I never thought I would enjoy criminal defense — and I love it!
For several years, I have tried to find my place in the legal world. I have learned to do several things, but I have struggled to find something I really enjoy — something my heart wants to do.
Thanks to some excellent mentors and friends, I took a few criminal cases (including a juvenile case and two adult criminal cases—one of which went to a jury trial), and then I accepted a Public Defender contact — and I love it!
I work with a great judge and excellent prosecutors, officers, and court staff. I am inspired by each person and how well they fill their role, as I strive to fill mine.
I am appointed for defendants during a law and motion docket, and I am assigned as the attorney for recovery court (drug court). I love seeing, being with, and helping people on their life journey. It is raw and real, and it is important work.
I get to help people on some of the worst days of their lives. I get to stand in their corner when no one else will. I get to see and acknowledge the good in each person, notwithstanding their choices. I get to encourage honesty and accountability, while honoring individual agency. I get to defend human dignity and constitutional rights, and encourage individual responsibility.
I get to extend and promote faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and healthy living.
It can be a bit overwhelming, and I am developing important boundaries, but I am usually excited to go to court, visit with clients at the jail, and otherwise communicate with clients, prosecutors, and the court.
More than anything, I think this work resonates with me because I need and have received grace, even though I do not deserve it. I have sinned and am in need of redemption (see Romans 3:23). I am grateful for my Savior and Remember (Mosiah 15:9), Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22; James 4:12), Judge (Romans 14:10), and Advocate with the Father (Hebrews 9:24; Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5). I think of Him often in my work. I pray I can be more like Him.
My vision for the world is that each person is lifted (exalted) to their highest potential — that we all see and encourage the best in each other, and lift each other to our highest potential. I am committed to creating this in my work.
