Stacey Heard
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in promoting teamwork and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy County Attorney/DCS Liaison
Pinal County Attorneys Office
01.2017 - Current
- Collaboration with outside agencies, coordinating information to protect investigations for future prosecution.
- Developed positive working relationships with colleagues, opposing counsel, law enforcement and system partners, fostering a collegial atmosphere that facilitates productive case resolutions.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay informed of emerging trends and best practices in the field, ensuring continuing competence as a legal practitioner representing the county's interests with integrity and skill.
- Supported interdepartmental collaboration efforts by facilitating open communication between departments concerning ongoing cases or investigations needing shared resources or expertise from multiple stakeholders.
- Participated in community outreach programs to educate the public on relevant laws and legal services available at the county level.
- Handled sensitive cases involving juvenile offenders or vulnerable populations with empathy and discretion, balancing the need for justice with concerns for individual welfare within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations.
Co-owner
Heard Law Firm
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Practice emphasis on dependency, juvenile, guardian ad litem, criminal and traffic cases in Pinal County, AZ and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court.
- Managed day-to-day operations efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Enhanced business operations by implementing efficient management strategies and streamlining processes.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials that resulted in favorable rulings for clients.
- Achieved successful case outcomes by researching legal issues and drafting persuasive arguments.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
Judge Pro-Tem
Glendale Municipal Court
06.2013 - 05.2016
- Assigned as needed to preside over initial appearances and arraignments for criminal misdemeanors and city code violations
- Also handle civil traffic arraignments, emergency order of protection requests and order of protection hearings.
- Promoted fairness and impartiality in the courtroom by adhering to strict ethical standards and maintaining an unbiased demeanor.
- Monitored court proceedings for adherence to legal procedures and rules by attorneys and litigants.
Judge Pro-Tem
Phoenix Municipal Court
07.2013 - 05.2015
- Assigned as needed to preside over all cases heard in municipal court including criminal misdemeanor initial appearances, arraignments, pre-trial conferences and bench trials; Civil traffic arraignments, emergency order of protection requests and order of protection hearings.
- Promoted fairness and impartiality in the courtroom by adhering to strict ethical standards and maintaining an unbiased demeanor.
- Monitored court proceedings for adherence to legal procedures and rules by attorneys and litigants.
- Heard oral debate and testimony before court to establish case facts and litigants' arguments.
Deputy County Attorney
Pinal County Attorney's Office
08.2004 - 01.2013
- Conducted jury trials, evidentiary hearings and settled hundreds of additional cases with non-trial resolutions while assigned to the General Felony Trial, Drug and Charging/EDC Units at various times
- Responsible for the Florence Justice Court and acted as a conflict prosecutor for the Gila River Indian Community
- Reviewed thousands of cases for charging determinations
- Empaneled Grand Juries
- Managed an average case load of 90 Superior Court cases and 25 misdemeanor justice court cases.
Deputy County Attorney
Maricopa County Attorney's Office
07.1999 - 08.2004
- Conducted felony and misdemeanor jury trials in addition to misdemeanor bench trials while assigned to the General Felony Trial, Charging and Preliminary Hearing/Justice Court Bureaus
- Mentored junior attorneys, fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth.
- Appointed as Assistant Bureau Chief for Felony Trial Group C by Bureau Chief David Palmer (now Hon. David Palmer)
- In addition to regular duties, supervised trial deputies and completed various administrative duties upon the request of or during the absence of the trial group's Bureau Chief
- Oversaw a small case load of lower court appeals, including drafting pleadings and presenting oral arguments.
Deputy County Attorney
Pima County Attorney's Office
09.1995 - 07.1999
- Conducted jury trials and bench trials at both the felony and misdemeanor level while assigned to the Narcotics Unit, the Vehicular Crimes Unit and the Justice Court Unit
- Responsibilities included managing a trial case load of as many as 75 felony cases and serving on the Pima County Drug Court Committee which ultimately produced the Pima County Drug Court Program
- Created the mechanisms within the County Attorney's Office for the daily operations involving Drug Court
- Reviewed nearly 1000 cases for Drug Court eligibility in 1998 alone
- Charged over 300 cases for entry into drug court.
Associate Attorney
Franklin Don, Jr. PC
01.1995 - 08.1995
- Responsible for the evaluation, preparation and resolution of an average case load of 40 felony criminal cases
- Achieved favorable outcomes for clients through skilled negotiation and effective litigation strategies.
- Actively protected the rights of indigent adults and juveniles charged with felony offenses as a contract defense attorney in Pinal County, Arizona
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
- Reviewed post-conviction criminal cases specifically for Rule 32 relief.
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of Arizona College of Law
Tucson, AZ01.1994
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) -
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ01.1991
Skills
- Trial experience
- Legal Analysis
- Legal writing
- Case interpretation
- Criminal Law
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
References
References available on request.
Timeline
Deputy County Attorney/DCS Liaison
Pinal County Attorneys Office
01.2017 - Current
Judge Pro-Tem
Phoenix Municipal Court
07.2013 - 05.2015
Judge Pro-Tem
Glendale Municipal Court
06.2013 - 05.2016
Co-owner
Heard Law Firm
01.2013 - 12.2016
Deputy County Attorney
Pinal County Attorney's Office
08.2004 - 01.2013
Deputy County Attorney
Maricopa County Attorney's Office
07.1999 - 08.2004
Deputy County Attorney
Pima County Attorney's Office
09.1995 - 07.1999
Associate Attorney
Franklin Don, Jr. PC
01.1995 - 08.1995
Juris Doctor -
University of Arizona College of Law
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) -
University of Arizona
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