Sarah J. West
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
1
Certification
19
years of professional experience
Strategic Criminal Defense Attorney with a strong history of advocating for clients in serious criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions. Employs comprehensive legal expertise and strong communication skills to develop effective defense strategies for evidentiary hearings and trials. Skilled in negotiating plea offers and securing favorable verdicts through meticulous case preparation.
Work History
Assistant Public Defender
4 Years 2 Months- Managed substantial criminal caseload in felony trial division for indigent clients facing serious felony offenses, ensuring effective representation. Conducts thorough investigations, discovery review, legal research, motions drafting, suppression hearings, motions to dismiss, motions to compel, works with expert witnesses, plea negotiations, and first chairs felony jury trials. Arrange treatment and programming for clients suffering from addiction and mental health issues. Trained new attorneys in jury selection, trial skills, caselaw, and court processes.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Drafted motions, briefs, and legal documents for court proceedings.
- Engaged in negotiations with opposing counsel to resolve cases effectively.
Deputy Legal Defender
3 Years 9 Months- Managed criminal caseload in felony trial division, ensuring comprehensive representation for clients. Conducted investigations, reviewed discovery, interviewed witnesses and officers, performed legal research, drafted motions and memoranda, presented oral arguments, prepared deviation documents, executed records requests, represented clients in felony jury trials, and negotiated pleas. Appeared as counsel for witness representation. Communicated regularly with clients to provide updates and discuss all stages of their cases.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Associate Attorney
1 Year 7 Months- Represented clients in Pretrial Conferences, Civil Traffic Hearings, Oral Arguments, Bench Trials, Change of Pleas, and Sentencings for criminal and civil offenses, ensuring comprehensive legal support throughout the process. Conducted detailed interviews with officers and witnesses to gather crucial evidence and strengthen case arguments. Advised clients on plea agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, and potential case outcomes, facilitating informed decision-making. Drafted replies or responses to position statements for cases involving the EEOC.
- Drafted legal documents including motions, briefs, and pleadings to support case preparation.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to inform case strategies and enhance client representation.
- Represented clients in court hearings, demonstrating strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
Attorney
3 Months- Conducted initial appearances for new juvenile cases, ensuring understanding of charges and plea offers. Explained charges, plea options, and court procedures to juveniles and their parents or guardians to facilitate informed decision-making. Managed assigned cases from petition through sentencing, advocating for the best interests of the juvenile throughout the process. Conducted placement home visits with office investigator to check on the welfare and progress of the child.
- Represented clients in civil and criminal matters, ensuring adherence to legal standards.
- Conducted extensive legal research to support case strategies and arguments.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including briefs, motions, and contracts.
Independent Contract Attorney
8 Months- Represented clients in Pretrial Conferences, Civil Traffic Hearings, Oral Arguments, Bench Trials, Change of Pleas, and Sentencings for criminal and civil offenses, ensuring effective advocacy throughout legal proceedings. Conducted officer and witness interviews. Negotiated plea agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, and outlined potential outcomes with clients, facilitating informed decision-making in their cases. Composed replies and responses to position statements for EEOC cases, enhancing legal strategy and client representation.
- Drafted and reviewed various legal documents, including contracts and agreements, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and develop effective litigation strategies.
- Collaborated with clients to understand legal needs and provide tailored solutions for complex issues.
Law Clerk/Consultant
8 Months- Conducted legal research in personal injury and family law matters to support case strategy. Drafted memoranda summarizing research findings to inform legal arguments. Drafted Rule 49 Disclosure Statements in dissolution cases to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Researched legal precedents and case law to support litigation strategies.
- Drafted legal documents, including motions and briefs, ensuring compliance with court protocols.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by organizing evidence and witness statements.
Law Clerk/Office Manager
2 Years 3 Months- Conducted legal research and drafted pleadings for criminal law, civil rights, prisoner rights, legal ethics, and employment law cases, enhancing case readiness. Assisted in drafting motions, memoranda, and preparing for pretrial conferences, prison visits, and client interviews, supporting case strategy. Supported all stages of federal and state cases, including first-degree murder and financial crimes, contributing to comprehensive case management.
- Conducted legal research to support case preparation and strategy development.
- Drafted pleadings, motions, and legal correspondence with precision and clarity.
- Organized and maintained case files using case management software for efficient access.
Extern
4 Months- Investigated post-conviction claims of manifest injustice or actual innocence, contributing to legal understanding and case evaluations. Conducted in-depth research on issues stemming from Lafler v. Cooper and Missouri v. Frye, informing legal strategies and advocacy efforts.
- Researched case files to identify potential wrongful convictions and developed comprehensive reports.
- Collaborated with legal teams to prepare documentation for appeals and hearings.
- Analyzed evidence and legal precedents to support case strategies and recommendations.
Law Enforcement Officer
1 Year 9 Months- Executed perimeter patrols to maintain safety and security. Monitored video surveillance system to ensure compliance in currency handling and destruction. Inspected armored trucks and carriers for building access in accordance with established protocols. One of four officers qualified to conduct fingerprinting.
- Enforced compliance with federal regulations and policies to ensure operational security.
- Conducted thorough investigations of incidents, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement on joint operations to enhance safety protocols.
Youth Corrections Officer II
1 Year 7 Months- Officer in Charge of detention facility. Provided crisis counseling to youth during difficult moments when in crisis. Conducted routine searches of facility, grounds, youth, and staff. Wrote and proofread incident reports to ensure accurate documentation and compliance with protocols. Conducted fingerprinting and intake procedures for incoming youth to facilitate proper processing and record-keeping.
- Supervised daily activities of juvenile offenders to ensure safety and compliance with facility regulations.
- Conducted regular safety inspections and maintained secure environment for staff and residents.
- Implemented behavior modification programs to encourage positive decision-making among youth.
Education
Juris Doctor
- Honors: Dean’s List Fall 2013 and Spring 2014
- CALI Excellence for the Future Award (highest grade in Legal Writing)
- Activities: President of OUTlaw (LGBTQ student organization)
- Trial Advocacy group member
- Justice Project group member
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology and Sociology
- Honors: Ohio State Scholar Athlete – 2000, 2001, 2002
- Academic All-Big Ten – 2000, 2001, 2002
Skills
Legal research & writing
Persuasive advocacy
Courtroom presence
Criminal investigations
Case analysis
Settlement negotiation
Client advocacy
Detail orientation
Organizational skills
Critical thinking
Multitasking
Affiliations
- Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Board Member September 2017
- Arizona LGBT Bar Association Board Member May 2017
- Leading For Change Fellow April 2017
- United States Navy Veteran February 2004 – January 2008
Certification
- Maryland Bar Admission - 2023-12-04
- Arizona Bar Admission - 2015-09-30
Timeline
Assistant Public Defender
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
06.2022 - CurrentRead More
Deputy Legal Defender
Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender
08.2018 - 05.2022Read More
Associate Attorney
Tyler Allen Law Firm, PLLC
01.2017 - 08.2018Read More
Attorney
Mohave County Legal Advocate’s Office
10.2016 - 01.2017Read More
Independent Contract Attorney
Tyler Allen Law Firm, PLLC
02.2016 - 10.2016Read More
Law Clerk/Consultant
Assini & Associates
06.2015 - 02.2016Read More
Law Clerk/Office Manager
Joy Bertrand Esq., LLC
06.2013 - 09.2015Read More
Extern
Arizona Justice Project
01.2013 - 05.2013Read More
Law Enforcement Officer
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
09.2009 - 06.2011Read More
Youth Corrections Officer II
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections
01.2008 - 08.2009Read More
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts from Criminology and Sociology
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Arizona Summit Law School
Juris Doctor
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