Community service and giving back are two themes that strongly resonate with Melissa Lyons. Because her life is full of examples of demonstrating those philosophies, it’s no surprise that she is seeking to become a judge in the L.A. Superior Court.
A deputy district attorney for 16 years, Lyons has a history of donating her time, talents and resources to aid underserved neighborhoods. She volunteers with the Summer Night Lights Program sponsored by the city’s Gang Reduction and Youth Development Office.
Most recently, distributed hair kits to African American foster children housed with non-Black families because, she said, “Black hair is unique and we have different products that we use. [I want] to help those families that are kind enough to take in our young Black foster youth.” Clearly, Lyons treasures uplifting others and believes she can reach more people in need if elected to the court’s office #90.
“Community service has been a part of my life since I was young,” noted Lyons, who said she selected her sorority based on “their strong community service program.”
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“To be a part of the community and be in the community and understand what’s going on in community [will] help [me] make better decisions,” she added. And not only does she bring the desire to serve to the position, but also she possesses a number of pertinent qualities.
Currently a supervisor in the Compton Sex Crimes Division, Lyons has considerable trial experience. “Experience gives you greater discernment and because a lot of cases go to trial, it teaches you the rules of evidence,” Lyons said.
Another asset she brings is her status as an immigrant. Born in Jamaica, her family relocated to small Midwestern farming town when she was growing up.
Referring to her native land, Lyons said, “I know what it’s like to live in a country where everyone looks like you. Your government looks like you. People in power look like you – the judges, the lawyers, the doctors, the nurses.”
But, her first encounter in the U.S. was just the opposite. Her family was the only African Americans in the rural area.
“I think the combination of [having] everyone look like you and being in a place where no one looks like you informs how you look at people that have power and people that don’t have power, and the experiences of both, and responsibilities of both,” insisted Lyons.
If elected, Lyons expects to draw on all of her experiences to help her make impartial and fair decisions in the courtroom. Asserting that she is “truly committed to the idea of justice for all,” she said her goal is to give every defendant a “fair shake.”
“That’s all people want at the end of the day when they find themselves in court is to know that they got a fair shake, and that’s what you have with me,” said Lyons.
“I am someone that’s committed to making thoughtful decisions with the understanding that every decision has generational impact. That’s the mentality that I’m bringing – someone who is going to be unbiased, fair, open, and respectful.”
