For over 25 years, I’ve practiced criminal defense law, starting at the Metropolitan Public Defenders office in Portland. I opened my own boutique firm in 2004, but prior to that I spent a decade representing clients in all areas of criminal defense, including measure 11 crimes, property and drug felonies, and misdemeanors, including DUII and other traffic crimes. I also:
- Assisted in forming the Multnomah County Community Court Program for select misdemeanors
- Worked with the felony drug STOP court
- As a senior felony attorney, mentored newer lawyers in the areas of drug and property crime law and trial skills
Originally from Texas, I earned my BA in English from Stephen F. Austin State University and then worked as a legal assistant at Baron & Budd in Dallas, a law firm representing people injured from asbestos exposure. After working with victims of toxic exposure for years, I was inspired to move to Portland and earn my law degree at Lewis & Clark. Law school honors include:
- Cornelius Honor Society
- Mock Trial Team (won locally and advanced to regionals)
- Published in the Law Review on the role of federal vs. state law in lawsuits by people harmed by pesticide exposure: FIFRA Preemption of Common Law Tort Claims After Cipollone, Environmental Law, Vol. 25 NBR>2, March 1995
How I Work: Clients, Not Cases
Personal attention.
When you work with me, you’re working with a small practice that’s client focused, communicative, and reachable. I limit the number of cases I accept because every case deserves my full attention. Whether it’s an expungement or another matter, I update you along the way and at the conclusion for clarity and closure.
Dedicated time.
Legal issues can be layered, and each one is different. That’s why I take the time to listen to your situation, concerns, questions, and needs, and then pursue a path that aligns with your goals. There are quirks in the law that other attorneys might miss, but thanks to years of experience, I know them. I also know that taking the time to talk fully about your situation now can save time and money, later.
Great relationships.
Thanks to years working in the courts, I have solid working relationships with court staff and district attorneys across the state. I know each county’s preferences, who to contact, and have the confidence (and am comfortable) reaching out to them when needed on your behalf.
Referral-based business.
More than 90% of my clients are referrals from former clients, which I truly value. I enjoy my work, am passionate about helping people, and have developed a business where helping clients get their lives back on track often results in referrals. It’s something I truly appreciate, especially as a small, woman-owned business.
My practice focuses exclusively on:
- Expungements
- Felony reductions
- SB819 petitions
- Petitions for relief from sex offender registration requirements
- Misdemeanor diversion programs, including those for DUII, Commercial Sexual Solicitation, and drug or theft charges
When not defending clients, I hike all over Oregon, bike all over the city, and tend to my garden. I’m a knitter, reader, traveler, and Mom to two sons, a rescue dog, and foreign exchange students.
All of our work can be done by phone and virtually, but my office is private and available for meetings and signings if you prefer to meet in person.