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My commitment to public service is rooted in both my personal background and professional experience. As an immigrant, my family came to this country with nothing, and I watched my parents rebuild their lives through hard work, determination, and the support of the community. That experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for community, culture, and diversity, and shaped my understanding of the challenges many families face and the importance of fairness and equality. I have dedicated my career to public service. For more than 17 years, I have served as a prosecutor handling complex criminal cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure that the most vulnerable are treated with fairness, respect, and compassion, while upholding the constitutional rights of all individuals and the integrity of the justice system. I understand that the courtroom is often where people are at their most vulnerable, and I approach that responsibility with care, professionalism, and a commitment to justice. Beyond the courtroom, I have remained deeply engaged in the community. As a board member of a Community College Foundation, I have supported efforts to expand access to education through scholarships, helping fund students’ education, books, and housing. I also work with organizations that provide critical support to victims of crime and underserved populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, I have worked with Project LEAD volunteering in local elementary school classrooms, teaching students about the law and the importance of making positive life choices. These experiences have shaped my perspective and reinforced my belief that the justice system must be fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all. If elected, I would bring that commitment along with my experience, judgment, and dedication to public service to the bench.

The Los Angeles County Superior Court serves one of the most diverse populations in the country and has made meaningful progress in improving transparency and accessibility. The court has expanded access to justice through innovations such as remote appearances, online case access, and community-based resources like Court Access Kiosks, Remote or Out-of-Custody Arraignment Courts for lower-level matters, and the Community Outreach Court (COC). These tools are especially important for underserved communities, as they reduce barriers to meaningful participation in the legal process. The court has also strengthened its use of collaborative, problem-solving courts referred to as Collaborative Justice Courts including Mental Health Courts, Drug Courts, Homeless Courts, Veterans Courts, Family Treatment Courts, and CARE Courts. These programs recognize that many cases involve complex underlying issues such as mental health and substance use. When applied appropriately and consistent with the law, they promote accountability while supporting treatment, stability, and long-term positive outcomes. At the same time, there are areas for continued improvement. The high volume of cases in Los Angeles can lead to delays, which are difficult for individuals seeking safety, stability, and resolution. Additionally, clear communication, particularly through interpreters when needed is essential to ensure litigants can fully and meaningfully participate. Continued investment in staffing and language access services is critical to addressing these challenges. Overall, the courts are moving in a positive direction. By continuing to prioritize accessibility, efficiency, and fairness, the system can better serve litigants and the broader community. If elected, I would be committed to ensuring that every person is treated with dignity and respect, that proceedings are clear and efficient, and that all decisions are measured and grounded in the law and the facts.

I am a Deputy Public Defender with over 26 years of experience in Los Angeles County, where I have handled more than 100 jury trials ranging from misdemeanors to the most serious felony cases. My career has required me to apply the law at the highest level, ensuring that constitutional protections are upheld and that every person receives fair treatment in the courtroom. I have served in specialized assignments, including the Law Enforcement Accountability and Integrity Unit, where I handled cases involving allegations of police misconduct, as well as Restorative Justice Courts and Drug Court. In those assignments, I have conducted restorative justice work by linking clients to mental health treatment, substance abuse disorder programs, and other services designed to address the underlying causes of behavior and reduce the revolving door of incarceration. In addition to my trial work, I have extensive experience litigating complex legal motions, including suppression motions, Pitchess motions, and bail arguments under California law, all of which require a deep understanding of constitutional principles and procedural fairness. I am also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Southwestern Law School, where I teach criminal procedure and litigation, training future attorneys in both the substance of the law and the practical skills necessary to advocate effectively. I also serve on the board for the Women in Leadership program at Southwestern Law School, supporting the development of future leaders. My experience representing individuals at their most vulnerable moments has given me a clear understanding of the real-life impact of judicial decisions. It has reinforced my commitment to ensuring that every person who enters the courtroom is treated with dignity, and that the law is applied fairly, thoughtfully, and with integrity. This combination of extensive trial experience, specialized assignments, teaching, and leadership has prepared me to serve as a judge.

What is working well in Los Angeles County courts is the Office of Diversion and Reentry. This program allows individuals to receive not only mental health treatment, but also stabilization services while they are in the program, including housing, counseling, and support. It also provides opportunities for individuals suffering from substance use disorder to obtain treatment, address their addiction, and transition back into stability, including entry into the workforce. This approach addresses the root causes that bring people into the system and creates a path toward long-term change. What needs improvement is access. The courts must ensure that individuals who qualify for these programs are actually allowed into them. Voters have made it clear that there should be meaningful access to mental health treatment and supportive services, and that intent must be fully carried out in the courtroom. Judges must move away from stagnant practices and fully utilize the tools available to them by allowing appropriate access to diversion, treatment, and supportive services that promote accountability and long-term stability.