biography
By the time she was 18, Debra was married and had two sons. She and her husband worked hard for the American Dream, by working during the day and attending community college at night. Divorced at 21, Debra continued her striving towards goals for herself and her family. She earned her B.A. degree in English and Psychology by the age of 22. Still, she wanted to serve her community as a police officer.
When she first applied to the City of Laguna Beach for a police officer position, she was told that they already filled their quota of one female. Undaunted, she accepted a position as a midnight to eight records clerk, working her way from there to part time dispatcher, meter maid and finally, was rewarded with the dream to become a sworn police officer. While working as a police officer for the City of Laguna Beach, Debra was awarded an official commendation for her ability to gain rapport with a hostile subject.
When she realized that she had to choose between her dream profession and spending more time on weekends and evenings with her young son who was struggling in school, she made the tough choice to become a Deputy Marshal and work as a bailiff in the courtroom. It was a revelation for her. She observed hundreds of jury trials. She marveled at what a great country we have that provides due process to all, regardless of station in life. She was in awe of the young prosecutors striking hard, but not foul, blows against criminals.
Her dream grew to a desire to become a lawyer. In 1982, she began her studies at the University of San Diego, where she earned a spot on the Law Review. She was elected President of her school in her second year of law school. At graduation, she won awards for her service to the community, as well as to La Raza. She was selected as a National Finalist in the fiercely competitive White House Fellowship program, where she got to meet and shake the hand of our then President, Ronald Reagan.
Upon graduation, she worked for two civil firms in San Diego, and learned a great deal about civil practice. Still, she yearned for public service. In 1988, she accepted a position with the Orange County Public Defenders Office, representing the indigent in criminal matters. By 1994, she decided to pursue a dream to write in Hollywood, and earned her MFA in screenwriting and producing. While there, she had the opportunity to work for Producer Steven Bochco on NYPD Blue and Murder One as Legal Consultant.
Then, she returned to the Orange County Public Defenders? Office and had an opportunity to work in the Drug Court Program, where people charged with drug offenses have an opportunity to turn their lives around. She missed the law and order side of the justice system, and, when offered a position with the Orange County District Attorney?s Office by District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, she was honored to accept. This position was to help in the fight against white collar criminals who commit ID theft, grand theft and fraud in high dollar amounts. Since her arrival, she has seized and returned over a half million dollars directly to the pockets of the victims, and sent a number of criminals straight to prison, where they belong.
Today, Ms. Carrillo is pursuing the ultimate dream of her life: to become a Superior Court Judge. She has spent her entire legal career in preparation for this honor, with civil and criminal experience on both sides of the fence. Justice will be evenhanded and fair in her courtroom. Convicted criminals can expect to be punished swiftly and appropriately.
She would be honored with your vote of confidence on June 3, 2008.
Qualifications
Articles
Man Arrested in Suspected $300,000 Elder Scam
Lawyer Gives Up Lush Life
A Tragic Childhood Memory Explains Why Seat Belts Are Important
Neighborhood Focus - Defending People Who Don't Have a Voice Is Her Reward
The Roundup - Public Defender's Debra Carrillo Likes to Fight for the Underdog
Lawyers As Mothers: The Stresses of Being Superwoman
Letters to The L.A. Times - All American Crime: DUI