Judge John P. Bianco

Education

Judge John P. Bianco completed his undergraduate studies in California. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Santa Clara University in 1986. He then attended Whittier Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1994. In law school, he served as editor-in-chief of the law review. This education prepared him for a diverse legal career prior to joining the bench.

Bar Admission

Bianco was admitted to the California State Bar in 1994, following his graduation from law school. He is also licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. Throughout his legal career, he maintained an active membership in local legal organizations, including the Tulare County Bar Association.

Legal Career (Pre-Judicial)

Before becoming a judge, Bianco practiced law for over two decades as a sole practitioner. From 1994 until his appointment to the bench in 2016, he was the owner and attorney of the Bianco Law Firm in Visalia. In private practice he handled a broad range of civil and criminal cases, including personal injury, family law, estate planning, business law, bankruptcy, and criminal defense. He was active in the Tulare County legal community during this time.

Judicial Appointment

John Bianco was appointed to the Tulare County Superior Court by Governor Jerry Brown on June 28, 2016. The appointment filled a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Darryl B. Ferguson. At the time of his appointment, Bianco had been a practicing attorney for 22 years and was identified as a Republican. Following the appointment, he stood for election on the 2024 primary ballot as an incumbent judge, as required for California judicial officers.

Courtroom Assignment

Judge Bianco is assigned to Department 11 at the Visalia courthouse of the Tulare County Superior Court. His courtroom handles felony criminal cases in the North County jurisdiction (Visalia, Exeter, Dinuba). He presides over arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, and jury trials for felony charges. In particular, Department 11’s calendar is organized by the first letter of the defendant’s surname (names starting with B, E, F, H, I, J, Q, S, T, W, Y). This department’s docket is devoted to processing major felony criminal cases in the North County division.

Notable Cases

  • Tulare Regional Medical Center / Healthcare Conglomerate Associates (2017–2019): Judge Bianco oversaw an extensive criminal investigation into alleged financial misconduct at Tulare Regional Medical Center. This case involved hospital executive Dr. Benny Benzeevi and others. Bianco signed search warrants for the homes and offices of executives, approved asset freezes, and ruled on motions about returning seized property. He conducted hearings—including one initially closed to the public—to address issues of transparency and the legality of the search warrants and seized evidence.
  • Mello v. Moore (2019): In this family law appeal (California Court of Appeal, Fifth District, Case No. F075446), Bianco was the trial judge in a divorce proceeding. He issued a judgment dividing community property between the spouses. On appeal, the court reversed his enforcement-of-judgment order, citing his name in the published decision. This case illustrates how his rulings have been subject to appellate review in family law matters.
  • Felony Trials: As the felony judge in Tulare County’s North District, Bianco has presided over numerous criminal trials and hearings. These include cases such as drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and other serious felonies. The diversity and volume of cases in his court contribute to his judicial record, though no other widely reported appellate precedents have emerged from his criminal caseload to date.

Judicial Philosophy

  • Bianco is known for a pragmatic, fact-based approach to decision-making. He emphasizes separating emotional issues from legal ones, ensuring that rulings are grounded in evidence and law.
  • Colleagues have described him as measured and impartial. He is seen as diligent about courtroom procedure and thorough in applying legal standards.
  • His style is characterized as fair but firm, with a focus on efficiency and clarity. He works to build understanding among parties during complex proceedings.
  • Judge Bianco has taken on leadership roles within the court. For example, peers selected him to serve as supervising judge of civil matters, reflecting trust in his administrative and judicial abilities.

Political Affiliation

At the time of his judicial appointment in 2016, John Bianco was a registered Republican. California judicial elections are officially nonpartisan, but party affiliation is recorded in appointment announcements. He has not held any public partisan office outside of his role on the bench.

Community Engagement

  • Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): Bianco has been active in the local CASA program, which supports foster children. He has administered the oath of office to new CASA volunteers and spoken about the importance of community advocacy for youth.
  • Juvenile Justice Education: While assigned to the juvenile court, Judge Bianco invited probation officers and other officials to speak with students about the justice system. He has participated in educational events and mentorship activities aimed at youth, helping them understand the law and court processes.
  • Legal Community Involvement: Bianco is a member of the Tulare County Bar Association and other professional organizations. He regularly participates in legal education events and community bar activities, reflecting his commitment to outreach and mentorship within the legal community.