Maritza Martinez
Judge up for retention, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026. Incumbent.
Circuit Court of Cook County
Ratings
- Chicago Bar Association: Qualified
- Illinois State Bar Association: Yes
- Injustice Watch: Notable controversy
Record
Elected to the Circuit Court countywide in 2014; serves in the Domestic Relations Division at the Daley Center, after earlier hearing civil and criminal cases in the First Municipal District. Injustice Watch reports that at a July 2025 Cook County Board hearing, several litigants in her cases accused her of insensitivity and bias against domestic violence survivors, and that she recused herself from two of those speakers' cases. It also reports that she ordered one woman to mediation with her ex despite an order of protection against him, which should have prevented mediation; Judge Martinez did not respond to requests for comment. A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Attorney in private practice at small firms in civil matters and criminal defense (2004-2014 and 1989-1991), and a commissioner on the Illinois Court of Claims (2007-2014); earlier an assistant corporation counsel in the City of Chicago Law Department (1991-2004). Law degree from Loyola University Chicago (1989).
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