I was born in Houston. My father was an FBI agent, who later practiced criminal defense law. My mother raised 4 children and was an English teacher. I attended high school in Dallas and college at U. Texas, Austin. After earning my law degree I worked in the appellate section of the Travis County DA’s Office followed by private practice in Austin. I then was hired by the McLennan County DA’s Office, where I rose to chief felony prosecutor. As of 2019 I have practiced law 35 years. I am a criminal law specialist. I have been a criminal defense attorney since 1989.