Candidate for
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Orange; Office 10

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Superior Court Commissioner, Orange County Superior Court

Appointed in 1997 to the Municipal Court bench to preside over felony preliminary hearings and trials, misdemeanor court and jury trials, felony and misdemeanor arraignments, probation violation hearings, bail motions,civil court and jury trials, small claims hearings and traffic trials. Duties include maintaining current on criminal law issues involving felony sentencing laws and "Three Strikes" caselaw and conducting settlement conferences with attorneys. Elevated to Superior Court Commissioner in 1998.

Deputy District Attorney, Orange County District Attorney

I was a prosecutor in Orange County for over 12 years. I started my career with the Orange County District Attorney in 1985 and handled thousands of cases in court ranging from juvenile crimes to homicide cases. I personally tried 25 defendants for murder and attempted murder in your Orange County Superior Courts. For over 8 years I specialized in complex gang crimes involving conspiracy to commit murder, drive-by shootings, assault weapon violations, gang assaults, and hate crimes. I successfully obtained six murder convictions in the "paint roller" gang slaying of San Clemente student Steve Woods in 1992. Prior to my Gang Unit assignment, I served on the Felony Panel and prosecuted defendants charged with robbery, burglary, torture, narcotics, and child molestation. During this period, I had a 100% conviction rate. I was involved in legal training for new prosecutors, as well as law enforcement officials, in areas of conspiracy law, gang enhancements, confession law, and felony sentencing. I resigned from the District Attorneys office due to my appointment to the Orange County bench in 1997.

Assistant District Attorney, Bronx County District Attorney

I started my legal career as a prosecutor in Bronx, New York in 1983 and had the experience of working in one of the busiest (and most dangerous) District Attorneys office in the country. I conducted felony and misdemeanor trials, presented cases to the Grand Jury, and gave advice to law enforcement personnel. I left the Bronx District Attorney to join the Orange County District Attorney in 1985.

LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE

Federal Bureau of Investigation

I was a Special Agent with the F.B.I. between 1986-1987 and graduated the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico, Virginia. I investigated bank robberies, extortion plots, and issues relating to the security of the United States.

Los Angeles Police Department

After leaving the F.B.I. due to extensive traveling, I continued my interest in law enforcement by becoming a reserve police officer. I attended the police academy in Los Angeles four times a week after work. Upon graduating, I worked uniform patrol for close to six years. I did this on my own time and without compensation because of my desire to perform community service and help crime victims in times of need. I no longer serve as a reserve officer since it is a conflict of interest for a judicial officer to also work in law enforcement.

EDUCATION

California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA 1979-1982 Juris Doctor Degree in Law/A.B.A.

American University, Washington, D.C. 1975-1979 B.S. Administration of Justice/Criminal Justice