After graduating from Illinois Valley Central High School in Chillicothe, Illinois, I enlisted in the United States Navy where I spent the next four years serving my country at home and overseas. I was stationed at many places throughout the country, including Illinois, California and Texas. I served overseas for over two years at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I still value and use the many skills I learned in the military such as discipline, hard work, integrity, toughness and persistence.

When my enlistment was up, I came back to Illinois and attended Illinois State University. I pursued a degree in Political Science, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, Magna Cum Laude. While a student at Illinois State University, I became a member of Golden Key International Honor Society and President of Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society).

After graduating from Illinois State University, I enrolled in law school at Northern Illinois College of Law where I was on the Dean's list for four semesters. During law school I became fascinated with criminal law and the criminal justice system. I worked as a student attorney at the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office and completed my first jury trial while still in law school. I then became a student attorney at the Northern Illinois College of Law Criminal Defense Clinic, defending indigent clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

After graduating from law school and passing the Illinois Bar Examination, I accepted a position as an Assistant State's Attorney in Peoria County, where I was in court everyday of the week trying cases. While at the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office, I received rapid promotion, from traffic to misdemeanor prosecutor after only three months (the normal promotion time is nine months to one year).

While an Assistant State's Attorney, I gained a lot of experience in the courtroom, often undergoing a trial every week, which enhanced my trial skills.

In April 2008, I opened my own law practice with my business partner and former prosecutor, Robert Pugh. Criminal, Traffic and DUI defense continue to be my areas of concentration. I enjoy the work and derive a great deal of satisfaction utilizing my knowledge and skills fighting to achieve the best results for my clients and protecting their constitutional rights. 

• DUI / DWI Defense
• Criminal Defense
• License Reinstatement

• 95% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

• Illinois
• U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois

• Northern Illinois University College of Law, DeKalb, Illinois
  • J.D.
  • Honors: Dean's List Four (4) Semesters
  • Honors: NIU Moot Court
• Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
  • B.A. (Magna Cum Laude)
  • Honors: Golden Key National Honor Society
  • Honors: Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
  • Major: Politics and Government

• J.D.

• Honors: Dean's List Four (4) Semesters
• Honors: NIU Moot Court

• B.A. (Magna Cum Laude)

• Honors: Golden Key National Honor Society
• Honors: Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society

• Major: Politics and Government

• People's Law School / Issues in DUI & Criminal Law, Illinois Central College

• Illinois State Bar Association, Member
• Peoria County Bar Association, Criminal Division, Member
• American Inns of Court, Abraham Lincoln Inn, Member
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member

• Peoria County State's Attorney , Assistant State's Attorney
• Northern Illinois Criminal Defense Clinic , Student Attorney
• Peoria County State's Attorney, Student Attorney
• Malmquist & Geiger, Law Clerk
• U.S. Postal Service, Letter Carrier
• United States Navy, Sailor

Personal Interests

• Running
• Weight training
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Rock climbing