Martin R. Tanz

Was my attorney for a case in which I was never questioned about, that also involved a co-defendant. Was in possession of discovery content and witness list.. intricate case details and an apparent plea I was never presented with. Not that I would have taken it anyway. Scheduled my case for trial dur...ing Covid, only for me to meet him prior to court and the guy didn’t even have my file with him at 8:15 AM. Very rude… does not use words to paint pictures, instead uses them to make people adhere. African American Defendants he feels are of ‘lesser quality.’ Told me in the entrance to Judge Wagners Court: “You Sit.” A innocent persons worst nightmare if deemed indigent, and faced with the horrible reality of having to proceed to trial with his representation. Unkempt, makes excuses, never on time, and always unprepared. As people… I don’t care what side of the table we’re on! If I can’t say hey… that person right there in this courtroom values people! Then what are we doing??? Every relationship in the courtroom is about people valuing people… And he doesn’t value people!! Not even himself.

Met Mr. Tanz at initial appearance (2017) spoke momentarily before entering NG plea. Receiving plea offer, & not reviewing evidence nor hearing my side of the story, he advises take the plea "regardless of principle." I'm sorry, but principles matter. His advice although sound, leaves no room to an... innocent party, & throws away the not-guilty one. Hearing it over & over, like a drum beat or a dripping faucet, is wearing. It's fear mongering, if not duress. Hired a criminal attorney in 2008, and that attorney is now a judge. Never pressured so much. If Mr. Tanz took time (initially) to hear my side, before offering his advise, I don't believe we've parted ways. He's a SHARP attorney, just a little rough around the edges. If you can disregard his advise prior to him having most facts, he's the guy to have in your corner. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to.