| Lifelong Community Member | Maritza is a lifelong resident of Cook County, having lived in her home since graduating from Loyola’s Law School, 20 years ago. She is proudly raising her children in this community. |
| Hearing Officer | Maritza is a Commissioner at the Illinois Court of Claims, conducting trials, taking evidence and making confidential recommendations to the Illinois Court of Claims Judges as to the dispositions of monetary claims, other than workers' compensation claims, made against the state of Illinois. |
| Advocate | Maritza defends clients in federal and state court felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, as well as at administrative proceedings. She represents plaintiffs in civil rights and intentional torts claims, having gained an extensive civil rights background from previously defending municipal employees for 8 years at the City of Chicago’s Law Department. In addition to prosecuting for the City, Maritza defended actions alleging civil rights and constitutional violations, discrimination, wrongful death and intentional torts. |
| Service to Legal Community | Maritza serves as an Inquiry Board and Oversight Committee Member of the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, where she determines whether sufficient evidence exists in investigations alleging misconduct against Illinois attorneys. She files formal charges before the Hearing Board when sufficient evidence exists; imposes remedial conditions on deferred matters, and dismisses actions without sufficient evidence. |
| Community Service | Maritza volunteers as a mentor to Loyola’s Law School students; at the YMCA as a Level II Swimming Official, and at ROW, a rowing team for breast cancer survivors. She also regularly volunteers and speaks at public and parochial schools, at both grade and high school levels, striving to make a difference in the lives of children. |
| Qualified | Maritza is qualified to hold the office of Cook County Judge because of her combined legal knowledge gained over the past 20 years and because of her overall life experiences. Maritza’s legal and personal backgrounds demonstrate her commitment to public service. She is eager to serve as a judge, would be honored if elected to do so, and would endeavor to administer equal justice under the law. |
