Primary Practice Areas:
State and Federal
Juvenile Law
CINS Offenses & Delinquency
Veteran's Affairs
Education:
Doctorate of Jurisprudence (2003)Barry University - Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
Orlando, Florida
Bachelor of Arts Mass Communications (1993)
University of South Florida - Tampa, Florida
Diploma (1989)
Palm Bay High School - Melbourne, Florida
Bar Admissions:
State Bar of Texas (2009)
United States Western District of Texas (2012)
How I Became a Lawyer
I have always enjoyed helping people. During my previous employment in the non-profit sector, I worked in positions involving mental and physical disabilities, children, and the elderly. Although I have always attempted to help people as much as possible, early in my career I realized that in order to truly help some, I needed to be on the legal side of things. I earned my law degree from Barry University School of Law and have been a practicing attorney for more than eight (8) years.
My Clients
Since beginning to practice law, I have endeavored to maintain that same desire to help people that propelled me into this field. To that end, I take the time to listen to clients and brainstorm with them in order to develop solutions that are effective and a bit “outside of the box”. It’s very important to me that my clients feel as though they have input into and ownership of their case. They should know that my concern for them is honest and true - that I have their best interest in mind.
I am proud to be an attorney and want to help my clients as much as possible. I work very hard to help my clients-even when it doesn't involve their case. I enjoy helping people and feel that, in many cases, that extra mile is my way of "giving back" to my community and society in general. To know even one life breathed easier because I lived is to know I have truly succeeded in achieving my personal and professional goals.
Our Cases
Although my practice has spanned a broad spectrum of case types (criminal cases at both the state and federal levels, juvenile cases, CPS cases, family law cases, wills, real estate issues, and first-party property insurance defense), I have a specific passion for cases where a person is not being looked at as an individual with needs but as a stereotype. I strongly believe that everyone should have fair and equal treatment within the law, and strive to provide the best services possible to all clients, regardless of their situation.
I find that when I work closely with clients, the outcome tends to be more positive. For example, in a previous case where a child was removed from the home due to allegations of parental drug use, consultation with the parents resulted in them working diligently to ensure the return of their child to their home. Through our collaborative diligence and hard work, we achieved our desired outcome, and this family has continued to progress in their personal and professional growth.
That case and many others illustrate my interactive style and commitment to the health and well-being of my clients. They know that I believe in them and will work harder than anyone to help them accomplish their desired legal outcomes. I take every case seriously as I feel even "minor cases" have ramifications that will affect individuals for the rest of their lives.
Associations and Awards
Once I began practicing in Texas, I became a member of the McLennan County Bar Association and the Waco-McLennan County Young Lawyers' Association. In 2009, I became a member of both the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association and the McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association.
In 2010, I joined the McLennan County Juvenile Drug Court Team as the Defense Bar Liaison. The following year, I was awarded membership in the Texas Association of Drug Court Professionals. In 2012, I was awarded membership in the College of the State Bar of Texas.
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