Meet Janelle Crandell

Professional Biography

Janelle Crandell is a seasoned attorney with a diverse legal background spanning over two decades. Currently serving as an associate attorney at Goyette, Ruano + Ulmer since September 2021, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice. Janelle earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2002 and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of South Florida in 1999. She is a member of the State Bar of California and the State Bar of Texas, showcasing her dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal professionalism across multiple jurisdictions.

Legal Expertise

Janelle primarily represents public safety and public sector employees in labor matters, disciplinary proceedings, and internal affairs investigations. Additionally, she provides criminal defense representation to help clients navigate the criminal justice system, prepare and present legal defenses, and ensure rights are protected. Her role also includes representing registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses before regulatory boards such as the California Board of Registered Nursing, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, and the Texas Board of Nursing.

Janelle represents licensed professionals in California and Texas in a wide range of professional licensing and regulatory matters before state licensing boards. Her practice focuses on defending healthcare professionals and other licensees throughout every stage of the disciplinary process, from initial license disclosures and complaint investigations to formal administrative proceedings.

Janelle advises clients regarding mandatory disclosures, Board investigations, investigative interviews, and responses to licensing inquiries. She also represents clients facing formal accusations, statements of issues, disciplinary complaints, and other enforcement actions, and prepares petitions for reinstatement, modification of probation, early termination of probation, and other post-disciplinary relief. When appropriate, Janelle advocates for clients through settlement negotiations with agency counsel and represents them in administrative hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and other administrative tribunals.

Drawing on extensive experience with professional licensing matters, Janelle works to protect her clients' licenses, livelihoods, and professional reputations while guiding them through the often complex administrative process. She is committed to developing practical, strategic solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances and achieving the most favorable resolution possible.

Prior to her current position, Janelle spent over 13 years at the Amador County District Attorney's Office, where she held various roles, including Deputy District Attorney and Program Manager for the Special Prosecutions Unit. During her tenure, she prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to felonies, demonstrating her proficiency in legal analysis, evidence examination, and trial preparation. Janelle played a crucial role in combating insurance fraud and welfare fraud, overseeing successful investigations and prosecutions across multiple counties. Additionally, Janelle served as the Amador County Deputy District Attorney Association (ACDDAA) Union President from 2012 to 2021, where she managed employer and union member relations and served as the lead negotiator throughout collective bargaining agreements.

Janelle's outstanding contributions to the legal profession have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades, including the 2020 Excellence in Innovation Award from the California District Attorneys Association and the 2021 Merit Award for Administration of Justice from the California State Association of Counties.

Additional Experience

Janelle's commitment to public service extends beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by her involvement in various community and organizational roles. She served as a Trustee Member of the Board for the Amador County Unified School District and Office of Education, served as legal advisor to the Amador County Administrative Abatement Hearing Board and participated as a panel member of the Amador County Student Attendance Review Board (SARB).