Kelly S. Cruz is a member of both Jones Mayer’s Code Enforcement and Receivership departments. Ms. Cruz handles code enforcement cases from inception through abatement, including obtaining inspection warrants and abatement warrants, criminal prosecution, and securing the appointment of receivers.
Prior to joining Jones Mayer, Ms. Cruz was self-employed as a Political Consultant and Attorney for The Commerce Casino. She advocated on behalf of the Commerce Casino to protect the client’s property and operational interests with state and local officials for 11 years.
Ms. Cruz started her legal career with the Los Angeles Public Defenders Office. Where for 9 years she represented clients in all stages of criminal proceedings. She represented clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in arraignments, pretrial hearing and numerous jury trials with a focus on courtroom advocacy and procedural integrity.
Ms. Cruz graduated from Western State College of Law in 1995. During law school, she was a certified law clerk in the Whittier Superior Court. After admission to the California State Bar, Ms. Cruz worked as a volunteer attorney in the Major Crimes Division of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, where she assisted in the prosecution of a capital punishment case. In 1991, Ms. Cruz graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. While at San Diego State University, Ms. Cruz interned for The City of San Diego’s Office of the City Attorney.