Born and raised in Santa Cruz, I returned home after law school to serve my community as a Deputy Public Defender with the Santa Cruz Public Defender’s Office (formerly Biggam, Christensen, and Minsloff). For more than six years, I appeared in court almost daily, representing clients in a wide range of criminal cases—from misdemeanors to serious felonies including drug sales, petitions involving sexually violent predators, child molestation, and homicide. My years in the courtroom have given me a deep understanding of the Santa Cruz criminal justice system and allowed me to build strong professional relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and court staff.
Before beginning my legal career, I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, where I double majored in Political Science and Criminal Justice. At WMU, I served as Vice President of the Pre-Law Society and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society.
I went on to graduate with honors from Michigan State University College of Law, where I participated in the Civil Rights Clinic and was twice awarded the Jurisprudence Achievement Award. Through the clinic, I completed my first jury trial—a federal case involving a prisoner’s retaliation claim—which deepened my understanding of prisoners’ rights and the complexities of the correctional system.
While working with the Michigan Innocence Clinic (MIC), I investigated and litigated wrongful conviction cases, enhancing my investigative skills and learning how to build rapport with witnesses to uncover vital information. This experience gave me a strong understanding of the causes of wrongful convictions and best practices to prevent them.
I also gained valuable prosecutorial insight through my work with the Ionia Prosecutor’s Office, where I learned how prosecutors evaluate and approach cases—knowledge that has proven invaluable in developing strong, strategic defenses for my clients.
Before joining the Santa Cruz Public Defender’s Office, I worked at the Riverside Public Defender’s Office, where I was assigned exclusively to the Domestic Violence Unit and represented individuals accused of domestic violence offenses. In addition to my criminal defense work, I have expanded my practice to include family law, recognizing the significant overlap between criminal and family law issues.
I provide compassionate, honest, and dedicated representation in matters involving divorce, child custody, domestic violence, child support, and spousal support.
I am proud to serve as a Board Member of the Santa Cruz County Bar Association and as a member of the Women Lawyers Association.
These roles allow me to stay connected with the local legal community, advocate for equity within the profession, and continue supporting initiatives that strengthen access to justice in Santa Cruz County.
My approach to every case is guided by empathy, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Whether defending someone’s freedom or helping a family navigate complex personal issues, I strive to ensure that each client feels heard, informed, and vigorously represented.
What our clients say
Professional and Helpful Recently I was directed towards Cherish for a Consultation. She was amazing and very helpful regarding everything we went over. She is definitely there to help advocate for her Clients. Thank you Cherish I appreciate all your help and kindness during our conversations.
John
Rockstar! Cherish was so helpful and professional and very knowledgeable in every aspect of my case. She gave me confidence in myself and her from the first moment we met. She was thorough with the paperwork and very articulate. I would recommend her to family and friends as well use her anytime I need representation.
Dan
CASA Volunteer I was a CASA volunteer working with a 19 year old young man. During my time with him he was involved in an altercation that resulted in an arrest and felony charges. Cherish was his public defender. I consulted with her throughout the case and appeared in court with the young man. Cherish was always well prepared. She was an active listener. She was very creative in developing a solution that made sense, approved by the judge, and kept the young man out of extended jail time. If I needed an attorney I would call on her first. She is intelligent, creative, and very committed to her clients. She is well respected in the courts .
Mark
Attentive and assuring attorney! Cherish represented me in a DUI case back in 2018. She was informative of all the actions we could possibly take and assured me we’d get the best result possible. My case was reduced and I felt the outcome was fair.
Dhruva Noel
(831) 281-4964- om-law@outlook.com
1050 S. Green Valley Rd.
Watsonville, Ca 95076
