Through
our Re-Entry Program partnership with the Public Defender, Diamond Litty, the recidivism rate in the St. Lucie County Jail
has improved greatly, thus saving our taxpayers thousands of dollars . -Sheriff Ken Mascara
__________________________________________________
Diamond
Litty brought the office of Public Defender into a new era, first by professionally performing her responsibility of
ensuring every citizen is given the right to representation; and continued by instituting sound business practices including
but not limited to restitution to the citizens of this state the cost of said service. -Carole Jean Jordan
__________________________________________________
"Diamond has far exceeded expectations as our Public Defender and in addition
has been an active community leader serving in numerous charity and civic roles. We have been lucky to have her and
we all need to help re-elect her this year." - R. Allen Miller, Republican State Committeeman
__________________________________________________
Diamond is intelligent,
dedicated, and professional. - Steve Knapp
__________________________________________________
My first thoughts when first meeting Diamond were: This lady is warm, receptive
and full of energy! She ran a staff meeting energizing everyone in the room. Focused, to the point, not distracted by small
sidebar issues, yet, not to overlook details. -Mike Miller
__________________________________________________
Diamond has been a true champion for Juvenile Justice in our community. She was instrumental
in establishing the first Teen Court program in our Circuit.
As our Public Defender, she was extremely influential in the development of the International Award-Winning Port St. Lucie Police Department
Juvenile Restorative Justice Diversion Program. She is an active participant in the Executive Round Table and continues to
promote programming and services for the youth in our community.
She has set a standard of excellence in the Juvenile Division of the Public Defender's Office
that is beyond reproach. We need to keep Diamond as our Public Defender.
Our Children Deserve a Diamond in their Future.
- Miki McMurtry
__________________________________________________
Diamond, as with all
of your staff, the Re-Entry Staff have all been wonderful, caring, professionals who enjoy their work, thus passing that along
to our offender population.
Our office
has a very positive working relationship with the Public Defender's Office. Though, at times, adversaries, we are able
to work together in our unified goal to assist our clients.
I serve on
the Florida Association of Community Corrections Board of Directors. This has enabled me to work closely with probation
agencies throughout our state, as well as Juvenile Justice, Department of Corrections, and various providers. Many times
I have boasted about C.O.R.E.'s terrific professional relationship we have with our Public Defender's Office.
Your leadership
of the Public Defender's Office is truly an asset to the 19th Judicial Circuit. Your office is present in
every aspect of the Criminal Justice System. Through programs such as Fast Track, designed to move criminal cases through
our criminal justice court system in a more expeditious manner; Mental Health and Drug Courts as advocates for those offenders
struggling with life issues that otherwise would never afforded them the opportunity to be a success within themselves and
our communities; your agency's dedication to lowering the jail overcrowding problem at the St. Lucie County Jail through
your service on the St. Lucie County Public Safety Council; and the services provided by the Re-Entry Program, to name a few.
- Becky Bleyman, Core Program
__________________________________________________
Diamond is a pleasure to work with, professionally and personally. I regularly deal with individuals in crisis, who
benefit from having someone like Diamond, who is aware of and sensitive to their needs, not just strong arming
them through the court system. Diamond has proven time and again that she is someone who makes
the time to show probationers and individuals in crisis that someone cares about what happens to them now and in
the future.
Kudos
to you and your office for a job well done. - Mike Price
__________________________________________________
I want to
take a minute to express my appreciation for the Public Defenders' Office Re-Entry Program, spearheaded by Diamond Litty,
our Public Defender.
As a misdemeanor Probation Officer I have referred numerous clients to the program
for employment assistance. The clients have reported good follow up from your staff and several have successfully found
employment through the program.
Employment assistance is on of the most critical needs of many of our clients and this
program is very valuable in meeting that need.
Diamond,
thank you for the dedication of you and your staff in providing this resource to our community. - Jim Beer, CORE
Program, Ft.Pierce
__________________________________________________
I just wanted to take a moment to commend
you on the fine job you are doing as our Circuit's Public Defender. I truly feel we are blessed to have you.
A couple of the programs I would particularly
like to commend you for are the Drug Court & the Mental Health Court. When I first heard about these programs, I tried
to imagine the statistics of re-offenders of drug addicts into the system because they were never treated for addiction
– which is the root problem. Your fantastic program gives individuals an
opportunity to gain all of the tools they need to turn their life around, if they choose to. That is truly wonderful.
Regarding the Mental Health Court, I
cannot even imagine how many people have gone through the system over and over again simply because they suffer from mental
illness. The Mental Health Court helps give them an opportunity to address their medical and mental issues and learn to function
as a productive member of the community. I’m sure it also helps make them aware of other programs available to help
them.
Diamond, I just truly would like to applaud
you for helping disenfranchised people and those in our community who need help to receive it instead of being stuck in jail
with no way to address their issues or illnesses.
Finally, I want to let you know how I
great I think it was that you stood up for those individuals your office defends by taking part in the fight against the jail
overcrowding. It’s as important for the safety and civil rights of the deputies and law enforcement officials working
in the jail as it is for the inmates serving time there.
Diamond, you are doing a great job and
you DEFINITELY have my vote in the upcoming election! - Joseph Lucas, Owner Nature's Way Cafe, Port St. Lucie
__________________________________________________
My name is Elaine Boyle. About four years ago I was incarcerated at SLC for my
third DUI. I am not proud of this. I spent eight long months in the county jail. I was determined to get myself some help.
I began to ask if there were any programs to help such people like me. I enrolled in a substance abuse program, AA, NA and
church. I lost everything you could think of.
About one month into my sentence, I learn of a life-changing program called Re-Entry. I had no idea what this program
could offer anyone in my position. The ReEntry program deals with the whole person and their issues with getting back
into society. I was truly amazed that a county jail would offer such a program. This help was free! I took advantage
of it all.
I found out that the person behind this program was our Public Defender, Diamond Litty. Her program was there for me
in jail, as well as on the outside. Hats off to you Diamond Litty. I would be nowhere if it weren't for your program. Please
keep up the good work. We need your programs. I am very proud to have been part of this. I am where I am today because you
cared. Thank You. - Elaine Boyle
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is a great person for the job of Public Defender. She's very professional and very community-involved.- Cris Adams, President,
Heathcote Botanical Gardens Board of Directors
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is a true jewel in our judicial system. - Pat Alley, President, Riverside National Bank - Fort Pierce
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is an energetic, lovely lady who knows what she's doing and does it well. - Mike & Mimi Brown, Fort Pierce
__________________________________________________
What
a great lady...spirit, skill and passion for her job. - Dr. Judi Miller, St. Lucie County School Board
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is no diamond in the rough - she is very polished and talented. - Jane Rowley, Core Communities
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is a dynamic leader for the community. She leads her staff in a positive manner in order to motivate positive outcomes for
the community. - Paul Hiott, Director of Veterans' Services St. Lucie County
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is a true inspiration to women in the community. - Karen Taylor
__________________________________________________
Diamond
Litty is not only an outstanding Public Defender, but a great asset to our community. She is hard-working and cares about
those she represents. - Phill Brodeur
__________________________________________________
There's
no better defender! - Maureen Saltzer Gawel
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is the greatest! I am proud to support such a fine public servant. - Karen Knapp, CEO, United Way of St. Lucie County
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is a true legacy with local government. - Wesley Taylor
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is a vivacious leader in our community. Diamond cares for abused and neglected kids, so I care for Diamond. - George
O'Malley, CFO, Hibiscus Children's Center
__________________________________________________
Diamond
truly cares about the children of the community. She has been a mentor for many, many years. What a great person! - Melodee
Daniello, Program Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Lucie, Indian River & Okeechobee Counties
__________________________________________________
I supported
"Litty for the City" and now I am happy to support "Litty for the Accused." - James Hatfield
__________________________________________________
Diamond is,
without question, the most qualified person for the job of Public Defender. Pete Muschott
__________________________________________________
Diamond is
a person of integrity. I have known and respected her for many, many years. - Rita B. Stikelether
__________________________________________________
Diamonds
are forever! - Richard Sneed, Jr., Attorney
__________________________________________________
Diamond
is kind, fun, bright and a worker bee! She cares about everyone she meets and no one works harder than Diamond. She is a true
friend. - Steve, Stacey & Brian Barnett
__________________________________________________