Judge Sydney Bennett has been appointed to the Santa Barbara County Superior Court and was sworn in Wednesday to fill a vacant position.
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Bennett to the bench on Friday to fill a seat formerly held by Michael J. Carrozzo, who resigned a year ago.
Bennett has served as a senior public defender in the county’s Public Defender’s Office since 2020 and worked as a deputy public defender from 2006 to 2020. She previously worked as a contract lawyer at Maguire & Ashbaugh.
Presiding Judge Patricia L. Kelly praised the decision and said it will benefit the community.
“Judge Bennett will be an outstanding addition to the Santa Barbara Superior Court. Her tenure with the Public Defender’s Office provides her with excellent experience in preparation for this new role,” Kelly said.
“I join all my colleagues on the Santa Barbara Superior Court in welcoming her to this new chapter in her career. The community will be well served by this appointment.”
Bennett fills one of two vacancies for Superior Court in Santa Barbara County, said Angela Braun, Court Executive Officer.
Carrozzo agreed to resign from the bench and accept a severe public censure in April 2025 amid allegations of misconduct.
He was accused of improperly acting as an attorney, abusing his authority, and disparaging court staff by the Commission on Judicial Performance.
