An immigrant from Cuba, Carlos Martinez has made indigent defense his life’s work. He was elected Public Defender of Miami-Dade County in 2008 and was re-elected without opposition in 2012 and 2016. The first Cuban-American public defender in the United States, Martinez has launched multiple initiatives to help returning citizens obtain employment, educate young people about the consequences of illegal behavior, and engage the faith community in promoting social justice and improving public safety.
Centering Justice
Event Summary: Second Chances: Navigating Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities
On April 22, 2025, leaders of the Council on Criminal Justice Centering Justice initiative—Khalil Cumberbatch and Marc Levin—led a panel of experts in a discussion about second chance policies, which aim to offer individuals involved in the criminal justice system an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.
