Tag Archive for: Hispanic prosecutors

Meet Deputy District Attorney Norma Flores

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Deputy District Attorney Norma Flores.

Norma began her career with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2015 as a receptionist in the East County Division. During her time as a support staff, she performed a variety of duties in the Misdemeanor Unit and eventually transitioned to the Felony unit, where she served as lead. In December of 2020, she made the difficult decision to leave a job that she truly loved to pursue her dream of becoming a prosecutor. During law school she returned to the office as an intern and a Graduate Law Clerk where she worked in several units including, Narcotics, Gangs, Family Protection, and Sex Crimes. In December of 2024, she achieved her goal and proudly rejoined the office as a Deputy District Attorney and is currently assigned to the East County Division.

When she’s not busy working as a prosecutor, Norma spends her free time with her two children. Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career in public service, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“My career path was shaped by an early personal experience with the justice system as a juvenile. At that time, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office took my life circumstances into consideration and gave me an opportunity to change my life. This experience also sparked an interest in the law.

During my time as a Legal Support Assistant with the office, I was assigned to the arraignment and readiness department where I assisted prosecutors in court. Daily, I witnessed Deputy District Attorneys in the courtroom work diligently to protect victims, the community, and to ensure justice. This deeply inspired me and quickly realized that I wanted to devote my life to public service. I am grateful to now be doing so for the same office that never gave up on me.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“What I love most about being a prosecutor is the ability to protect the community I grew up in, while also advocating for victims who need a voice.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you/why is it important?

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate our accomplishments and using them to inspire the next generation to achieve their dreams.”

Read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Meet Deputy District Attorney Jerry Gonzales

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Deputy District Attorney Jerry Gonzales.

Jerry has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office since May 2007, when he was a Legal Intern. He was sworn in as a Deputy District Attorney in 2009 and is currently assigned to the Gangs Prosecution Unit in our South Bay branch.

When he is not busy working, he enjoys going to the Xolos soccer games in Tijuana. Read more about what inspired Jerry to pursue a career as a prosecutor, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement? 

“During my first internship, I saw the dedication and skill of the prosecutors and staff at the DA’s office. I was amazed by the work that the DA’s office does and saw how it had real impact on the victims and community. The sense of family I felt as an intern showed me that I was in the right place, and that I could take my education and training and use it to make the community a safer place.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“I enjoy working with law enforcement, especially in the initial stages of building a case, to hold the guilty accountable for the crimes they have committed. I also enjoy volunteering in the community both in a legal capacity (Project LEAD, SUHI Mock Trial, USD Moot Court) and non-legal capacity (youth baseball and soccer, church groups).”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you/why is it important?

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices of previous generations that laid the groundwork so that I could take advantage of the opportunities that have been presented to me. It’s about reflecting on the efforts of the countless individuals who have gone before me to pave the way, and to make sure that we work to allow those same opportunities to hard working individuals that follow.”

Read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.