I was born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee and went to law school at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. I began my legal career in Charlottesville where I had the privilege of working at Michie, Hamlett, Lowry, Rassmussen and Tweel, enabling me to learn from professionals and hone my skills in the areas of contract litigation and criminal defense. I enjoyed my time in the courtroom and ultimately opened my own firm 10 years ago, focusing almost exclusively on criminal defense. During this time, I worked on some of the most difficult cases that have faced our community, representing clients charged with crimes up to and including capital murder. I have always been a fierce advocate for my clients and have been able to help them achieve the best possible results by building a solid relationship with all of the agencies within the court system.
In addition to practicing law, I spent several years as an adjunct professor at University of Virginia Law School, teaching the court system and criminal defense to third year law students. I have also enjoyed presenting at a number of Continuing Legal Education seminars on topics such as courtroom litigation and capital defense. Educating others about the legal system is something I have always felt very strongly about and enjoyed.
During my career, I have practiced in both State and Federal courts and represented clients charged with everything from petty larceny to capital murder. I am a member of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association, Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Virginia State Bar. I am authorized to practice in both the Eastern and Western District courts of the United States, all courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and have been admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court. I know the court system. I believe strongly in the legal system and that people- defendants and victims- have a right to professional and competent legal representation. A fair and just legal system is a foundation of our democracy.
Albemarle County citizens are best served by a Commonwealth’s Attorney who can maintain a productive relationship with others who work in the system. Over the past 16 years, I have developed professional and effective working relationships with the Albemarle County Court and its personnel, as well as with law enforcement and other lawyers. I am committed to bringing this high standard of professionalism to the Office of Commonwealth’s Attorney.
I have established a reputation for my diligence, work ethic and thorough preparation for every case. As your Commonwealth’s Attorney, I will bring the same hard working approach to successfully prosecuting those charged with crimes. Our community deserves no less.
I have been quietly committed to our community and have served on the boards of several community service and non-profit boards, including Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACCA), AIDS/HIV Services Group, Augusta County SPCA and the On Our Own shelter.
With Richard Brewer, I am the proud parent of 3 young children. Together, we have worked towards making our community a better place and teaching our children the importance of family and volunteerism. We have participated in community clean up days, collected donations for the SPCA and volunteered at the homeless shelter. I look forward to continuing to show our children the importance, value and joy of civic service.
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