Campaign Phone
5056955527
Filing County
Los Alamos
I hold a law degree from Pepperdine School of Law and have nearly two decades of legal experience, including roles as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and private practitioner. By year’s end, I will have eight years of service as Municipal Judge. I also teach law courses and train judges statewide, combining legal expertise, judicial experience, and a strong commitment to education and community-focused justice.
Since being sworn in as an attorney 18 years ago, I have worked diligently to understand and represent all sides of the legal system. My career has included service as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, giving me a comprehensive and practical understanding of criminal law, constitutional protections, and the real-world impacts of judicial decisions. This balanced perspective allows me as a judge to approach each case with fairness, neutrality, and respect for the rights of all parties.
For seven years as Municipal Judge in Los Alamos, I have learned that effective sentencing requires more than legal knowledge. I approach each case with patience, empathy, and a focus on problem-solving, especially in a rural community with limited resources. My goal is to impose sentences that are fair, consistent, and tailored to the individual, balancing accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation.
I collaborate closely with social services, detention, JJAB and community programs to support effective outcomes in municipal court. I chair the Los Alamos Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and helped develop a strategic plan expanding peer support, crisis response, and mental health services. I support prevention efforts like the youth summit, Hawk Hangout and oversee Teen Court, mentoring student volunteers while promoting trauma-informed practices.
My community involvement has strengthened my ability to serve as Municipal Judge by keeping me connected and responsive to local needs. I serve on nonprofit boards, host over 425 students annually for court field trips, and support prevention efforts, including free drug testing. These experiences reinforce my commitment to a court that is accessible, respectful, and transparent, where all individuals feel heard and understood.
