Current Role & Responsibilities
I supervise a division that is comprised of attorneys, social workers, and mental health case workers organized into four sections:
- Civil Commitment
- Engagement Team (social workers and mental health case workers)
- Mental Health (which includes competency cases)
- Treatment Courts
The Vickie Rice Mental Health Division handles cases involving mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. We deliver on the office’s commitment to holistic client care with a team of multidisciplinary professionals that are agile, collaborative, and dedicated to creating solutions that minimize the damage caused by criminal system involvement. We leverage the expertise of our staff and the relationships that we have nurtured with valued community partners to help our clients return to healthier lives in the community and prevent future contacts with the criminal system.
Education & Background
MAY 1996
Juris Doctorate, Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University – Houston, Texas
- Licensed by the State Bar of Texas – November 1996
MAY 1993
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas
I started working at the Public Defender’s Office in October 2007. Previous positions held include: Chief of the Misdemeanor Division, Deputy Chief of the Misdemeanor Division, Interim Chief of the Mental Health Division, Felony Supervisor and Felony Attorney.
I have also worked for two district attorney’s offices.
Prior to joining the Public Defender’s Office, I worked for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office from February 2007 to October 2007 as a felony prosecutor.
From April 1999 to February 2007, I worked at the Denton County District Attorney’s Office and held several positions during my tenure. These positions include: 2nd Chair Misdemeanor Court Prosecutor, Family Violence Misdemeanor Prosecutor, Chief Misdemeanor Court Prosecutor, Misdemeanor Intake Attorney, 2nd Chair Felony Court Prosecutor and 2nd Chair Children’s Advocacy Center Prosecutor.
Certifications & Areas of Expertise
I have over 25 years of experience of primarily practicing criminal law.
Values & Motivation
What I value most is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients while collaborating with the dedicated and talented people who make this office such a special place to work.
I wanted to use the passion, skills and talent that GOD has given me to honor HIM and to help others.
My approach to leadership, advocacy and public defense begins with service. A leader must first be willing to serve others. Every client deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, to be heard and to have a dedicated advocate who will represent them effectively. Our mission is not simply to resolve cases, but to help clients navigate the barriers and challenges they face and to help them improve their lives whenever possible. By taking a client-centered approach, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes both in the courtroom and beyond.
