Nelson Candelario’s legal career spans over 17 years of dedicated public service. Before his current position, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California, where he excelled as a trial attorney in the Border Enforcement Section of the Major Crimes Department. During this time, he handled a substantial caseload involving the policing the California-Mexico border and the region's ports of entry.

Before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office, Nelson served as a an Active Duty Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps, dedicating 15 years of his career to various roles of increasing responsibility. He served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Trial Counsel, and International Law and Operations Attorney at prestigious Marine Corps bases and headquarters. During his time in military service, Nelson deployed multiple times, including deployments to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Nelson continues to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve as a Marine Officer and Judge Advocate.

Nelson's educational background includes an LL.M. from George Washington University Law School, where he graduated with the highest honors, and an LL.M. in National Security Law from Georgetown University Law Center, where he graduated with distinction. He also holds a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law and a B.A. in English and Communications from La Salle University.

Nelson is admitted to practice in multiple jurisdictions, including California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He is dedicated to continuing to serve the Oceanside Police Department and the City of Oceanside.