I was born and raised in Madera. My family lived near Tozier Bridge until about six years ago. I went to Millview Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Jr. High, and Madera High School.
During my senior year in high school, I was involved in a fight with another person who was injured pretty badly. I suffered a criminal conviction and was exposed to the harsh realities of our criminal justice system. My status as a college-bound honor student was quickly overshadowed by the poor decision I made that one night. As awful as that experience was, it was the motivating factor that led me to become a prosecutor and eventually a judge.
I attended Fresno State and earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology. I went to UCLA School of Law to earn my Juris Doctor. I was a prosecutor for 23 years. I specialized in domestic violence and child sexual assault cases.
My goal as a prosecutor was not only to protect victims of crime, but to make sure that those accused of crimes were treated fairly and afforded due process. When I was 17, the courtroom was the scariest and most intimidating place to be. I felt unseen and unheard. But over the years, as a prosecutor and now as a judge, it is the place where I am the most confident and poised. Every day, I get to serve the public and make decisions that deeply impact people’s lives.
Having a criminal record was like my scarlet letter. I was terrified that it would be the only thing people would see. Thankfully, due to the unwavering support of my family, mainly my mother, I never lost confidence that I could still pursue all of my educational goals and career dreams despite my high school tragedy.
My mother always believed that I was smart enough and strong enough to achieve whatever I wanted. She never doubted that I would get into the law school of my dreams, which was UCLA. When I was agonizing over whether or not I would pass the bar exam on the first try, she always believed that I was going to pass.
Her faith in me truly helped me to face my fears and find the courage to file those applications even though I was terrified of failure or rejection. I know not everyone has that type of support system, and I am forever grateful for that unconditional love and encouragement.
Having a criminal record is a hard thing to overcome. I have had to disclose it on every job application for the last 33 years. But you can’t let one bad decision define you. Let it be the fuel inside of you that reminds you to do better, dream bigger, and fight for change.
I believe I was appointed to the bench because I bring a unique perspective; not many prosecutors or judges have once been criminal defendants. I know that I am a better listener, more patient, and more empathetic because of the hurdles I have overcome.
I turned my nightmare into a dream career.