Judge Sylvia J. Hanna

Education: Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Riverside (1999); Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Notre Dame Law School (2003).
Bar Admission: Admitted to the California State Bar in 2003 (Bar #227982).
Appointment: Appointed as a Tulare County Superior Court judge on November 29, 2021, by Governor Gavin Newsom, filling the vacancy of retiring Judge Kathryn T. Montejano.
Courtroom Assignment: Initially assigned to the misdemeanor/criminal court calendars (North County) and collaborative courts (e.g. drug and veterans treatment courts). As of April 2023, she presides over juvenile justice (dependency and delinquency) cases in the North County (Department A, Juvenile Division). She also serves on the court’s Appellate Division and Library Board.
Term: Superior Court judges serve six-year terms. Hanna ran in the 2022 retention election and, if retained by voters, will serve a full term through 2028 (the term effectively ends in January 2029).
Political Affiliation: Reported to be a Democrat (appointed under a Democratic governor).

Education and Legal Background

Sylvia Hanna grew up in Tulare County and is a first-generation Egyptian-American. She attended the University of California, Riverside, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999. She then pursued legal studies at the University of Notre Dame Law School, obtaining her J.D. in 2003. After law school, Hanna served as a law clerk at the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office in 2003, gaining early experience in criminal defense work.

In 2004, Hanna began a long career at the Tulare County Public Defender’s Office. She worked as a deputy public defender, handling felony and misdemeanor cases, and over time took on supervisory roles. She served as a Senior Attorney and Supervising Attorney, leading trial teams and mentoring younger public defenders. By 2019, Hanna had become the Chief Deputy Public Defender of Tulare County, second in command of the office and responsible for overseeing major divisions of the public defense practice.

Path to the Bench

With nearly two decades of experience in criminal law, Hanna was selected by Governor Gavin Newsom for a judgeship in late 2021. Newsom announced her appointment on November 29, 2021, highlighting her “excellent legal experience” and strong attributes for judicial service. Hanna filled the vacancy created by Judge Kathryn T. Montejano’s retirement. She officially took office as a Superior Court judge in early 2022. As required by California law, Hanna stood for a retention election at the next statewide general election (2022), and upon voter approval, continues to serve a six-year term.

Courtroom Assignments

Misdemeanor and Criminal Court: Upon appointment, Judge Hanna was assigned to hear North County misdemeanor criminal cases. She presided over calendar calls, trials, and probation matters for all misdemeanor cases from the Visalia/Exeter/Dinuba area (defendants’ last names in even-numbered alpha groups).
Collaborative Specialty Courts: She also oversaw the North County Drug Court and Recovery Court calendars, which handle cases involving substance abuse. Additionally, Hanna led the South County Veterans Treatment Court and Military Diversion Court, helping eligible veterans and service members access specialized treatment programs as alternatives to incarceration.
Juvenile Justice (North County): Beginning in April 2023, Judge Hanna moved to the Juvenile Division (Department A) in the Visalia courthouse. In that role she handles all North County dependency and delinquency cases (even-numbered case filings), including initial and review hearings for juvenile offenders and children in the child welfare system.
Appellate and Administrative Roles: Judge Hanna serves on the Tulare County Superior Court Appellate Department (participating in panels for certain appeals from the trial divisions). She is also an ex officio member of the Tulare County Library Board of Trustees, linking the judiciary with county-wide civic services.

Judicial Approach

As a judge, Sylvia Hanna is known for applying her courtroom experience to a fair and balanced approach to justice. Colleagues note that her background as a public defender gives her a strong understanding of defendants’ rights and the importance of due process. In courtroom proceedings she emphasizes efficiency, clarity of rulings, and adherence to legal procedure. She has shown an interest in rehabilitation and problem-solving justice, as evidenced by her work in drug treatment courts and veterans courts. Judge Hanna also values diversity and inclusivity on the bench; she has spoken about the importance of the judiciary reflecting the community it serves and has supported mentorship and outreach programs for lawyers and students.

Notable Rulings

As a trial court judge, Hanna’s decisions are not published as precedents. There are no high-profile published opinions or landmark rulings associated with her name. Her docket has included numerous criminal misdemeanors, as well as juvenile dependency and delinquency cases. In juvenile dependency matters, for example, she has presided over contested six-month review hearings and welfare checks. Any appeals from her rulings have been addressed through the appellate system, but no significant appellate opinions have been reported. Overall, her rulings follow established California law, and no unusual or controversial decisions have been reported publicly.

Ethics and Discipline

Judge Hanna has maintained a clean professional record. Since taking the bench, there have been no publicized ethics complaints, disciplinary actions, or investigations involving her conduct. During her 18-year tenure as a public defender, she was not subject to any professional discipline by the State Bar. Hanna is regarded as upholding the ethical standards expected of judges; there is no indication of any conflicts of interest or censures on her record. She fulfills continuing education and mandatory judicial ethics training and is seen as adhering to the California Codes of Judicial Conduct.

Professional Reputation

Hanna is widely respected for her legal acumen and leadership. As Chief Deputy Public Defender, she earned praise from colleagues for her trial skills and her calm courtroom demeanor. Tulare County’s Presiding Judge at the time of her appointment described her as having “excellent legal experience” and all the attributes of a successful judge. Fellow attorneys note that she is thorough, well-prepared, and fair in the courtroom. Even as a former prosecutor (her DUI program from 2000’s law clerk assignment suggests she understands both sides of criminal cases), she is seen as professional and evenhanded. Her track record in public service and her quick adaptation to the bench have strengthened her reputation as a diligent and trusted jurist in Tulare County.

Community Involvement

Beyond her judicial duties, Judge Hanna is active in community and professional organizations. She was a founding member of the Tulare County Unity Bar, a local affinity bar association promoting diversity and support among lawyers. She participates in the Tulare County Judicial Mentorship Committee, which guides aspiring judges through the application and vetting process. Judge Hanna also attends meetings of the Tulare County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission, working alongside community leaders to improve the juvenile system.

She supports youth and family advocacy programs. For example, she often participates in CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) events and ceremonies, welcoming and swearing in volunteer advocates for foster children. Additionally, she serves on the Tulare County Library Board, demonstrating her interest in public education and community services. Nationally, Hanna is involved in the National Association of Women Judges, serving on committees focused on diversity and equality. Her role as the first Egyptian-American judge in Tulare County has made her a visible figure in outreach efforts, inspiring women and minorities in the region to pursue legal careers. Overall, she is viewed as a mentor and leader who actively gives back to both the legal community and the public at large.