Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office

05/12/2026

This year, we once again join NAMIWalks for Mental Health Awareness in honor of Assistant Public Defender’s Erica Gerstin and Paul Kaminsky, whose dedication to protecting the rights of individuals living with mental illness continues to inspire our office every day.

By walking in their memory, we reaffirm our commitment to
Mental health awareness, support, and advocacy for the many clients and families impacted by mental illness. Over the past several years,
Our staff, Paul and Erica’s families, our friends and others, have helped raise nearly $30,000 to support NAMI’s vital mental health programs and services. Whether you walk, donate or help spread the word, your support truly makes a difference.

I'm supporting NAMI!

03/02/2026

We are grateful to Grant Miller and Community Newspapers for hosting such a meaningful community breakfast. Thank you for bringing people together for real conversation and connection, and we appreciate the space you created for it.
Thank you to our Public Defender for sharing his time, insight, and commitment to the people we serve. We are proud of the way he engages with the community and speak about the work our office does every day.

We also appreciated sharing the spotlight with Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, and being part of such an informative morning together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us early. It was great to see so many elected officials, friends, and community partners working toward stronger communities.

Grant, thank you for your continued dedication to keeping our community informed and connected. It truly makes a difference.

02/23/2026

Start your morning with us on Thursday, February 26 at 7:30 a.m. at the Community Newspapers monthly networking breakfast at Casacuba.

I am grateful for the invitation and honored to join Clerk of the Court and Comptroller Juan Fernandez Barquin as a featured guest speaker.

Come learn more about the work of the Public Defender’s Office, our constitutional duty to represent people who cannot afford an attorney, and my commitment to strengthening fairness and justice for everyone who lives, works, and visits South Florida.

You will also hear about the work of the Clerk of Courts and Comptroller.

We look forward to seeing you there. RSVP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/eujc926?source_id=22ab5f87-a3f2-4c34-9069-b908d59e7053&source_type=em&c=wJIfPQgxPT9Ms0e19kGLGpAp7kGizNUGGa2VSwuBK-hP_-Exa7tY4w==

12/08/2025

The Public Defender's Office 2025 holiday toy drive is here! 🎁 Through December 18, help us bring cheer to kids in our community by donating new, unwrapped toys. The drive benefits Children of Inmate Program, Lotus House Women Shelter and Women in Transition. Let’s make this season bright for kids in need!

10/22/2025

I joined Men Wear Pink to fight breast cancer in my community. Support me with a donation and you’ll be helping the American Cancer Society fund breakthrough breast cancer research, free rides to chemo, a 24/7 help

08/13/2025

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT “Redemption” Workshop – Seal & Expunge Your Record! 🌟

Struggling to find work because of your record? Come see if you qualify to have it sealed or expunged!

Hosted by Miami-Dade Public Carlos J. Martinez and State Representative Omar Blanco.

Services: Record review, FLOW licensing, ID/vehicle help, employment support, voter registration & rights restoration.

Bring a government-issued ID.

💙 Open doors to a fresh start – share this post to help spread the word!

08/08/2025

Help Us Send Kids Back to School Ready to Succeed! 🖍🎒

We’re collecting school supplies for Lotus House, the largest women’s homeless shelter in the country — and we need your help! Your donation can help provide children with the tools they need to thrive in the classroom this year.

🎯 From backpacks to pencils, every item makes a difference.

🧡 Let’s come together to support families in need and make this school year a little brighter for the kids at Lotus House.

07/25/2025

06/17/2025

Join us for a special Juneteenth Day of Service and find out if you qualify to have your criminal record sealed or expunged.

Please note: We can only review state-level arrest records for cases that occurred in Miami-Dade County.

Spread the word and bring a friend!
This is your opportunity to take action, ask questions, and access resources that can change your life.