Jesi graduated from University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Psychology and minors in Architecture and Spanish. While still trying to figure out her next steps, she started interning at the Douglas County Public Defenders Office with colleague Michael Stuzynski as her mentor. Jesi continued this path when she went to law school at the University of Denver to become a defense attorney, with her interest in indigent defense: she interned with the Boulder County Public Defenders Office handling misdemeanors and was part of the Criminal Defense Clinic handling municipal cases.
After graduating law school, Jesi began her position at the Colorado Springs Public Defenders Office. As a public defender, she was able to take a range of cases to trial—from Assault in the 3rd Degree to Possession of Child Pornography. While there, she also litigated numerous motions hearings on complex legal issues such as: illegal search and seizures; involuntary statements; and failure to preserve evidence on Sex Assaults, Drug Felonies, and Motor Vehicle Thefts. Through her work with the Public Defenders Office, she has practiced in numerous County Court and District Court courtrooms.
Jesi decided to leave the Public Defenders Office in 2025 to join Rector Stuzynski, after realizing that she was able to effect more change at the firm by also taking part in civil rights litigation. Since joining Rector Stuzynski, she has been able to further her career as a criminal defense litigator, successfully handling Murder and Attempted Murder cases. Jesi diligently advocates for her clients not only in the courtroom, but also works to effectuate goal-oriented plea deals through tireless negotiations. She represents those that are the most vulnerable: the underrepresented, the minorities, and the wrongfully incarcerated.
Jesi is experienced in all types of criminal cases and would be thrilled to fight for you or a loved one no matter the charge, district attorney, or judge. Outside of the criminal system, Jesi is additionally willing to go the extra mile in cases involving your rights being infringed by the government and law enforcement in civil rights lawsuits, both in Colorado State and Federal courtrooms.
During the brief periods each week when Jesi isn’t at the office, jail, or courtroom, you can find her wheel throwing pottery in her home studio surrounded by her cat Dorito, approximately a million plants, and her husband, who is also a criminal defense attorney here in town. She also enjoys hiking, skiing, and rock climbing in her native Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas.
