Experience
Kristin brings a federal law expertise to the firm. As a former Assistant Federal Public Defender along the Texas-Mexico border, Kristin has represented hundreds of individuals in federal court, where she has successfully litigated motions to suppress, trials, and contested sentencings. She also has extensive experience in state and juvenile court, both at the trial and appellate level, where she regularly wins dismissals, acquittals and reversals. Kristin is a frequent speaker on topics ranging from federal criminal law to immigration issues. In addition to educating others on her areas of expertise, Kristin assists to structure the law to better serve her clients and all Texas citizens. She lobbied for the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association during the 80th Legislative Session to advocate for systemic criminal justice changes and will lobby again in the upcoming 81st Legislative Session.
Professional Qualifications & Affiliations
Education: University of Montana (B.A. in Liberal Studies); University of Montana (J.D., 2001).
Certifications: Board Certified – Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specializations, 2007; Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2008.
Member: State Bar of Texas, State Bar of Montana, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Montana, Fifth Circuit; Travis County Women Lawyers Association, Austin Young Lawyers Association, Federal Bar Association.
Public Policy: Legislative Counsel, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2006-present.
Presentations
Overview of Federal Criminal Law Issues, Dell Legal Department, May 2008. -
If I Get Pulled Over, Should I Take A Breath Test?, Fish & Richardson P.C., March 2008.
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What to Do When, Private Reception, Austin, TX., Feb. 2008.
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How to Protect Yourself: Alcohol and Legal Rights and Responsibilities, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, University of Texas, Feb. 2008.
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If I Get Pulled Over, Should I Take A Breath Test?, Austin Young Lawyers Association, Jan. 2008.
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2007 Legislative Update, Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Sept. 2007.
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2007 Legislative Update, Municipal Judicial Conference, Aug. 2007.
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2007 Legislative Update, Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Monthly Meeting, July 2007.
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How to Protect Yourself: Alcohol and Legal Rights and Responsibilities, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, University of Texas, Nov. 2007.
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Federal Sentencing Overview, Federal Bar Association, Nov. 2007.
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How to Protect Yourself: Alcohol and Legal Rights and Responsibilities, Pi Beta Phi Sorority, University of Texas, Oct. 2007.
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How to Protect Yourself: Alcohol and Legal Rights and Responsibilities, Chi Omega Sorority, University of Texas, Oct. 2007.
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Federal Sentencing Overview, Federal Bar Association, Nov. 2006.
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Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions, National Legal Aid and Defender Association Conference and the Defending Immigrants Partnership, Sept. 2003.
Community
Kristin is on the Board of Janes Due Process and Austin Young Lawyers Association. She is also on the Defender Services Committee.
Off-The-Record
Kristin is half-Cuban and speaks fluent Spanish. She has lived and traveled in many countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Spain, Italy, England, Holland, Mexico, Costa Rica, and most recently, India, where she spent several weeks backpacking around Rajastan, a northern state. |
Kristin Etter, Partner, Attorney
Email:
kristin@sg-llp.com
Phone:
512
-381-9955
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