Did you know that El Paso County works on state legislation in Austin? Frankly it’s a no-brainer that decisions made in Austin affect our area and we deserve to be heard when it comes to changes to the statutes that affect all of our lives. Hear from Assistant County Attorney Erica Rosales about how she helps shape policy both locally and at the state capitol. Then hear El Paso County’s Government Affairs Manager, Elisa Tamayo, describe her work.   

This week, we turn to some of the most difficult and important cases: prosecution of murders. ADA Talisa Gutierrez tells us about her own humble beginnings and expresses her motivation for helping victims’ families get justice. And ACA Amanda Frizelle explains the ins and outs of juvenile prosecution when a minor is the perpetrator.

It’s time to talk about the border. As fronterizos, we love and appreciate our position as a welcoming and consequential place in our region, in Texas and in the country. Listen to how ADA Kyle Lasley leads the Border Prosecution Unit in helping to keep El Paso one of the safest cities in the US. Then ACA Bernardo Cruz unpacks what it means to practice “affirmative litigaiton” on the border.

Our much anticipated and long-awaited episode on children! Join us hearing how the County Attorney’s Office takes on child abuse by representing Child Protective Services  from CPS Division Chief ACA Robynne Bramblett. And then hear about ADA Trial Team Chief Samantha Nelson’s unique and deep commitment to holding abusers accountable for hurting children. And, oh, yeah the return of the dreaded quizzes!   

After a year in office as the elected District Attorney James Montoya and County Attorney Christina Sanchez, we check in on how the work is going. And our little podcast is a year old, too! Have they met their goals? How has the job changed them? Spoiler alert: one of them -- you guess who -- called it everything he could have hoped for and more. Join us for this premiere episode and for a couple laughs along the way!  

What is a “First Assistant”? Hear from a couple of the best ones about their longevity in the County, the key work they do, a little about tennis and the art of flying under the radar.

 How do the cases come to the District and County Attorney’s Offices? Intake! From ACA Patricia Lopez hear about her work in reviewing contracts for the county and offering legal opinions. Then from ADA Jennifer Vandenbosch, listen how the DA’s Office receives its criminal cases from law enforcement and decides whether to take on the cases for prosecution. And tune in for a switcheroo on the format.

How do you make two of the largest legal offices in El Paso County run smoothly? Turns out the best approach is to hire great administrative support. Listen in on how Lori Lopez and Amy Lechuga keep the wheels of justice moving for the District and County Attorney’s Offices.

Did you know that both District and County Attorney’s Office employ law enforcement officers as investigators? This week, take a listen for more about the functions of investigators in our offices.

Stephanie and Aaron are off this week, so in recognition of our nations 249th birthday, we decided to re-release Transitions Matter: James Montoya and Christina Sanchez. Here how two of El Paso’s most influential public servants are tackling their new roles.