FORT WORTH — Defense Attorney Leticia “Letty” Martinez, a former state and federal prosecutor who is now a partner at the law firm of Varghese Summersett, has been appointed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to the Child Fatality Review Team Committee.

Patrick appointed Martinez last month to the committee, which works to understand causes and incidents of child deaths in Texas and identifies procedures to prevent them. The committee also promotes public awareness and makes recommendations to the governor and the legislature.

“I am honored to have been appointed by Lt. Gov. Patrick to the State Child Fatality Review Team Committee,” Martinez said. “I look forward to working with the committee to identify and curb preventable dangers, such as distracted driving, drug overdoses, child suicide, unsafe firearm storage, and abuse and neglect.”

Martinez is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist who has extensive experience handling state and federal criminal cases, including allegations of abuse, intoxication-related offenses and violent crimes.

Prior to becoming a partner at the Fort Worth criminal defense firm of Varghese Summersett, Martinez began her service as a misdemeanor prosecutor at the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, but quickly moved up the prosecutorial ladder. Over the next decade, she served in almost every unit and division within the District Attorney's Office, including Juvenile, Crimes Against Children, Gang and Family Violence.

In 2004, Martinez accepted an invitation by the United States Attorney’s Office to join their force of federal prosecutors for the Northern District of Texas.

Martinez later returned to the District Attorney’s Office, where she was responsible for supervising and training prosecutors in the Misdemeanor Unit. She was also tapped to head the Crimes Against Children Unit, a highly-respected division within the DA’s Office and the community.

During this time, she was appointed by then-Gov. Rick Perry to serve on the Protect Our Kids Commission, which studies child abuse and neglect fatalities and makes recommendations concerning prevention.

Martinez is frequently called upon to speak to other lawyers and law students on topics that include child sexual and physical abuse. She is also outspoken advocate for children with autism. 

“Letty’s expertise in child deaths and her dedication to protecting our youth makes her the perfect selection for the Child Fatality Review Team,” said firm partner Benson Varghese. “She is widely known and respected for her extensive knowledge of the law and for being a fierce advocate. Because she has served as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, she will bring a unique perspective to the committee and make a great addition to the team.”

Read more about Letty Martinez at the firm’s website, www.versustexas.com.