Ashley LaVallee
Pocatello,ID
Summary
Effective legal professional with a proven track record of successfully representing clients in court, developing legal strategies and negotiating plea agreements. Works well independently and collaboratively as part of team. Organized and dependable. Successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude with a willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Chief Deputy Public Defender
Bannock County Public Defender's Office
01.2021 - Current
- Provided zealous representation to clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges.
- Provided holistic representation to indigent clients.
- Consistently met deadlines for filing documents according to court timelines while managing a demanding caseload across multiple courts simultaneously.
- Managed complex caseloads efficiently, prioritizing cases based on urgency and significance of the issues involved.
- Demonstrated unwavering commitment to client confidentiality while handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Investigated, researched and prepared for trial and tried complex and difficult felony cases.
- Identified potential witnesses early on, securing their cooperation through effective witness management strategies.
- Negotiated advantageous plea deals for clients by leveraging strong relationships with prosecutors and judges.
- Conducted legal research using independent judgment, discretion and initiative.
- Represented defendants in court at arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences and trials.
- Enhanced client representation by conducting thorough investigations and fact-finding for case preparation.
- Mentored junior attorneys, providing guidance and support in legal research and trial techniques.
- Utilized alternative dispute resolution methods where appropriate to achieve favorable resolutions without going to trial.
- Organized, developed, implemented and updated computerized bank of legal briefs for department use.
- Cultivated strong relationships within the legal community, enhancing collaboration and fostering a positive reputation for the Public Defender''s Office.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices and emerging trends in criminal defense.
- Presented persuasive oral arguments at motion hearings, resulting in critical evidence being suppressed or admitted as needed for a strong defense.
- Collaborated effectively with colleagues to share resources, expertise, and insights for optimal case outcomes.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Developed rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication throughout the legal process.
- Increased client satisfaction rates by maintaining regular communication about case progress and potential outcomes.
Prosecuting Attorney
Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
09.2010 - 01.2021
- Prosecuted Felony, Misdemeanor and Infraction cases. Represented the State in post-convictions, BAC hearings, animal forfeitures and drug forfeiture cases.
- Prepared comprehensive pre-trial motions to protect the integrity of evidence and support successful prosecutions.
- Advanced professional knowledge, pursuing relevant continuing education opportunities and staying current on legal trends.
- Maintained open lines of communication with defense counsel, fostering a professional and respectful working environment.
- Collaborated with victim advocates, providing support throughout the criminal justice process while addressing their concerns and needs.
- Upheld ethical standards in all aspects of legal practice, ensuring the fair administration of justice and maintaining public trust in the prosecutor's office.
- Managed high caseloads efficiently, prioritizing cases according to available resources and public safety concerns.
- Participated in community outreach programs to educate the public about the role of the prosecutor's office and crime prevention measures.
- Mentored junior attorneys and interns, providing guidance on effective trial strategies and best practices in prosecution.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Founding member of the Bannock County Veteran's Treatment Court. Served on Mental Health Court, DUI Court and Wood Court.
- Additional special assignments include special prosecutions in other jurisdictions and leading the Multidisciplinary Team coordinating the investigation of child sex cases.
- Prepared search warrants and detention orders for officers during investigations.
- Enhanced interdepartmental collaboration by working closely with law enforcement agencies during investigations.
- Handled calls from officers after hours and report to police departments to assist in major investigations such as homicides and bank robberies.
- Worked with the public, victims, various government agencies and the media.
Education
J.D. -
University of Idaho College of Law
Moscow, ID05.2010
B.S. in Political Science -
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR06.2007
Skills
- Holistic Client Advocacy
- Courtroom Presence
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Building Trust and Relationships
- Settlement Negotiation
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Client Representation and Advisement
Certification
Idaho State Bar License, Boise, ID, Idaho State Bar, 09/30/10
Presentations
- Legal Education Presentations on PREA and Constitutional Issues, Idaho State University Law Enforcement Program, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- Building a DUI Case for Prosecution, Advanced Roadside Impairment Course in Bonneville, Madison and Bannock Counties, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
- Building a DUI Case for Prosecution, Idaho Traffic Safety Summit, 2014
- Every 15 Minutes, Bannock County Courthouse, 2014, 2018
- Search Warrants for Beginners, Bannock County Sheriff's Office, 2016
- Annual Legal Update, Pocatello Police Department and Bannock County Sheriff's Office, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
- Building a DUI Case for Prosecution, Drug Recognition Expert School Bonneville County, 2018
- Basic Report Writing and Investigations, Bannock County Jail, 2018
- Pre-Trial Motion Practice and Train the Trainer Materials, Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, 2019
- Basic Evidence in Criminal Trials, Inns of Court, 2019
- How to Build an Effective Child Advocacy Center, Idaho Network of Child Advocacy Centers Board, 2019
- Risks of Working with Sex Offenders, ASPIRE, 2019
Awards
Bannock County Prosecutor of the Year, 2013
Community Service
Upper Valley Child Advocacy Center, Board President, 10/2018, 10/2019
References
- Robert Eldredge, Conflict Public Defender, 208-241-1379
- Paul Laggis, Power County Magistrate Judge, 208-339-2562
Timeline
Assistant Chief Deputy Public Defender
Bannock County Public Defender's Office
01.2021 - Current
Prosecuting Attorney
Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
09.2010 - 01.2021
J.D. -
University of Idaho College of Law
B.S. in Political Science -
University of Oregon
Idaho State Bar License, Boise, ID, Idaho State Bar, 09/30/10
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