Penney enjoying judges chair

He hasn't been on the bench very long, but one of Placer County's newest judges does have several years' experience in law. Judge Jeffrey S. Penney, a Rocklin resident, was elected last March to the court and is in the process of moving into his office as is evident by bare book shelves that line his office. Penney spent 10 years in the District Attorney's Office and said judgeship was something he had definitely considered."Being a judge crossed my mind," Penney said. "It was something I (am) honored to do."And he's getting his chance.Penney will spend much of his time on the bench in the Juvenile Dependency courtroom.The 43-year-old judge and father of four said he is well aware of how difficult his job could become."From what I've heard it emotionally takes its toll." Penney said. " My DA experience helps me to be able to deal with emotional situations without getting my emotions involved."In his courtroom he will be required to make sometimes heart-wrenching decisions that could affect children's futures."Children in difficult circumstance became dependents of the courts," he said. "The kids have done nothing wrong but the parents have problems taking care of them."Oftentimes Health and Human Services and Child Protective Services become involved in the cases. "What is first and foremost in making a decision is what is best for the child," he said.His former boss is confident Penney is the right man for the job."His personality is an amalgamation of fairness and conscientiousness," said Brad Fenocchio, Placer County District Attorney. "He has all the things people look for in a judge."The father of four boys makes his home in Rocklin with his wife of 16 years Tammy Penney.After graduating from Del Oro High School, Penney attended Brigham Young University in Utah where he earned his bachelors and law degree.Not all of his time is spent with his nose buried in the law. With four young boys at home ranging in age from 6 to 14, he spends a lot of his free time coaching Little League, soccer and basketball.A circa 1982 photo hangs on the wall of his office and depicts a slightly younger Penney with longer hair and the same broad smile, guiding a group of rafters down the Colorado River. Penney worked as a guide while going to college.Penney will remain on the bench for at least the next six years, at which time he will come up for re-election."He's an easy going self-effacing guy and can make judgements without his ego getting in the way," Fenocchio said.Penne Usher can be reached at penneu@goldcountrymedia.com