What inspired you to become a lawyer?
In elementary school, I remember a student who was in trouble and he was not doing a good job of telling his side of the story.
I decided at that point I wanted to be the voice for others. I wanted to be an advocate for others. I have not wavered.
How does your undergraduate degree relate to your practice of law?
My undergraduate degree is in political science with a minor in psychology. To practice law effectively, you need to know who is in office and what the “hot” political topics are in your community and the world. Knowing how people think and feel is important in the practice of law.
How did you decide your practice area?
I decided criminal law would be my major area of practice because a person’s liberty is at stake.
If I can help in any way to relieve a person’s stress because of a legal issue, I will help.
A criminal case will affect all areas of a person’s life. Their emotions, economic situation and health are at risk when they are arrested.
What has been the biggest change in your practice area since you passed the Bar?
My area of practice has evolved over the years. My main focus is criminal defense, but I enjoy assisting in civil matters when I can.
Currently, my focus is on the Problem Solving Courts, which consist of the Adult Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. Meeting people where they are in the programs has given me a new focus in my career.
With the Problem Solving Courts, I am involved in programs where we are trying to prevent people from coming back into the criminal justice system. To make sure that a person can move forward, I have to be able to address the whole life issues.
I try and locate resources that will help my clients in their recovery. I am smiling from ear to ear when my clients graduate.
If I could change anything in the legal system …
It would be that citizens have equal access to the courts. A level playing field is needed at all times.
What community service have you pursued and why that?
I enjoy pursuing any area of community service where I can make a difference.
Volunteers are always needed. We hear the saying that the harvest is ready but the workers are few. I enjoy volunteering with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid as well as with churches where the elderly need legal advice.
I seek out these areas because the people I come in contact with need the help and I can provide it.
Although my field of expertise is criminal law, I enjoy researching different topics outside of my field. I research the civil law areas and assist the people who are assigned to me.
I enjoy the look in the eyes of my clients when they have an answer to their question. It makes my law degree worth it.