and training prosecutors as a Trial Team Leader and Assistant Chief of multiple divisions in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office. As the current Assistant Chief of the North County Division, the largest branch of the DA’s Office, Laurie supervises over 30 attorneys and manages a wide range of complex criminal matters. Previously, as Assistant Chief of the Gang Unit, she oversaw proactive investigations into violent gang and drug activity across the county.
Laurie also served as Chair of the North County Gang Commission, a citizen advisory board appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Under her leadership, the Commission successfully instituted:
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Townhalls engaging community members across North County to bring forth solutions to gang recruitment and gang violence
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Two major Gang Summits with over 200 attendees
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Grant funding and community recognition for gang intervention and youth prevention programs
Her work on the Commission brought together law enforcement, public defenders, nonprofits, educators, and even former gang members—all in service of ending the cycle of gang violence through early intervention and community collaboration.
Integrity and Ethics
Laurie Hauf is known throughout the legal community for her fairness, professionalism, and commitment to ethical prosecution. She has taught courses on homicide law, sentencing, and ethics through the California District Attorneys Association and is a dedicated mentor to young attorneys. Her approach is rooted in a simple, deeply held principle: always do the right thing.
Laurie Hauf has built her career on integrity, leadership, and dedication to justice. As a Superior Court Judge, she will serve with compassion, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. She is ready to bring her experience and values to the bench—and she is worthy of your support.
Significant Prosecutions
Over the years, these prosecutions have helped bring justice to victims and families while holding offenders accountable. From high-profile murder trials to protecting children and the community from violent crime, each case reflects dedication, perseverance, and a strong sense of responsibility to public safety.
People v. Torrez
Murder of an innocent woman driving home from church shot by gang member aiming at rivals across the street. Trial resulted in 1st degree murder conviction.
People v. Taylor
Murder of a teenager stabbed to death under the overpass in Oceanside Harbor. Trial resulted in a 1st degree murder conviction.
People v. Martinez
Gang Murder of a young man at the Vista transit center. Trial resulted in a 1st degree murder conviction.
People v. Rafail
26-count 288 child molest case with multiple victims. Trial resulted in convictions for all counts.
People v. Boyle
Serial rape case involving multiple victims by the president of a motorcycle club. Trial resulted in convictions for all counts.
People v. Mendieta
Cold case murder where defendant absconded to Mexico for over 15 years. Trial resulted in a 1st degree murder conviction.
People v. Hemphill
Murder of an unarmed man in Escondido. Trial resulted in a 1st degree murder conviction.
People v. Najera
Murder of a passenger after evading police while high and driving on the wrong side of the road. Trial resulted in a murder conviction.
People v. Sorto
Gang kidnapping, drug and extortion case. Trial resulted in convictions and a prison sentence.
People v. Terrell
Assault with intent to commit rape case where defendant posed as a professional photographer. Trial resulted in a felony conviction.
Teaching & Training
Laurie Hauf is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals and giving back to the community through educational outreach and volunteer service. Over the years, she has served as a mentor and panelist for new Deputy District Attorneys, offering guidance on courtroom readiness, work-life balance, and professional growth. She has also participated in the New DDA Mentoring Program, providing support through court observation, feedback, and one-on-one mentorship.
Her passion for legal education extends to local schools, where she has coached and judged multiple high school mock trial and moot court competitions, including at JSerra High School and Escondido Charter. Laurie has also volunteered as an OCI (On-Campus Interview) interviewer for legal interns from Cal Western, Thomas Jefferson, UCLA, and Chapman, helping aspiring attorneys take their first steps into the profession.
2025 In-House Sentencing Training
Three Strikes for Intermediate class and Advanced Class
2024 Introduction to Criminal Sentencing
A primer course for graduate law clerks, In-House Training, over 20 attendees
2024 Caselaw Updates
Gang-related appellate court opinions, In-House Training, over 20 attendees
2024 Ethical Landmines and Defending Against Accusations
In-House Discovery Seminar, over 30 attendees
2024 Spring CDAA Sentencing
Gang Sentencing and Three Strikes, over 300 attendees
2024 Cross Examination
New Deputy Training In-House, over 20 attendees
2023 USD Law School Guest Lecturer
Criminal Law Negotiations for Arbitration and Conflict Resolution Course, 50 attendees
2023 In-House Gang Sentencing Training
September All-Hands Gang Unit – over 20 attendees
2023 In-House Sentencing Training
Three Strikes for Intermediate class and Advanced Class, over 20 attendees in each class
2023 Blood Stain, Luminol and Crime Scene Reconstruction
In-House Homicide Training, over 30 attendees
2023 Cross Examination
New Deputy Training In-House, over 20 attendees
2023 Sentencing for Beginners
In-House GLC Training, over 10 attendees
2022 Ethical Landmines and Defending Against Accusations
In-House Discovery Seminar, over 30 attendees
2022 4th Amendment Search and Seizure
Escondido Police Department
2022 Spring CDAA Sentencing
Gang Sentencing and Three Strikes, over 300 attendees
2022 Spring CDAA Felony Trial Ad Workshop
Objections class, 50 attendees
January 2020 In-House New Deputy Training
Co-presented Cross-Examination class
2020 CDAA Sentencing Instructor
Post-Sentencing Supervision, Revocation and Early Release (prepared materials only, no in-person teaching due to COVID-19)
March 2019 CDAA Sentencing Instructor
Three Strikes Sentencing to over 300 attorneys
February 2018–2020 CDAA Trial Advocacy Teacher
Opening and Cross Course, Voir Dire Course, Difficult Witnesses courses, feedback to new prosecutors on voir dire, opening, direct, cross, and closing argument
2019 In-House Training
Felony Trial Ad Workshop, co-presented Difficult Witnesses class
6-time Mock Trial Presenter for JSerra High School
1-day mock trial from voir dire to closing argument for over 30 students (2012–2016, 2018)
2017 Juvenile Gangs Presentation
With Chief Frank Jackson to North County Gang Prevention and Intervention Taskforce, approx. 15 attendees
North County Gangs Court Presentation
For over 75 high school students at the North County Courthouse (2016, 2017), presenting on gang definitions and punishments
4th Amendment Constitution Day Presenter
North County Elementary Schools (2010–2015), case law presentations to classes of 30–150 students
2013 New Deputy Training Panelist
Trial Strategies; provided feedback for closing arguments in break-out sessions
2012 All North County Court Staff Training
Criminal Law – District Attorney’s Perspective; training for approx. 100 court staff
Mentoring
Laurie Hauf is passionate about mentoring the next generation of attorneys. Through programs like the New DDA Mentoring Program, she has guided early-career prosecutors with courtroom support and career advice. She regularly volunteers as a mock trial coach and judge for high school students, and helps aspiring legal professionals prepare for their careers through OCI interviews at local law schools.
2024 Mock Trial Presenter for JSerra High School
Played the role of a prosecutor in a mock trial from voir dire to closing argument for high school students sitting as jurors.
2018 Panelist for new female DDAs
Participated in an informal lunch panel titled 'Now I got the job of a DDA 1…Now What?' offering advice on professional and personal topics to new Deputy DAs.
2018–2020 New DDA Mentoring Program
Attended mentor meet-and-greet and mentored new DDAs throughout their first year with lunches, court observation, and feedback.
5-time Judge for High School Moot Court at JSerra High School (2012–2017)
Volunteered as an all-day judge, ruling on objections and providing feedback to student participants.
2014–2015 Escondido Charter High School Mock Trial Coach
Coached a team of high school students weekly on all aspects of a court trial, including roles as attorneys, witnesses, and experts.
Volunteer OCI Interviewer
Conducted interviews for legal interns at Cal Western, Thomas Jefferson, UCLA, and Chapman, and for preliminary GLC positions.
Law School Awards
Moot Court Honors Board Appellate Advocate of the Year
Richard D. Westbrook Trial Advocacy Award for academic excellence and outstanding oral advocacy
California Western Faculty Award for significant contributions to the law school
Jessup International Moot Court Team for two years, 1st Place Team - Western Regionals
Meet Laurie
Born and raised in San Diego, Laurie is a graduate of Rancho Buena Vista High School. She earned her undergraduate degree with highest honors from UC Santa Cruz and went on to distinguish herself at California Western School of Law. Her law school accomplishments include being recognized as:
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Appellate Advocate of the Year (Moot Court Honors Board)
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Westbrook Trial Advocacy Award
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Faculty Award for Significant Contributions to the Law School
Laurie has twice been recognized by the San Diego Deputy District Attorney’s Association with its Outstanding Achievement Award—once as a rising prosecutor in 2013 and again for her successful trial work on multiple murder cases in 2019.
Laurie is supported by her loving family, including her husband, who is an Alternate Public Defender for San Diego County, and their four children.
