Background & Experience

Richard Velez possesses a broad and accomplished educational background. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Biology, from the University of Texas at El Paso. He later completed a Master of Science in the Administration of Law and Justice. Richard went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois, and while in Chicago, he also earned a certification in legal mediation from the Center for Conflict Resolution.

During his undergraduate studies, Richard was a member of the Criminal Justice Psychology Lab and concluded his tenure as the research manager for a psychopathy study conducted for a Ph.D. candidate’s dissertation. While attending law school, Richard served as a teaching assistant to Dean Julie Spanbauer, a professor of Contract Law, during his second and third years.

During this same period, Richard also served as a teaching and research assistant for Professor Damian Ortiz, Director of the Pro Bono Clinic. Under Professor Ortiz’s guidance, Richard drew upon his extensive law enforcement background and his focus on civil rights and social justice to develop a highly successful Prisoner Rights program, which secured numerous favorable settlements through negotiations for incarcerated individuals whose civil rights had been violated.

Richard is a graduate of the Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Training Academy, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Criminal Investigator Training Program, and the United States Secret Service Special Agent Training Academy. He is also a licensed Texas Peace Officer.

Richard Velez brings extensive experience spanning both law enforcement and the legal field. After graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso, he began his career as a Deputy Probation Officer with the El Paso County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, serving as a felony probation officer assigned to the Sex Offender and Gang Unit. He was later recruited by the Texas Department of Public Safety, where he served as a Texas State Trooper, and subsequently by the United States Secret Service as a Special Agent.

While attending law school, Richard obtained his 711 law license and worked under the supervision of Director Damian Ortiz, representing incarcerated individuals in court proceedings and negotiations at both the state and federal levels. He is the owner of Velez LE Forensic Consulting, where he supports plaintiff attorneys in civil rights litigation involving use-of-force matters. His work includes conducting investigations, preparing investigative reports, crime scene reconstruction, forensic analysis, expert witness testimony, and assistance throughout the discovery process.

Commitment to El Paso

Richard Velez's commitment to El Paso runs deep. As a lifelong resident, he understands the unique character, challenges, and opportunities that define our community. His vision is to preserve what makes El Paso special while fostering growth and progress.

Through dedicated service and a focus on community needs, Richard is committed to making El Paso an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. His leadership will prioritize the well-being of all residents and the long-term prosperity of our community.