Public Defender's Office

 

Luis Martinez has been a practicing lawyer for 26 years and has practiced the entire time in Victoria County and the surrounding counties.  After working in Victoria civil firm for a few years, Luis started a private practice, practicing criminal law and representing both juveniles and adults.  He tried cases and handled appeals for twenty years, until three years ago when he became the appellate attorney for the Victoria County District Attorney's Office.  Most recently he was hired to fill the role of Assistant Chief of the Crossroads Defenders, one of the newest public defender's offices in the state.

 

 

The presentation will provide a summary of the more prevalent use of public defender's offices in Texas to provide professional criminal representation to citizens who could otherwise not afford to hire their own counsel.  

 

Justice is dependent on a fair balance between an accuser and the accused.  Public defender's offices facilitate lawyers whose aim and goal is to focus solely on providing criminal defense.  They also provide a unique opportunity to partner with already existing community organizations and county departments to find solutions that go beyond the courtroom.  Public defender's offices are more efficient and cost-effective for the communities they serve.  Most important, the use of public defender's offices result in better long-term outcomes, not only for people who find themselves in the criminal justice system, but also for the community overall.