[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 113 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         WINDI AKINS PASTORINI

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 2013

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to honor Windi 
Akins Pastorini, for being named the 2012 Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer 
of the Year and the 2012 Harris County Criminal Lawyer of the Year. 
This is the latest in a long line of awards given to this extraordinary 
lawyer. I have known Windi for over 20 years in my work as a judge and 
prosecutor in Texas, I witnessed first hand Windi's passionate 
dedication to the law and to her clients. Those who know her best 
describe her as dedicated, powerful, and relentless.
  After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington, Windi 
earned her law degree from the University of Texas in Austin. Windi 
began her legal career as a prosecutor for the Harris County District 
Attorney's office, and then she became a trial lawyer where she has 
served for over 25 years. She is an advocate in every sense of the word 
who works passionately to defend those who are accused of crimes.
  Windi's extensive knowledge of the justice system and her incredible 
work ethic quickly gained her respect from her colleagues in the law 
profession and citizens of Harris County. Over her career, Windi has a 
history of victories defending those charged with drug related crimes, 
white collar crimes, fraud and violent offenses. Her success in 
defending her clients has led to her inclusion into a selective group 
of lawyers certified to represent indigent defendants in death penalty 
cases in Texas. Windi has changed many lives. The fact that she was the 
defense lawyer has made the difference in the outcome of numerous 
cases.
  Windi has a long history of advocating for victims. Recently, Windi 
defended the rights of a young 12 year old girl who had been repeatedly 
sexually abused by her father since she was just 6 years old. One 
evening, the young girl finally stood up for herself and told her 
father to leave her alone. After receiving threats by her father that 
she would ``regret her actions'', the young girl shot and killed her 
father later that night in fear for her life. Ms. Pastorini stood by 
her client and successfully fought for her right of self defense. The 
young girl was acquitted of murder, providing an invaluable win for 
abused victims everywhere.
  Besides being an excellent trial lawyer, Windi drives Jeep Renegades/
Wranglers. Being a Jeep owner myself, I appreciate others who drive 
such rugged, superior vehicles!
  On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I commend 
this remarkable Texan for her exemplary service and dedication to 
Harris County and to the State of Texas. Thank you, Windi, for a 
lifetime of remarkable achievements within the legal community and for 
your steadfast commitment to representing the accused citizens of Texas 
in the court room.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________