I graduated from Sunset High School where I was nominated most unforgettable.  I think the nomination was because my friend Aaron and I were arrested for trying to save a 100 year old Oak Tree across the street from our school.  All we succeeded in doing was pissing some blue collar guys off, getting a chain saw waived at us and arrested.  Did I mention we climbed the tree.

After high school I lived in Jewel, Oregon for a while.  I took care of 100 acres of forest and ranch.  Cattle, horses and a very angry bull filled my days for about a year.  Despite my love for the ranch I am just a fool for the city, so I packed up my belongings, a shotgun and my favorite kitten and hitchhiked back to town.

I entered the higher education arena via Portland Community College (Rock Creek).  A school that I have advocated for everyday since; accessible to all and reasonably priced.  While at PCC I became involved in student government.  The various offices I held gave me the opportunity to lobby both state and federal politicians on a variety of educational issues.

After PCC I went on to graduate with a political science degree from Lewis & Clark.  The simple fact is that with a political science degree you either enter into the political arena, get your teaching certificate or attend law school.  Being so disenfranchised with the political machine I chose to pursue my other passion, the practice of law.  I went on to earn my JD from Willamette University College of law (Salem, Oregon).

My last year of law school I worked at the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office as a certified law student.  While at the DA’s office I assisted law enforcement with search and seizure issues, obtaining search warrants, charging cases and prosecuting cases.  Working for the DA’s office taught me how the prosecutor processes your case and how to properly present and challenge motions and try cases to juries.  Real life courtroom experience cannot be taught in the classroom.

After law school I worked for a mid-sized AV rated firm and two small practices with amazingly brilliant attorneys.  Over time I have tried all sorts of jury trial– from major felonies, including murder and measure 11s, restraining order violations and DUII’s, to divorce and civil lawsuits.  I have tried all types of jury trials successfully.

My practice focuses on criminal defense.  While I would like to try every case, the simple truth is, that sometimes it is not in your best interest to go to trial.   I get involved in your case immediately, I do not wait to respond to the actions of the state, whether that is law enforcement conducting an investigation focused on you or the district attorney prosecuting your case. If I can get your case dismissed pre-indictment I will If we need to enter plea negotiations I can create the bargaining power you need.  If at the end of the day, we need to try your case, we will be ready.