Hon. La Tia W. Martin

Education

Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County

Honorable La Tia W. Martin graduated from Boston University School of Management with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Thereafter, Judge Martin graduated from the Rutgers University School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor degree.

Upon graduation from law school in 1979, Judge Martin was appointed as an Assistant District Attorney with the Bronx County District Attoreny's Office.She prosecuted criminal cases in both the criminal and supreme courts. Judge Martin conducted numerous criminal pre-trial hearings as well as trials during her tenure.

In 1982, Judge Martin was appointed by the Department of Investigation Commissioner as the Inspector General of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs by the Commissioner of the agency.

In 1984, Judge Martin was appointed by the Department of Investigation Commissioner as the Inspector General of four (4) New York City agencies, including: the Department of Finance, Tax Commission, Financial Information Services Agency, and Office of Payroll Administration. She was responsible for the overall supervision of major criminal and administrative investigations.

In 1990, Judge Martin was appointed General Counsel for the New York City Office of the Sheriff. She rendered advice to the agency commissioner and department heads in all legal matters involving the agency. Judge Martin also conducted peace officer training courses for the deputy sheriff's.

In 1995, Judge Martin was appointed by the Mayor of the City of New York to the Criminal Court bench. Judge Martin presided over all criminal matters including felony and misdemeanor arraignments, misdemeanor pre-trial hearings, and trials.

In 1996, Judge Martin was assigned to the Bronx County Criminal Court Domestic Violence Part. Under her leadership, all domestic violence cases were centralized and adjudicated uniformly. This specialized court provided counseling services and enhanced resources to both the victims and defendants. Her initiatives have balanced the interests of crime victims, the community at large, and sentenced offenders. As a result of the success of the Domestic Violence Court and the proactive role of the judiciary in the State of New York, it was designated as the domestic violence model for the entire City of New York. In 1998, Judge Martin was elected to the Bronx County Civil Court. In 2003, she was elected to the Bronx County Supreme Court for a term of fourteen years.

Justice Martin presided over the sole matrimonial part in the Bronx County Supreme Court in 1999 deciding issues relating to domestic violence, support, equitable distribution of property, custody and visitation. In October 2006, Justice Martin accepted an assignment to the Westchester County Supreme Court Matrimonial Part to offer her experience and assistance in the adjudication of matrimonial cases. She is a member of several bar associations, boards of directors, and other community organizations. Judge Martin has held several positions in the National Association of Women Judges and is currently the President of the organization.