Joelle Gonzales

Joelle earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2010 and an associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies in 2013, both from New Mexico State University. In 2016, Joelle accepted admission to Texas Tech School of Law. She specifically chose this law school because of the chance to work with IPTX in its Innocence Clinic her third law year. Joelle accomplished her goal and, while working with IPTX, experienced the emotion of watching a client walk out of prison after twenty years to hug his son for the very first time. She also experienced the joy of attending another client’s exoneration. These victories fanned the flames of passion Joelle already had for seeking truth and justice. In 2019, Joelle graduated law school, cum laude, with a concentration in Criminal Law and Innocence. She moved back to her hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and currently works for the Law Offices of the Public Defender as an Assistant Appellate Defender. Joelle is dedicated to fighting for justice and providing legal assistance to indigent defendants.