Elder Abuse/At-Risk Crimes Prosecutor, Colorado 1st Judicial District Attorney鈥檚 Office
Tell us about your job, community involvement, and education.
I am the elder abuse/at-risk crimes prosecutor for the 1st Judicial District, which encompasses Jefferson and Gilpin counties. I have been a prosecutor for over seven years and I have been in my current role for about six months. I am also in my second year as chair of the Education Committee for the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association. I attended the University of California, Irvine, and I double majored in social/ behavioral psychology and criminology.
What activities were you involved in during law school?
While at CU, I helped co-found the Criminal Prosecution Society and served as vice president, with the aim of helping provide information and pathways to those law students interested in pursuing a career in prosecution. I completed the CU Public Service Pledge and was a member of LLSA (Latino Law Students Association).
Tell us about your work at the DA鈥檚 Office. What are your areas of focus?
I am in the Special Victims Unit, specifically responsible for prosecuting felony cases involving victims who are elderly or at risk due to mental or physical disability. Along with those duties, I go into the community to educate organizations and businesses such as banks and nursing homes to recognize the signs of exploitation/abuse/neglect among our most vulnerable, and how to report it.
What drew you to government work?
When I was in law school, I really wanted to make a positive impact on my community, as well as use my career as a vehicle to help others. Working for the government has given me the ability to focus my career on seeking justice and serving my community.
What do you enjoy most about working in government?
The American Bar Association Rule 3.8, Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor, refers to prosecutors not simply as zealous advocates but as ministers of justice. The responsibilities and obligations that come with being a prosecutor are immense and necessary. I appreciate the weight of my responsibilities and am proud to represent the people of Colorado in seeking to hold people accountable to the law. Every day as a prosecutor can be different, with numerous different challenges, legal arguments, and complex factual scenarios.
Which law school experience(s) helped prepare you for your role and/or government work more generally?
Interning/externing is the best way to decide if you want to pursue a specific legal career. I had amazing professors and great classes, but nothing truly prepared me for being in court more than being able to do it myself as an intern. Once I knew I wanted to be a trial attorney, classes like Advanced Trial Advocacy and Advanced Evidence really helped me appreciate the nuance and craft of trial work.
Tell us about your proudest professional achievement. How has your work impacted you personally?
The proudest moments in my career have been when a victim鈥檚 faith in people and in the system of holding people accountable is restored or upheld. I truly feel fulfilled by the work I do and by the mission of my role as a prosecutor.
Who, or what, inspires you?
There are so many in my line of work who I am inspired by; however, the person who never ceases to amaze and inspire me is my wife, Alaina. Being a prosecutor means that sometimes I am in prep and trial for weeks at a time on extremely emotionally draining cases. Despite those challenges, my wife is a constant untiring support, an incredible mom to our two boys, and the nucleus of our home鈥攁ll the while with a demanding career of her own.
What advice would you give to law students interested in pursuing a career in government?
Intern and reach out to people in positions that look exciting to you! The sooner you can gain practical experience in something that captures your interest, the sooner you can determine if that is what you are truly passionate about.