WE FIGHT TO WIN

Kristen Mason

Read Ms. Mason's full bio here.

Kristen J. Mason brings a wealth of experience fighting criminal law cases up and down the state of California. She handles the California cases for Criminal Appeals Advocates. Before joining the firm she managed a regional office of a state-wide criminal law practice, which included a number of other attorneys.  In addition to her experience, she brings to her cases a background fighting prosecutors and an understanding that our criminal justice system is woefully broken and regularly punishes or over-punishes those who are undeserving of such treatment.

Matt Daher

Matt Daher is the lead attorney for the firm's Texas cases, which includes direct appeals, 11.07 motions, federal writs, and other post-conviction relief.  He has extensive experience litigating both criminal and civil cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He brings the same cutthroat tenacity as a litigator to the work he does on criminal appeals. Drawing from personal experience, as well as the experiences of his clients, Matt is deeply aware of the challenges everyone faces when navigating through labyrinthian court systems that often seem more concerned with efficiency than the truth. Mr. Daher received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law and his Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Utah. He is admitted to practice law in Texas and Missouri state courts, as well as all Texas federal courts.

Caitlin Dukes

Caitlin Dukes is a former prosecutor who handles criminal appeals, writs, and other post-conviction relief for the firm’s clients.  Admitted in California, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania, she currently focuses on the firm's Pennsylvania cases. She has a wide array of experience in state and federal courts. Besides having served as a Deputy District Attorney, her background includes work for multiple judges and government entities (including Federal District Court Judge James Knoll Gardner and the United States Department of Homeland Security) as well as private sector experience defending clients wrongfully accused of crimes.

Danie McCreary

Danie McCreary, the firm’s Law Office Manager, has over ten years of experience working as a trial assistant and office manager in a criminal defense law firm. She is extremely capable, organized, and committed to the firm's goals of client service and maximizing positive outcomes

Katie Winchester

Katie Winchester is the firm's Assistant Office Manager.  She is also the head of the administrative team for the firm's Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan cases.  Katie has an extensive background in the realm of courts and the law, including experience as a California Superior Court deputy court clerk and as an investigator for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Kate Perales

Kate Perales serves as the California Office Manager. She also has been a certified paralegal since 2022.  Before joining the firm she had managed a mid-sized nonprofit law office, which included client communication, paralegal work, and organization.  She is eager to serve the firm's California clients as they navigate the complex and patently unfair legal system that the state currently has.

Michael Alfi

​Michael Alfi is the firm's mailroom manager.  As a post-conviction law practice, the firm has an enormous amount of mail that it receives on a regular basis, including tens of thousands of pages of court transcripts.  Michael manages the incoming and outgoing mail while also digitizing the court records for the use of the firm's attorneys.

Krystle Boswell

Krystle Boswell, Intake Manager at CAA, brings a strong professional background in customer relations and administrative support to the team. In her role, she facilitates the firm's intake process, serving as a compassionate and knowledgeable first point of contact for potential clients and their families. Dedicated to ensuring that every individual feels heard and valued from their very first interaction, she approaches each new inquiry with active listening, clear communication, and a deep sense of empathy. With a natural passion for helping others navigate complex and stressful situations, Krystle brings a patient and supportive presence to her work, qualities that are vital when guiding clients through the crucial first steps of their journey with the firm.

Stephanie Maurice

Stephanie Maurice, Senior Intake Manager, brings a professional background in the mortgage industry with extensive experience in client relations. In her role, she leads the intake process for the firm serving as a critical first point of contact for potential new clients and their families. Committed to ensuring each case begins with thorough understanding and respectful communication, she approaches her work with both professionalism and empathy. As a mother of two, she brings a deeply rooted sense of advocacy, responsibility, and care to her role, qualities that inform her dedication to supporting clients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Sarah Potter

​Sarah Potter, Intake Manager, brings over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector with a strong background in clinical and administrative support. In her role at Criminal Appeals Advocates, she works closely with clients and their loved ones to gather case information and explain the appellate and post-conviction process, serving as a supportive and informative first point of contact. Committed to building trust through honest guidance and thoughtful communication, she approaches her work with compassion, transparency, and a focus on realistic outcomes. Drawing on her extensive experience guiding families through life-altering medical diagnoses, Sarah brings a deep sense of empathy and steady professionalism to her role, qualities that inform her dedication to advocating for individuals during some of the most overwhelming moments of their lives.

Sharon Bolivar

Sharon Bolivar has over 8 years of experience in the legal field and holds a Bachelor’s degree. She specializes in client support and legal administration, ensuring efficient communication and exceptional service throughout the legal process.