Charlene Valdovinos
Ontario
Summary
Motivated Defense Investigator with a solid background in conducting thorough criminal investigations and interviewing witnesses. Effectively collaborates with attorneys to gather evidence and present findings, directly contributing to successful legal outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Defense Investigator III
Orange County Public Defender
Santa Ana
07.2017 - Current
- Conduct routine defense investigations, including interviewing victims, conducting CSI investigations, and testifying in court.
- Conducted thorough and difficult investigations and interviews for various felony cases.
- Collaborated with attorneys and defense team to analyze evidence and witness statements.
- Analyzed case files and legal documents for relevant information.
- Performed work travel out of state for witness interviews as well as transporting witnesses or experts to court.
- Meeting with clients to build mitigating factors.
- Evidence review at several police stations.
- Working independently in serious complex cases throughout the county.
Legal Assistant
Miranda Rights Law Firm
Los Angeles
02.2015 - 06.2017
- Assisted with court hearings, served subpoenas, oversaw complete discovery on a criminal case, prepared motions, and prepared cases for trial; attended trial and assisted in choosing a jury, interviewed witnesses or victims as necessary, arranged trial binders for attorneys, and performed administrative duties.
- Prepared legal documents for court filings and client meetings.
- Managed case files and organized legal research materials.
- Coordinated communication between attorneys and clients effectively.
Shift Supervisor
Crescent Hotel
Beverly Hills
04.2010 - 02.2015
- Serviced guests by completing hotel errands, preparing and attending events, managing inventory, supervising food and beverage departments, and performing clerical duties at the front desk.
- Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient guest services and seamless experiences.
- Trained and mentored staff on service standards and hotel policies.
- Coordinated shift schedules to optimize team coverage and workflow efficiency.
Guest Representative
Hollywood Video
Los Angeles
08.2007 - 02.2009
- Assisted customers at checkout by processing transactions quickly and accurately.
- Assisted customers with product selections and recommendations.
- Managed inventory organization and restocking procedures.
- Processed customer transactions efficiently at the point of sale.
Customer Service
Ralphs
Los Angeles
04.2007 - 06.2007
- Provided customer service, maintained store cleanliness, ensured welcoming environment.
- Resolved customer service requests in a timely manner.
- Provided customer service training to new staff members.
- Provided customer service to guests visiting the office.
Education
Bachelor’s degree - Criminal Justice
ITT Technical Institute
Indianapolis, Indiana01-2015
Associates Degree - Criminal Justice
ITT Technical Institute
Culver City, California01-2010
High School Diploma -
Century High School
Santa Monica, CA06-2007
Skills
- Homicide investigations
- Field investigations
- Defense Investigations tactics
- Interview techniques
- Report writing
- Microsoft Office
- Social media analysis
- Problem Solving
- Organizational Skills
- Prioritization
- Meeting Deadlines
- Working Under Pressure
- Detail-Oriented
- Public speaking
References
- Douglas Miranda, Criminal Defense Attorney, 714-469-4780, 213-255-3569
- Alfonso Ochoa, Senior Defense Investigator, 562-397-1681, 714-263-5666
- Yesenia Malfavon, Senior Defense Investigator, 949-291-3946, 714-552-2933
Certificates Training
- Defense Investigator Training Academy Certificate, 01/01/19
- Legal Investigation Certificate, California State University Long Beach, 01/01/18
- The Indispensable Assistant, Skill path, Long Beach, CA, 01/01/16
- Criminal Justice Honor Roll, ITT Technical Institute, 01/01/15
Relevant Skills And Experience
- Efficient in problem solving and working under pressure with minimal supervision.
- Organized, detail-oriented. Prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office operations (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Bilingual - Read and Write (Spanish English).
- Oral Presentations.
Timeline
Defense Investigator III
Orange County Public Defender
07.2017 - Current
Legal Assistant
Miranda Rights Law Firm
02.2015 - 06.2017
Shift Supervisor
Crescent Hotel
04.2010 - 02.2015
Guest Representative
Hollywood Video
08.2007 - 02.2009
Customer Service
Ralphs
04.2007 - 06.2007
Bachelor’s degree - Criminal Justice
ITT Technical Institute
Associates Degree - Criminal Justice
ITT Technical Institute
High School Diploma -
Century High School