Judge Melinda Reed

Quick Facts

  • Education: J.D., University of La Verne School of Law (1979); B.S. in Police Science, Northern Arizona University (1976).
  • Bar Admission: Admitted to the California State Bar (circa 1979).
  • Legal Career (pre-bench): Associate attorney in private practice (1979–1980); Deputy District Attorney, Tulare County (1980–1992); Assistant District Attorney, Tulare County (1992–1993).
  • Judicial Appointment: Appointed to the Tulare County Municipal Court on March 10, 1993 (by Governor Pete Wilson); became a Superior Court judge on July 27, 1998 when the county courts unified.
  • Courtroom Assignments: Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Department 6 – Criminal (North County jurisdiction: Visalia/Exeter/Dinuba, handling felony cases for defendants with surnames D, G, M, N, O, P, V).

Legal Career Before the Bench

Melinda Reed earned a Bachelor of Science in Police Science from Northern Arizona University in 1976 and a Juris Doctor from the University of La Verne School of Law in 1979. After law school, she worked as an associate attorney in private practice in California. In 1980 she joined the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, where she served as a Deputy District Attorney for over a decade. In 1992–93 she was promoted to Assistant District Attorney. In those roles Reed gained extensive trial experience handling felony prosecutions. Over that period she also participated in professional organizations, including the California District Attorneys Association and local bar groups, and earned recognition for her work as a prosecutor.

Judicial Career

Reed was appointed to the bench in 1993 as a judge of the Tulare County Municipal Court. When Tulare County courts unified in 1998, she transitioned to the Superior Court and has served there ever since. She has presided primarily in the Criminal Division, and at times has handled administrative leadership duties (including serving as a Presiding Judge). Her courtroom is Department 6 in the Visalia Division of the Superior Court, where she oversees felony criminal cases from the North County. Over more than two decades on the bench, Judge Reed has guided numerous jury trials and arraignments, managing a busy docket and often working in specialized court programs. For example, she has overseen intensive docket settings, motions, and jury trials on a daily schedule, demonstrating a focus on efficiency and fairness in managing cases.

Judicial Philosophy and Courtroom Style

Judge Reed is known for a fair but no-nonsense approach on the bench. She emphasizes preparedness and efficiency, running a well-organized courtroom where schedules and procedures are enforced. At the same time, she has shown an interest in rehabilitation programs for appropriate cases. Notably, Reed championed the creation of a drug court in Visalia to address substance abuse issues – reflecting her belief that treatment and alternatives can benefit nonviolent offenders. In criminal cases she balances firmness with fairness: she expects attorneys and defendants to respect the process, and she upholds the law strictly, especially in serious felony matters. Colleagues and local attorneys describe her as direct and even-tempered; she maintains courtroom decorum but listens carefully to all parties. Overall, her judicial philosophy combines accountability for criminal behavior with an openness to restorative programs when they serve justice.

Notable Cases

Over her tenure, Judge Reed has presided over many high-profile and complex cases. In late 2020, for example, she oversaw a serious child abuse trial in which a Tulare County man was convicted on 17 counts of lewd acts involving a minor. In that case Reed found the defendant guilty on all counts and affirmed multiple special allegations, leading to a lengthy prison sentence. More recently, in January 2023 Judge Reed sentenced a Porterville man who was convicted of numerous child molestation and rape charges to a remarkable 612 years to life in prison. This unprecedented sentence – the statutory maximum – was imposed after a jury found the 37-year-old defendant guilty on 31 counts of molesting two young children. The case received widespread attention in the region. Beyond those cases, Reed routinely handles other major felony trials (such as violent crimes and large narcotics cases) and maintains consistency in imposing tough penalties for crimes like murder and sexual assault, while also managing cases involving serious adult offenders.

Community Engagement and Reputation

Judge Reed is active in the legal community and beyond. She has long been involved with the Tulare County Bar Association and the California Judges Association, and she frequently participates in law-related education. For instance, she has spoken at seminars and events for attorneys, probation officers, and community groups about the justice system. She also supports mentoring programs and has been a resource for new judges and lawyers in the Central Valley. In the community at large, Reed is respected for her integrity and professionalism. Local practitioners note her dedication to justice and her impartial demeanor. She is regarded as a highly experienced jurist who treats everyone—victims, defendants, witnesses, and attorneys—with courtesy while upholding the rule of law. Colleagues praise her calm courtroom presence and her commitment to serving Tulare County with fairness. Overall, Judge Reed’s reputation is that of a diligent, fair-minded jurist who cares deeply about the community she serves and the effectiveness of the county’s court system.