Miami Dade Public Defender Martinez honored
by the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
for the “Redemption Project”
Miami, August 9, 2010. Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez was
honored by the Florida Right Restoration Coalition during their
annual convention in Orlando, on Saturday, August 8, 2010 for work
on behalf of citizens who have lost their civil rights.
In 1998, Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez created the Public
Defender's Redemption Project (Redemption) in collaboration with
other government and community organizations. Redemption is an
all-volunteer effort taking place after work hours and on weekends.
The purpose of Redemption is to help former Public Defender clients
overcome obstacles to gainful employment. Through Redemption,
legally eligible people get their records sealed and/or expunged,
apply for clemency or for the restoration of their civil rights.
The award recognized the positive impact made by Public Defender
Martinez, his staff and office alumni volunteers, along with
community partners such as the Clerk of Courts, State Attorney’s
Office, volunteer bar associations, American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) and others in advancing rehabilitation, employability, crime
prevention and community re-integration of ex-offenders through the
Redemption workshops.
“Members of the FRRC Steering Committee have unanimously voted to
honor the work of the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office in
providing restoration of civil rights (RCR) assistance at
“Redemption” workshops and other events throughout Miami-Dade
County. With this award, we recognize the opportunities your office
has created for citizens of Miami-Dade County take their first steps
toward getting their civil rights restored,” said Muslima Lewis,
ACLU’s Director of Racial Justice / Voting Rights Projects and also
an FRRC member.
Public Defender Martinez said, “We are deeply honored by this
recognition, but it really belongs to all our volunteers --current
employees, former assistant public defenders and community partners
who have volunteered hundreds of hours to the Redemption Project.
Their passionate dedication to helping others represents the finest
tradition of public servants and the equal justice community. They
bring hope for a brighter future for citizens who have lost their
civil rights and are unable to find employment.”
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