Maggie's experience and strengths

Summary of experience and strengths:

Graduated Santa Clara University Law School in 1985.

Internships with the Santa Clara County Public Defender and District Attorney. At the Santa Clara Public Defender’s office, Maggie served as the person who interviewed those accused of committing crimes in preparation for the person’s appearance in court. In the District Attorney’s office, she worked on the prosecution of environmental crimes.

Seven and a half years as a Deputy District Attorney for Contra Costa County. Tried numerous jury cases beginning with a misdemeanor driving under the influence cases and then a variety of felonies. For 21/2 years, assigned to the unit that handles all abuse cases (elder, child , adult/child sexual abuse). Also handled the review and charging of felony cases for a year.

Joined Humboldt County District Attorney’s office in 1994 and worked there for 17 years. For the privacy and out of respect for the family (Maggie and I have decided not to name the following case on the blog). Maggie had only been in the office a couple of weeks when a teenager was murdered and she was assigned the case. There was gang related activity. She tried the case in Humboldt to a dual jury and also handled the change of venue trial that ultimately led to the conviction of the 2 defendants for 1^st and 2^nd degree murder. She continued to handle all levels of felonies and in 2005, Paul Gallegos appointed Maggie as the director of the Child Abuse Services TEAM (CAST).  In this capacity, Maggie has worked with social services, law enforcement, and other community agencies (Rape Crisis, Sexual Assault Response Team).  Part of her duties included working on budget issues, grant applications and preparing agreements to partner with Tribal organizations.

In 2007, Paul reassigned Maggie from CAST to the Drug Task Force where she worked for 4 years. During that time she was required to review all drug cases in the County and make recommendations regarding charges  to the District Attorney and possible sentencing options. At the direction of Paul, she prosecuted major drug cases such as People vs. Jose Hernandez Lopez. As part of this assignment she answered questions from DTF regarding legal issues and reviewed search warrants as needed 24 hours/7 days a week.

From 2001-2011, Maggie handled all the asset forfeiture cases for the County. Maggie has prosecuted over 100 jury trials including a number of homicide cases (Maher Suarez gang murder trial and Johnny Lindel Lewis case). According to Maggie, these cases required a broad mastery of criminal law and knowledge of a variety of technical subjects such as medical research on brain trauma, DNA, firearms and bullet trajectories. She has also presented cases to the Grand Jury.

In November 2011, Maggie joined the Humboldt County Counsel office. Her particular assignment focuses on personnel matters, review of grant applications, contracts and issues involving environmental health, probation and Public Guardian.

In the 20 years she has lived in Humboldt County, she has volunteered for many civic groups, her church and schools. Is currently on the KEET Board and her daughter’s high school board.