Cecilia Oseguera has a bachelors in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, a law degree from Whittier Law School, and a Master of Laws in financial services compliance from Seton Hall University of Law. 

Cecilia is a judge. She works at the North Carolina District Court for District 26, Seat 18, where she has been since January 2023. She previously worked as an assistant federal public defender with the Federal Public Defender office in the Western District of North Carolina, as an attorney in private practice at the Law Offices of Joseph P. Smith and at the Law Offices of Taylor, Herrifford & McKinney, and as a Legal Aid attorney. She has also served as a substitute federal magistrate judge in the Western District of North Carolina.

Cecilia Oseguera - Ballotpedia

Judge Cecilia Oseguera - Professional Background & Legal ...

Cecilia is a judge. She previously worked as an assistant federal public defender, as a legal aid attorney, and as a substitute federal magistrate judge. 

Cecilia Oseguera is currently a judge of the North Carolina District Court, District 26, Seat 18. She was appointed to the bench by Governor Roy Cooper in 2022 to fill the vacancy created by Judge Reggie McKnight’s elevation to the Mecklenburg County Superior Court. She was elected in 2022 and is serving her first term.

Cecilia currently serves as a judge for District 26. She was elected in 2022 and is serving her first term. 

As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

As of January 2, 2026, Cecilia Oseguera’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Serves on the Mecklenburg County Bar Board of Directors.

Active participant in Bar programs, including Lunch With a Lawyer, connecting attorneys and judges with students interested in legal careers.

Involved with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Communities in Schools of Charlotte Mecklenburg, and Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

- Serves on the Mecklenburg County Bar Board of Directors.
- Active participant in Bar programs, including Lunch With a Lawyer, connecting attorneys and judges with students interested in legal careers.
- Involved with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Communities in Schools of Charlotte Mecklenburg, and Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

Community Involvement

Cecilia Oseguera

Cecilia has a bachelors in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, a law degree from Whittier Law School, and a Master of Laws in financial services compliance from Seton Hall University of Law. 

Cecilia Oseguera currently serves as a judge for District 26. She was elected in 2022 and is serving her first term. 

- Active participant in Bar programs, including Lunch With a Lawyer, connecting attorneys and judges with students interested in legal careers.
- Involved with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Communities in Schools of Charlotte Mecklenburg, and Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

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As an Assistant Federal Public Defender for 17 years, Oseguera represented individuals in complex federal cases, gaining extensive trial and appellate experience.

HB Cannon Law Home

Habekah has a bachelor's in criminal justice from Hampton University and a law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. 

Habekah is the managing attorney at The Law Office of Habekah B. Cannon, Charlotte’s first abolitionist, community-based legal defense firm. She previously worked as an Assistant Public Defender at the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office for two years.

*CommunityLegalDefense - Fundraiser by Habekah Cannon on ...

Habekah is a criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Habekah B. Cannon. She previously worked as an assistant public defender. 

Habekah Cannon's campaign for District Court Judge is her first run for public office.

As a criminal defense attorney, ensures defendants’ rights are not violated by the government over the course of an investigation or trial, gathers evidence and interviews witnesses, provides advice and counsel on sentencing standards and possible plea deals, and represents defendants during pre-trial hearings, the trial, and any post-trial sentencing hearings.

- As a criminal defense attorney, ensures defendants’ rights are not violated by the government over the course of an investigation or trial, gathers evidence and interviews witnesses, provides advice and counsel on sentencing standards and possible plea deals, and represents defendants during pre-trial hearings, the trial, and any post-trial sentencing hearings.

As of January 2, 2026, Habekah Cannon did not have a website or any information online.

Believes in a holistic, "abolitionist," client-centered approach to "disrupt the narrative of mass incarceration and inescapable poverty."

Believes everyone deserves a "zealous advocate" that will "fight the uphill battles with them in a system that is too often rigged against them," regardless of finances and ability to pay.

- Believes in a holistic, "abolitionist," client-centered approach to "disrupt the narrative of mass incarceration and inescapable poverty."
- Believes everyone deserves a "zealous advocate" that will "fight the uphill battles with them in a system that is too often rigged against them," regardless of finances and ability to pay.

Believes in community involvement through activism, demonstrating for Black lives, and providing mutual aid during the pandemic.

Supports community involvement through activism, demonstrating for Black lives, and providing mutual aid. 

- Supports community involvement through activism, demonstrating for Black lives, and providing mutual aid. 

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Habekah Cannon

As of January 2, 2026, Habekah Cannon’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes the criminal justice system is racist.

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 

North Carolina District Court Judge, District 26, Democratic Primary

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Community Involvement