From the Marines to the Courtroom

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My journey in service began in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, where I served on active duty in the Middle East. Those years shaped every part of who I am — instilling in me discipline, integrity, and an unwavering sense of duty. When I returned home, I knew that service didn’t end when the uniform came off. I wanted to continue protecting my country, this time by upholding justice here at home.

For more than 15 years, I served as a Deputy District Attorney (Prosecutor) in Riverside County, prosecuting serious felony cases and gaining a deep understanding of how the criminal justice system truly works — where it succeeds, where it falls short, and where compassion can make a difference. Over time, I began to see that some of the individuals most in need of understanding and support were veterans — men and women who had once stood where I had, now struggling with challenges they didn’t face alone in combat but often faced alone back home.

Many veterans return from service carrying invisible wounds: PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the complex weight of reintegration into civilian life. Too often, those struggles lead them into the very system they once fought to protect — not because they are criminals, but because they are hurting.

Today, as a retired public defender and advocate, my mission is clear: to stand beside those veterans, to make sure their voices are heard, and to connect them with the resources and representation they deserve. My passion lies in helping disabled veterans and individuals seeking disability benefits — those who have served, sacrificed, and now need someone to serve them in return.

Service never truly ends; it simply takes new forms. Whether in the desert, in a courtroom, or across a table from a veteran in need, my goal remains the same: to fight for those who can’t fight alone.