Juez, Office 48 — Tribunal Superior del Condado de Orange

Karen Schatzle is a first generation American, her parents emigrated from Argentina and Spanish is her first language. She is seeking to restore the integrity to a judicial seat that is occupied by a judge who was publicly censured in 2014.

Karen is currently a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Orange County. In 2013, The California Board of Legal Specialization certified Karen as a legal specialist in the field of Criminal Law.

Prior to obtaining work as a prosecutor, and while attending Law School, Karen worked full time for the Orange County Probation Department. As a Deputy Probation Officer, she investigated juvenile and adult offenses, prepared written assessments addressing social issues and sentencing guidelines for the Orange County Superior Court, supervised violent offenders including, drug users, drug dealers, and violent gang members. These assignments honed her skills and her awareness to prudent social expectations regarding convicted criminals in conjunction with legislative sentencing requirements and community safety.

While working in the gang unit, Karen was part of a coalition that partnered with social services, law enforcement, probation officers and prosecutors; this alliance was focused on a unified effort to reduce gang violence. She was post certified to carry a weapon and worked the streets, at night, with both the Orange and Santa Ana police departments. Her tenacity was not swayed based on dangerous situations. Her involvement with this coalition was the impetus for her application to Law School. She worked full time and attended evening classes while managing to have children and raise a family. She is no stranger to hard work and dedication. She sat for and passed the BAR exam on her first attempt, while pregnant with her third child.

During her tenure as a prosecutor, Karen has handled serious violent felony cases with the primary focus of her career on Physical Child Abuse and Violent Sex Offenses. In addition, she has prosecuted general felonies, major narcotic offenses, attempt murders and career criminals. She has also handled various appellate cases and is currently a team leader. She has successfully tried in excess of 86 cases, many of which have resulted in multiple life sentences.

In 1999, Karen received the diligent prosecutor award for the successful prosecution of several driving under the influence cases that resulted in injury to innocent victims, including a vehicular manslaughter.

She has dedicated almost 30 years of her life to law enforcement and the pursuit of justice. 

Judicial Philosophy is the way a judge understands and interprets the law.  Some believe that both personal and political beliefs play a role in how a judge will govern, or that judicial philosophies can be described as liberal, moderate or conservative. I do not agree nor do I place myself within one specific category.  If elected, I will govern from a perspective of judicial restraint, which is the most appropriate method for the seat I seek.  I will not permit my personal opinions or beliefs to sway the appropriate application of the law for all individuals.  I have a great respect for precedent and tradition and believe that the law, although not fluid, requires independent interpretation in accordance with the facts presented.

 It is my position that all jurists should be open minded, refrain from pre-judging a case, consider all factors that impact the appropriate application of the law and then evaluate the facts in accordance with applicable law. It is not my intent to create policy from the bench, each set of circumstances must be evaluated independently.