EXPERIENCE

The University of Texas at Brownsville - Brownsville, TX

Certified Public Manager
Institute of Public Service - November 2010

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2

Judge – 2015 - 2022

• Oversee staff of 4 assistants
• Responsible for evictions, small claims suits, criminal citations, and inquests
• Conduct bench and jury trials for civil and criminal cases

The Gracia Law Firm Serving Cameron & Willacy Counties

Sole Proprietor - Lead Attorney March 2012 - Present

• Represent clients in criminal defense, family law, and civil matters
• Handle court proceedings: motions to revoke, motions to adjudicate, plea matters, contested hearings, and trial
• Oversee staff of three individuals a multi-county area

Cameron County District Attorney's Office - Brownsville, TX

Assistant District Attorney
Felony 2nd Chair October 2009 - March 2012

• Assigned to 107th District Court – Prosecutor of felony crimes including, but not limited to: Murder, Burglary, Sexual Assault, Drug and Aggravated offenses
• Present cases to grand juries for indictment
• Responsible for all pre-trial matters including plea bargains, sentencing negotiations, and evidentiary hearings
• Counsel and review cases with law enforcement, probation officers, victims, and witnesses

Assistant District Attorney
Misdemeanor 1st Chair March 2009 - October 2009

• Assigned to County Courts at Law #1 and #2 as lead prosecutor of misdemeanor crimes
• Supervised 2nd Chair Prosecutor, Investigator, and Paralegal and delegated work to effectively run courts
• Prepared and led three cases to jury trial

Assistant District Attorney - Misdemeanor 2nd Chair November 2008 - March 2009

• Assigned to County Court at Law #3 – charged with screening, filing, and prosecuting misdemeanor crimes
• Tasked with case research, arguing protective orders and motions to suppress
• Assisted 1st Chair prosecutor by coordinating with support staff and prosecuting one trial

The Honorable Hilda G. Tagle, United States District Court Judge - Brownsville, TX

Judicial Intern May 2005 - July 2005

• Drafted an order in response to a summary judgment motion involving an employment discrimination dispute
• Observed trial and general court proceedings on a daily basis.
• Met research deadlines assigned by judicial clerks

Office of United States Representative Solomon P. Ortiz - Washington, DC

Legislative Assistant January 2003 - May 2004

• Researched legislation involving education, labor, civil service, and taxation (including Social Security)
• Provided written responses to constituent inquiries concerning Congressional matters
• Analyzed proposed legislation and its effects on constituents
• Conducted meetings with elected officials, policy makers, and lobbyists to discuss district concerns

Special Projects/Grants Director November 2001 - May 2004

• Spearheaded the creation of the Singapore Congressional Caucus, which fostered eventual passage of the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
• Served as the Representative’s liaison to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, thus ensuring that South Texas legislative concerns were addressed at the national level
• Tracked judicial nominations and emergency declarations for the district
• Wrote letters of support and researched grant funding opportunities for constituents

The City of Port Isabel - Port Isabel, TX

Economic Development Corporation Director
September 2000 - November 2001

• Administered the daily operation of the P.I.E.D.C. with a yearly budget of $326,000
• Applied for and secured awards on 8 grant applications totaling over $800,000
• Directed the expansion and retention of businesses in Port Isabel
• Served as city liaison for both the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce and the local business community
• Interacted with area development boards, councils of government, and various state and federal agencies

National Center for Policy Analysis - Dallas, TX

Research Assistant/Intern
August 1999 - December 1999

• Researched and analyzed the effects of various public policy initiatives on the U.S. economy
• Provided written reports to agency staff
• Published article in the Valley Morning Star on the functionality of the light rail system in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex