Student-attorneys in the Criminal Defense and Justice Clinic, directed by Professor Lula Hagos with the support of Professor Peter Calloway, helped their client, Mr. Martinez, free himself from the criminal legal system entirely. Mr. Martinez, who struggles with homelessness and mental health issues, came to the Clinic in custody with two misdemeanor charges while already on probation. At his first court appearance, the judge refused to release him.
Mr. Martinez's charges stemmed directly from his struggles with homelessness and mental health issues and arguably lacked probable cause. Initially reluctant to work with the Clinic, Mr. Martinez eventually gained confidence in the tireless efforts of his student-attorneys Kendall Parker (JD ‘24) and Georgia Spies (JD ‘24). They built a compelling argument for his release, presenting a support letter from a close acquaintance and some of his artwork to humanize him to the judge.
After Mr. Martinez's release, the student-attorneys assisted him in navigating his onerous probation conditions, and offering the court firsthand accounts of his interactions with probation, challenging the court's perception of institutional reliability.
Empowered by his student-attorneys’ dedication, Mr. Martinez refused any government plea offers and prepared to fight his case at trial. On the eve of trial, the government dismissed the case. The following day, the court terminated Mr. Martinez's probation. For the first time in years, he was free from prosecution, confinement, and state supervision.
Mr. Martinez expressed profound gratitude for the student-attorney’s work, underscoring the impact of their advocacy.