José Emilio González Velázquez

Early years and studies

José Emilio González graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in 1974 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. He continued his studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law where he obtained his Juris doctor in 1977.

Professional career

After passing the bar exam, González was named District Attorney of the Arecibo region. In 1979, he was promoted to D.A. from the Arecibo Supreme Court, where he worked until 1988. That year, he started his own private practice specializing in criminal law.

Political career

In 2004, González was elected to the Senate of Puerto Rico for the District of Arecibo at the 2004 general elections. He was the candidate with most votes for the position in that district. During that first term, he presided the Ethics Commission of the Senate, as well as the Jury Commission.

At the 2008 PNP primary, González won a slot in the ballot of the party and he was reelected at the 2008 general elections. During that second term, González presided the Commission of Criminal Justice. He also served as Secretary of the Natural and Environmental Resources Commission, and was a member of the Health and Government Commissions.

In 2012, González lost his slot for reelection at the PNP primaries, preventing him of running again at the general elections that year.

Return to private life

In December 2012, Governor of Puerto Rico Luis Fortuño appointed González, among others, to become a Superior Judge when he finishes his term as Senator in January 2013. The appointment has to be approved by the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico.