About Heather Mardel
Heather Mardel Jones serves as a judge at the Fresno County Superior Court in California. Appointed by Governor Jerry Brown in January 2019, she succeeded Judge James M. Petrucelli. Her judicial career is marked by significant prior experience; from 2014 to 2019, she held the position of commissioner at the same court. This role allowed her to gain valuable insights into the judicial process and the needs of the community she serves. Before her tenure as a commissioner, Judge Jones worked as an assistant U.S.
Attorney for the Eastern District of California from 2011 to 2014. In this capacity, she prosecuted a variety of federal cases, contributing to the legal framework that governs the Eastern District. Her experience in federal court was preceded by her role as an associate attorney at Dowling, Aaron & Keeler in Fresno from 2008 to 2011, where she focused on civil litigation and worked in courtroom procedures. Judge Jones began her legal career at the Santa Cruz District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney. This role provided her with a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Following her time in Santa Cruz, she served as a staff attorney at the California Supreme Court, where she engaged in legal research and analysis on high-profile cases.
Additionally, she worked as a research attorney at the Santa Clara County Superior Court and as deputy legal affairs secretary under former California Governor Gray Davis, further broadening her legal expertise. In terms of education, Judge Jones earned her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2002. Her academic journey began at California State University, Fresno, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. This educational background gave her the analytical skills necessary for her judicial responsibilities and community involvement. Beyond her judicial duties, Judge Jones actively participates in various professional activities. In 2025, she served as the President of the Fresno County Public Law Library Board of Trustees, contributing to the accessibility of legal resources in her community.
Furthermore, she has been involved in discussions on bias mitigation in the justice system, representing both the Superior Court of Fresno County and the Board of Directors of the California Judges Association. Judge Jones balances her professional life with family, being married to Samuel J — Dalesandro Jr., a fellow attorney and commissioner at the Fresno County Superior Court. Together, they have two daughters, Lila and Harper, enriching their lives with family experiences while contributing to the legal community.
