As back-to-school season approaches, reflections on parenting and practicing law

The world may seem anything other than normal right now. But as summer stretches closer to the school year, I’m reminded that being a teenager still brings the same challenges, choices, and consequences as ever – pandemic or not.

I am the mother of three young adult daughters. I also have extensive experience dealing  with DUI and Minor in Possession (MIP) charges as well as sealing and expunging juvenile criminal records. My experience as both a mother and lawyer offers me a unique perspective on helping teens navigate their personal and legal challenges. 

Parenting has taught me as much, if not more, about communication, patience, and compromise as my professional experience has. Whether at home or in court, I’ve learned the value of thinking before I speak, avoiding conflict when possible, and always searching for common ground. I won’t get the best out of opposing lawyers if I treat them as adversaries. The same concept applies to my children.  

On that note, I try to always remember the pressure facing teenagers – whether from friends, parents, school, or society. Doing so helps contextualize a teen’s choices, no matter how harmful, careless, or potentially devastating they might seem.

This understanding is critical in helping teens and parents navigate the legal process. 

When we work together, navigating that process starts with my legal expertise. Having an experienced Colorado MIP lawyer on your side will increase your chances of achieving the best possible outcome – whether that’s an outright dismissal or a more favorable plea deal. 

Working with a lawyer can also help you conceal or erase a record through sealing and expunging. This means avoiding a lifetime of consequences for one mistake made as a teenager. 

Beyond my legal expertise, it’s my experience as a parent that helps me approach each case with a balance of empathy, seriousness, and perspective.

Parents can be confident that I will make it clear that breaking the law is a significant offense that carries real consequences. At the same time, I want teens to understand that though this may feel like the end of their lives, it is absolutely a situation which they can come back from. By striking that balance, I can help teens avoid lifelong legal challenges – and instead create a lasting lesson. 

No matter how much the world changes, teens will continue making choices to try new things and exercise their independence – sometimes against better judgment. When those choices create real challenges for your family, I’m here to help you overcome them. 

Reach out to me today to find out how I can help your family navigate the legal process with expertise and compassion.