From Marine Corps to Criminal Court: A Veteran's Journey Defending Rights

In this special Veterans Day episode of So You Got Arrested, we sit down with BRCK criminal defense attorney James Heath, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. James shares his unique and non-traditional journey into law, discussing how his initial attempt at community college didn't stick, leading him to enlist in the Marines, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He reveals how the rigorous discipline and life experience gained as an enlisted Marine shaped his mindset, enabling him to return to college, earn his degree, and ultimately attend law school. James discusses his passion for indigent defense, his work with the Public Defender's Office in West Texas, and how his military training—focusing on presentation, preparation, and systematic flexibility—helps him champion clients' rights in the Texas justice system today. Learn how experience outside of a traditional academic path can lead to becoming an effective and deeply empathetic criminal defense attorney. 00:01 - 00:26 Introduction - Host welcomes listeners and introduces the "So You Got Arrested" podcast, focusing on the messy Texas justice system. 00:26 - 01:24 Meet James Heath - Introduction of James Heath, a veteran BRCK attorney; discussion of his background and moving to San Antonio. 01:24 - 02:22 Early Life & Career Path - James discusses trying community college, working odd jobs, and deciding to enlist (host shares a similar non-traditional student story). 02:22 - 03:42 Joining the Marines - Discussion of James joining the Marine Corps after a recruiter's challenge (reverse psychology). 03:42 - 05:10 Military Service Details - Boot camp (San Diego), 29 Palms, father's support, and initial interest in criminal law/detective work. 05:10 - 05:54 Deployment to Afghanistan - Discussion of his time as an artilleryman and deployment to Afghanistan (approx. eight months). 05:54 - 07:02 Mindset Shift & Returning to School - How the Marine Corps provided positive traction and discipline; returning to community college and then UTSA. 07:02 - 08:08 The Non-Traditional Student - Comparing their late start in college and law school (age 27/28 vs. 32) and the value of real-life experience. 08:08 - 09:06 Life Experience as a Trial Attorney - Working odd jobs (busboy, bartender) and how waiting tables was the best training for trial work. 09:06 - 10:03 Marine Corps Discipline in Court - How being an enlisted Marine built people skills and how the military emphasizes presentation and preparation in legal advocacy. 10:03 - 11:29 Academic Turnaround - James discusses withdrawing initially, returning with discipline, and earning an Associate's degree from Northwest Vista Community College. 11:29 - 13:30 The Pivot to Law - How his brother suggested law; the importance of starting a career/education later in life (e.g., successful attorney graduating at almost 40). 13:30 - 14:32 Law School Prerequisites - Majoring in Politics and Law at UTSA and preparing for the LSAT. Discussing the constant effort needed to maintain discipline. 14:32 - 15:20 Sponsor Break (BRCK) - BRCK Criminal Defense advertisement. 15:20 - 17:12 Finding Criminal Defense - Starting law school (1L) thinking about contracts, but getting hooked on criminal law by Professor Pham. 17:12 - 18:39 Public Defender Internship - Working at the Far West Texas Regional Public Defender's office in Alpine, Texas, for a summer. Deciding this was the type of work he wanted to do. 18:39 - 20:07 The Indigent Defense Philosophy - James discusses his passion for ensuring basic rights are protected, regardless of financial means, linking it to his service as a Marine. 20:07 - 22:38 Quality of Defense - Discussion on the belief that liberty shouldn't hinge on money; the firm's dedication to appointed cases and James being "blind to the payment." 22:38 - 24:24 Joining BRCK - The transition from public defender to BRCK; how James was recruited after being called a "superstar" by court members. 24:24 - 26:2