How This Tattooed Mexican Biker Went From Listed Gang Member To District Attorney

Nueces County just got a new DA in town and he’s not your typical lawyer. Most lawyers don’t typically have the phrase “Not Guilty” tattoed across their chests.

Meet Mark Gonzalez. He’s a Mexican biker covered in tattoos who just so happens to be a successful lawyer. Gonzalez has promised to bring reform to Corpus Christi, Texas.

It isn’t all fun and games in Gonzalez’s office, though. His lifestyle is not a gimmick, and earlier this year, border agents detained Gonzalez as he traveled home to Corpus Christi after a vacation in Mexico.

“When you run my name, I’m probably going to be listed as a gang member. I’m also the DA of Nueces County. Do whatever you want with that information,” said Gonzalez to the agent.

The Texas Observer magazine ran an interview with Gonzalez, where they tackled many issues regarding law enforcement in Corpus Christi. We’ve recollected some bits and pieces from the inspiring read.

“Our main objective now is transparency. We don’t want anybody to say that prosecutors were hiding the ball or didn’t disclose something,” said Gonzalez about restoring the public’s trust in law enforcement.

“We’re open with defense attorneys about what we find, whether it’s good, bad or ugly for us. That’s also how we try to deal with media. As much as we can be, we’re open about what evidence we have, and we only go forward on a case if we can prove it. If there’s a case there, we’ll build it. But we’re not hunting for convictions. It’s about securing justice.”

The nontraditional DA, who has a connection to the Calaveras Motorcycle Club, vowed to become a lawyer when he was 19. He did so after getting arrested for driving under the influence.

Many years later, he honored that promise. With his forward-thinking, he is planning on taking his office ahead of the curve to better serve his community.

“I am not anti-death penalty, but I wouldn’t call myself an advocate for it,” said Gonzalez when asked about the delicate subject. “My two first assistant DAs, one is very anti-death penalty and thinks the government should never play a role in ending someone’s life.

“I have another assistant who thinks an eye for an eye is the way to go. And I guess I’m in the middle. Now I want to see what our community decides. I’m about to present a death penalty case very soon. When the jury makes their decision, it will help us figure out how we handle those cases in the future.”

Giving his thuggish demeanor, Gonzalez also talked about gaining the trust of people that work with him.

“As far as the higher-ups, I haven’t had any struggle with them [the police]. But I can tell you that the patrolmen, they’re the ones that may have the strongest criticisms of me and the hardest feelings against me just because I’m this defense attorney and a biker.”

Article inspired by The Texas Observer // Meet Nueces County’s New DA, a Self-Professed ‘Mexican Biker Lawyer Covered in Tattoos’