By N. Street
Yaneth Del Carmen Baez is an Assistant State Attorney in the Human Trafficking Unit at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. Prior to the Human Trafficking Unit, Yaneth was Chief of the Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Unit, where she trained more than 50 newly hired prosecutors. She was recognized by her graduating class for completing over 200 hours of pro bono service. She was named Human Trafficking Prosecutor of the Year for 2025, recognized by the Miami-Dade Bar as one of the “Excellent Attorneys 40 Under 40,” and honored with the Public Service Award by the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association.
Baez responded to Hy-Lo News’ candidate questionnaire, sharing insights into her legal experience, judicial philosophy and the qualities she believes she would bring to the bench. Here’s what she had to say.
What judicial group are you running for?
Circuit Court, Group 69
When is your election date?
August 18, 2026
In plain language, what kinds of decisions would a judge in this position make? How could those decisions affect the daily lives of local residents—even people who never enter a courtroom?
Circuit court judges (either in criminal or civil) handle matters regarding matters of money over $50,000, felonies, juvenile matters, or family matters.
How long have you been a lawyer, and what kinds of legal work have you done (prior to this campaign)?
Over 9 years (criminal and while in law school civil)
List 2 cases where you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.
SOF v Yaron Zohar and SOF Keith Robertson – these were two cases where I was lead counsel. They were significant due to the severe trauma experienced by the victims, the legal work done on these cases, and how justice presented itself in these cases in very different ways.
How would you or do you make sure every person has a fair chance to be heard?
Making sure I take the time to actively listen, understand their legal concern and continuously educating myself on the law and staying current on what is happening in our community.
What community service, volunteer work, teaching, mentoring, or other activities have helped you understand the people this court serves?
I believe it’s a combination of my professional career and my community involvement. My work allows me to see the affect criminal cases have on the victims and the accused. My volunteer work with the Miami Bridge, Real Talk-South Florida Chapter of NBPA, and my mentoring our youth allow me to understand all people of all ages in our community.
Judges must sometimes make decisions they personally dislike. Please give an example of a time when you followed the law or your professional duties even though you had personal concerns
Following the law and being a prosecutor allows me the discretion to handle cases in accordance with the law and file on cases I believe I am able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
List current memberships in civic, social, business and social organizations.
The Miami Bridge, League of Prosecutors, National Black Prosecutors Association- South Florida Chapter, she serves on the board of Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services and is actively involved with the League of Prosecutors, the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association.
Why do you deserve the vote? Please answer with references to your experience and public record, not endorsements.
As a product of blue-collar immigrant parents and Miami-Dade county, I have spent nearly a decade serving the community I know and love. With proven experience, strong integrity, and a deep commitment to the rule of law, I am ready to continue serving you. Don’t hesitate– vote 128!
Hy-Lo News wanted to help South Florida residents understand the experience, public record, and responsibilities of candidates seeking judicial office. Judges matter, and impact the day-to-day life of everyone in our community. All candidates in groups 5, 11, 12, 35, 52, and 69 were invited to participate and were given adequate time to reply. If a candidate did not submit responses, they were not included in our coverage.
Due to ethical constraints set by Florida law, incumbents are able to speak about their cases, and therefore were given three additional questions to speak directly to their own records.
Each candidate has their own profile. Please check them all out. This is a nonpartisan candidate profile and not an endorsement from this outlet.
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