Current Role & Responsibilities
I supervise approximately 30 misdemeanor attorneys, along with division support staff, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Misdemeanor Division. My responsibilities include attorney supervision and development, case management, staffing and court coverage, policy implementation, training, and coordination with the courts and other criminal justice stakeholders.
The Misdemeanor Division represents indigent clients charged with misdemeanor offenses in Dallas County. Our attorneys handle cases from appointment through resolution, including bond hearings, plea negotiations, contested hearings, trials, sentencing, and post-disposition matters. In addition to traditional criminal defense work, we strive to identify and address the underlying issues that often contribute to clients' involvement in the criminal legal system, including mental health needs, substance use disorders, housing instability, employment barriers, and access to community resources. Our work focuses on protecting clients' constitutional rights, ensuring meaningful access to counsel, and advocating for fair and just outcomes at every stage of the criminal process.
Education & Background
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Government from The University of Texas at Austin. I then attended Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M), where I received my Juris Doctor.
While in law school, I interned with the Dallas County Public Defender's Office and knew early on that indigent defense was the career path I wanted to pursue. After graduating, I
worked a few legal positions to gain the experience necessary to be hired as a Dallas County public defender. I joined the office in January of 2012 and have spent nearly my entire legal career representing indigent clients in Dallas County, serving in both misdemeanor and felony divisions before moving into leadership roles.
Values & Motivation
What I value most in my work is ensuring that every client is treated with dignity and receives high-quality representation, regardless of the allegations against them or their ability to afford counsel. Public defense provides a unique opportunity to stand alongside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and to help ensure that the justice system functions fairly and constitutionally.
During law school, I discovered that indigent defense combined the courtroom advocacy, client relationships, and sense of purpose that I was looking for in a legal career. After interning with the Dallas County Public Defender's Office, I knew this was where I wanted to build my career. I believe everyone deserves a dedicated advocate, and I am drawn to work that has a direct impact on people's lives.
I have also always had a deep-seated distrust of authority and institutions and a strong instinct to root for the underdog. Public defense seemed like a constructive way to turn those traits into a career. I enjoy fighting uphill battles, and there are few better places to do that than a courtroom. There is a unique satisfaction in winning a case when the government has all the resources, the accusation itself carries weight, and most people assume your client is guilty before hearing the evidence. The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of our legal system, but in practice it often feels more aspirational than real. Public defenders are there to make sure it means something.
As a leader, I strive to support and develop attorneys so they can provide exceptional representation to their clients. I believe in preparation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As an advocate, I emphasize client-centered and holistic representation, recognizing that successful outcomes often require addressing both the legal case and the underlying challenges that may be affecting a client's life. My goal is to foster a culture where attorneys are empowered to be creative, compassionate, and fearless advocates while maintaining the highest professional standards.
