Deputy District Attorney By Day, Violinist By Night

For the past 15 years, Deputy District Attorney Wendy Patrick has been prosecuting grisly crimes across San Diego County including acts committed by sexually violent predators, murderers and other surly types.

Dealing with criminals, who often devastate the lives of their victims, could weigh down even the most seasoned prosecutor after years on the job. Not true for Patrick, who says working in the Sex Crimes and Stalking Division is the "greatest job in the world."

Two outlets that keep her grounded and positive include concert violin and theology. When she's not on the clock or in the courtroom, Patrick plays first violin in the La Jolla Symphony or rocks out in a band playing the electric violin. She began playing violin as a young girl and has been a member of the La Jolla Symphony for about 10 years.

Playing the violin and law aren't her only areas of expertise. Patrick also holds a Ph.D. in theology and is active in her church, where she leads a bible study group among other spiritual activities.

Without fail, the most memorable moments for Patrick are the looks of relief on victim's faces after a jury convicts their sexual predator.

"To be able to achieve justice for these kind of victims is worth every hour we put in," Patrick said. "Even when I've lost a case, the victim says, 'I saw how hard you worked on this -- no one has ever worked that hard for me in my life.'"