Arthur LeMar “Marty” McNeil is the son of an Army Veteran and Educator. He learned the importance of hard work and helping the community at an early age. He continued being guided by those principles throughout his educational and professional journey. Marty’s career has been dedicated to protecting the Constitutional Rights of the indigent community of Miami Dade County. He has also been involved in volunteering across Miami Dade County. He is running for Judge to ensure liberty and justice for all the residents of Miami Dade County.
McNeil responded to Hy-Lo News’ candidate questionnaire, sharing insights into his legal experience, judicial philosophy and the qualities he believes he would bring to the bench. Here’s what he had to say.
What judicial seat are you running for?
Circuit Court, Judge Group 5
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 handle civil cases where the damages are more than $50,000, felony criminal and juvenile cases, family law (divorces, child custody, domestic violence), dependency, and probate matters. The decisions Circuit Court Judges make affect the daily lives of everyone because the Judges issue rulings that interpret the laws that affect everyone. They make rulings on search and seizure, liability, damages, and other legal issues that affect everyone.
How long have you been a lawyer, and what kinds of legal work have you done (prior to this campaign)?
I have been a lawyer for 19 years and have practiced criminal defense, civil law, family law, delinquency/dependency. In addition I have been a Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil Circuit Court Mediator.
List 2 cases where you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.
F07-37959 was a significant case because I represented a high school student who was facing the rest of his life in prison. After a contested trial I was able to return this young man back to his family. I was lead counsel in this case. F16-3589 is another significant case that I was lead counsel. I represented a man with a disability who was attacked by his neighbor and defended himself. He was facing life in prison and after a highly contested trial, I was able to restore his freedom. He was able to return to his very good paying job and resume his life. I have tried over 65 trials and most were jury trials to verdict. I have also litigated countless motions. As an assistant Public Defender I have “conducted calendar” (addressed the majority of cases on a docket) many times before. I have also conducted mediations as a Supreme Court Certified Mediator.
How would you or do you make sure every person has a fair chance to be heard?
I would make sure every person has a fair chance to be heard by allowing enough time to conduct hearings, making sure the parties understand the process, and allowing people to address the Court when appropriate.
What community service, volunteer work, teaching, mentoring, or other activities have helped you understand the people this court serves?
All of my volunteering helps me understand the people the Court serves. I have been a youth mentor through several non-profit organizations, volunteer speaking to Middle and High School Students about the Consequences of a Conviction on their future, help seal and expunging arrest records, and volunteer at my church. Through volunteering you meet people where they are and try to help them accomplish goals. You realize that not everyone starts from the same position nor does everyone have the same opportunities, but they can achieve the same outcomes. I am also a scuba diver and boater. This has helped me to understand environmental issues and the concerns of a different group of people.
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.
On one occasion I was explaining a client’s options to him in the public hallways of the courthouse. Out of nowhere he went on a verbal tirade directed towards me and began using slurs. I ended the conversation and allowed him to calm down. When he calmed down I was able to continue representing him and ultimately resolve his case.
List current memberships in civic, social, business and social organizations.
I am a member of the NAACP (North Dade Chapter), Miami Dade Bar Association, Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association, Miami Dade Florida Association of Women Lawyers, and Community Action Agency Foundation Board.
Is there anything you would like to share with voters that we did not ask?
Two of my hobbies are gardening and pets. I originally did not like gardening as a child, but as I got older I began to appreciate its life lessons and the healthy food it provides. I have had rescue dogs and a tortoise, and enjoy animals of all kinds.
Why do you deserve the vote? Please answer with references to your experience and public record, not endorsements.
I deserve the vote because I am an experienced attorney who has been involved in the community. The Circuit Court is a trial Court, where experience matters. For many years I have practiced in Circuit Court; going to Court daily. I have trained and managed attorneys in Circuit Court at the Public Defenders Office. Often times I had manage multiple trial dockets while training attorneys in different courtrooms. I also have jury trial experience, including experience with complex cases. I also volunteer in the community, and try to improve the lives of others. Through the Public Defenders “Consequences Aren’t Minor” program I volunteer speaking to Middle and High School students about the consequences of an arrest on their future. I also volunteer Sealing and Expunging Arrest Records throughout the County. I’ve been a mentor in various non-profit organizations, a volunteer coach, and volunteer at my church. I have been fully invested in the Miami Dade community.
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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