Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Wiley
Hi Ericka, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am one of six children raised by a single mother in South Central Los Angeles. I attended public schools in Inglewood and later graduated with honors from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. I earned my law degree at the University of Cincinnati. I have worked as a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender for than 24 years.
My experience includes advocacy in thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases. I have conducted more than 100 felony, misdemeanor and juvenile trials. I have supervised and trained other lawyers as a Deputy in Charge.
The depth my work and experience has shown me that in order to protect the public, we must provide those who suffer from mental illness, homelessness and drug addiction with the support and resources to improve their lives, and ultimately live in a way that ensures that we are all safe. I am dedicated to criminal justice reform, fair sentencing and ending the cycle of mass incarceration.
I am running for Superior Court Judge because my experience (both lived and professional) will bring an empathetic and informed perspective to the bench. The law in California has been slowly shifting away from the erroneous belief that harsh sentencing schemes like 3strikes and other mandatory minimums is the answers to public safety and I want to be a part of this positive and progressive change. I will be a judge who makes decisions that not only uphold the law, but also take into consideration the broader social implications for individuals and the community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Campaigning has been a challenging. I have been actively running my campaign while also working as full time as a deputy public defender, handling serious felony cases as well as being a wife and mother of a beautiful and active 2 year old girl.
I have been lucky to have the support of La Defensa, the grassroots organization behind the Defender of Justice slate, as well as the support and encouragement of my community and numerous endorsers.
The time commitment has been intense but emerging 1st in my race in the March primary has encouraged me and is spurring me toward the finish line.
As you know, we’re big fans of Deputy Public Defender. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Here is my Bio
My name is Ericka Wiley and I am running for Superior Court Judge Seat # 48.
As a judge of the L.A County Superior Court, patience fairness and integrity will guide my decisions. I will work to ensure that irrespective of background, all who appear in my court are given a fair opportunity to be heard.
I have worked as a Los Angeles County Deputy Public Defender 24 years. My experience includes advocacy in thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases. I have conducted more than 100 felony, misdemeanor and juvenile trials. I have supervised and trained other lawyers as a Deputy in Charge.
Experience has shown me that in order to protect the public, we must provide those who suffer from mental illness, homelessness and drug addiction with the support and resources to improve their lives, and ultimately live in a way that ensures that we are all safe.
I am dedicated to criminal justice reform, fair sentencing and ending the cycle of mass incarceration.
My efforts have always been rooted in service to my community. I have donated countless hours assisting individuals to expunge their records after incarceration, and I’ve volunteered with L.A. County’s Parks After Dark program educating youth in the community about their rights, and how to have safe interactions with police.
I am one of six children raised by a single mother in South Central Los Angeles. I attended public schools in Inglewood and later graduated with honors from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. I earned my law degree at the University of Cincinnati.
If elected, I am committed to bring to my work as a Superior Court Judge the same dedication and passion I bring to supporting my family and local community.
As a woman of color, a mother, and the wife of an immigrant, I am uniquely familiar with the struggles and circumstances which bring many into the court system.
I will be a part of the solution to ensure access, justice, and better outcomes for us all.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mother is my hero. She poured everything she had into her children. She instilled in me a self confidence and a sense of responsibility as well as empathy which has been the back bone of the success in my career and in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: wileyforjudge.com – website
- Instagram: instagram: wiley4judge and thedefendersofjustice
- Facebook: Ericka Wiley for Judge 2024
