David Francisco has been appointed to the St. Joseph County Superior Court.

Francisco will succeed Judge John Marnocha who is planning to retire on Jan. 31.

Francisco is an attorney focusing on criminal defense cases in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. He is also a part-time public defender in St. Joseph County. Prior to those roles, Francisco served as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Elkhart Court.

Francisco is a volunteer instructor for the Notre Dame Law School Intense Trial Advocacy Course. He coaches the John Adams High School Mock Trial Team. Francisco previously was the assistant coach for the Notre Dame Law School Mock Trial Team.

He earned his law degree from Indiana University, Maurer School of Law. His undergraduate degree is from the University of California.

Francisco will be sworn in on a date to be determined.

The St. Joseph County Superior Court consists of eight judges. The governor appoints judges based on the recommendation of the St. Joseph County Judicial Nominating Committee. The St. Joseph County Superior Court judges conduct court proceedings in four courthouses. Three courthouses are in South Bend, and one is in Mishawaka.