Judge Antonio A. Reyes

• Judge, Tulare County Superior Court (Department 5, Visalia – North County)
• Appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown on May 21, 2013 (succeeding Judge Gerald F. Sevier)
• Last elected November 2016 (unopposed); current term expires 2028
• Education: J.D., Santa Clara University School of Law (1977); B.A., St. Mary’s College of California
• Legal career: Legal Services attorney (1978–1982); partner at several Tulare law firms (1982–1990); solo practitioner (1990–2013)
• Court responsibilities: Presides over misdemeanor criminal cases in North Tulare (Visalia/Exeter/Dinuba)

Education

Reyes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s College of California and then completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.) at Santa Clara University School of Law in 1977. This academic background laid the foundation for his legal career. His formal training in these California institutions prepared him for his later work as a lawyer and judge.

Appointment

Judge Reyes was appointed to the Tulare County Superior Court on May 21, 2013 by Governor Jerry Brown. He filled the seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Gerald F. Sevier. Reyes was officially sworn in during the summer of 2013 and subsequently stood for election. He ran unopposed in the November 2016 election to secure a full six-year term, which he continues to serve (with the current term running through 2028).

Legal Experience

Prior to taking the bench, Reyes had a long career as an attorney in Tulare County. Early on he worked with the San Gabriel Valley Legal Services Program (1978–1982), providing legal aid to low-income clients. He then entered private practice locally. In 1982 he joined the law firm Nunez, Silva & Orduno, and over the 1980s he became partner in a succession of Visalia firms: Valdez Silva Orduno Candelaria & Reyes (1983), Orduno & Reyes (1983–1984), and Duarte & Reyes (1985–1990). During these years he handled a broad mix of cases typical of local practitioners, including civil disputes and criminal defense work.

In 1990 Reyes opened his own law office in Visalia, which he ran until his judicial appointment in 2013. As a solo practitioner he continued to represent clients across Tulare County in a variety of matters (from personal injury and family law to misdemeanor defense). Over roughly 35 years of practice he became known for his diligence and thorough preparation. This extensive trial experience and community involvement contributed to his selection for the judiciary.

Since becoming a judge, Reyes has been assigned to Department 5 at the Visalia (North County) courthouse. In that role he hears primarily criminal misdemeanor cases originating from Visalia, Exeter, and Dinuba. His daily docket typically includes arraignments, pre-trial motions, and jury trials for misdemeanors (the more serious felony cases in Tulare are usually handled by other judges in the South County courtrooms).

Notable Cases

On the bench, Reyes has presided over many criminal trials and sentencing hearings. Notably, in late 2019 he sentenced Raul Facio to life in prison after Facio pleaded guilty to a 2006 Porterville murder, a case solved years later by forensic evidence. In 2018 he imposed a 50-years-to-life sentence on John Moisa IV, a 26-year-old convicted of murdering his stepmother and half-sister at a family gathering in 2013. Both of these cases received media attention due to their severity and the lengthy terms imposed.

Reyes has also handled a range of other serious matters, from drug and weapons cases to violent misdemeanors. One high-profile decision occurred in 2023: Reyes granted probation (with time already served) to a repeat violent felon, a sentence that the Tulare County District Attorney publicly criticized as lenient. This incident was reported in regional news and underscored the balance judges must strike between rehabilitation and public safety. Overall, Reyes’s courtroom decisions have not led to any discipline or reversal on appeal, and attorneys generally describe his courtroom as efficiently run and respectful. His rulings reflect his interpretation of California law applied to the facts of each case.

Judicial Philosophy

Judge Reyes is known for a calm, methodical approach in court and a commitment to fairness. He has spoken about being motivated by a childhood experience of injustice – witnessing his father being mistreated by law enforcement – which influenced his dedication to the legal profession. He has emphasized the importance of hard work, once noting that he “takes pride in the hard work that led [him] to the bench.” In practice, he strives to apply the law impartially, treating all parties with respect and giving careful consideration to each case’s circumstances. While he follows sentencing guidelines and legal precedent, he also considers mitigating factors; this pragmatic approach aims to balance the interests of justice, public safety, and individual rights in every decision.

Community Involvement

Outside the courtroom, Reyes has been active in the local legal community. He is a member of the Tulare County Bar Association and the California Judges Association, and he participates in their continuing-education programs and committees. Early in his career he provided pro bono legal assistance through the nonprofit Legal Services program, reflecting a long-standing commitment to access to justice. As a judge, Reyes has also supported court outreach and public education: for example, he has spoken at civic and school events about the judiciary and often mentors new attorneys. Through these efforts, he helps foster trust in the legal system and gives back to the Tulare community he serves.