MY PERSPECTIVES

I am a dedicated career prosecutor with a vision of elevating the Placer County District Attorney’s office to be the best in the state. For residents, that means a safer place to live, better quality of life and a stronger justice system.

I am committed to prosecuting criminals and fighting against legislation that abandons victims. At the same time, I believe education, awareness and intervention are key in reducing crime and creating a better Placer County.

“I firmly believe that prosecutors have an obligation to share their experience and knowledge with others in the office, in the community and in the classroom to educate our citizenry, elevate our profession and further the goals of our democracy.”

I am committed to prosecuting offenders and fighting legislation that unjustly abandons crime victims and I am equally committed to education, intervention, and awareness as a means of preventing crime. The District Attorney must play a vital role in educating the community about risk factors that lead to crime.

I lead and oversee all community outreach efforts and am directly responsible for collaborating with law enforcement, community groups, faith-based organizations and non-profit organizations to create opportunities to inform and educate our community.

From teaching high school and middle school students about the dangers of the internet and social media, to educating seniors about fraud and financial scams, to forming partnerships to increase literacy and hosting Youth and Citizens’ Academies, myself and my prosecutors are in the community and in the classrooms in an effort to achieve crime prevention through education and intervention.

I have the experience, knowledge, skills and judgment befitting of the District Attorney of Placer County. I have spent my career seeking out challenges in the courtroom, in the office, in the classroom, and in the community to improve the quality of life both in the office and for the community I swore to keep safe.

The ability to lead the Placer County District Attorney’s office effectively and inspirationally is as valuable a skill for the District Attorney as is the ability to skillfully cross examine a witness or knowing the intricacies of the Evidence Code.

I bring tremendous courtroom experience, proven collaboration, state-wide legislative and initiative experience to strengthen Placer County in the ever-changing landscape in the California criminal justice system.

I serve as the current Placer County District Attorney and have a deep understanding of what it takes to continue serving.  Throughout my career, I have conducted 106 jury trials – 79 felony jury trials and 27 misdemeanor jury trials – in cases dealing with severe crimes, including sexual assaults and complex murder cases. 

I have served in just about every prosecutorial role, from misdemeanors to homicide trials, to Assistant Chief and a member of the executive management team. I have tried cases involving some of the most complex issues faced in criminal law.  From multi-defendant gang murders, recanting, reluctant and refusing witnesses, intricate statute of limitations issues in child sexual abuse trials, and technical and detailed forensic evidence, I have been trusted to litigate serious cases and complicated issues and I have successfully done so with poise, professionalism and sound judgment. 

Education

• B.S., Criminal Justice, San Diego State University 
• Juris Doctor, Vanderbilt University School of Law

Awards & Publications

• Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Initiative (appeared on November 2020 ballot)
• 2019 Outstanding Victim Service Award
• 2002 Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year

Professional Affiliations

• California District Attorney’s Association
  • Serves on the Legislation Committee
  • Serves as co-chair of the Appellate Committee