Episode #93 -We welcome our guest Joe Cervantez Jackson County States Attorney candidate

http://electcervantez.com/

Joe’s experiences after the loss of his parents tested him at an early age and taught him to be independent and resourceful. Realizing the importance of an education, and in order to break free from his situation, Joe attended Southern Illinois University where he concentrated in the study of Criminal Justice and History, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts.

The son of a World War II and Korean War veteran, Joe felt compelled to enlist in the United States Marine Corps Reserve during college. He enlisted at the Carbondale, Illinois Office and attended boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California.

Shortly after the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001, Joe re-enlisted and volunteered to serve as a Marine Infantryman, deploying in 2003, 2004, and again in 2007 and 2008. He honorably served with America’s finest as an Infantry Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Platoon Commander, among other billets, in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. Joe has been recognized by his superiors for his outstanding service as a Marine including a report when they reported, ” I have seen this Marine against our enemy and his performance was inspirational.” Among other ribbons, medals and awards, Joe was awarded multiple Navy Achievement Medals and a Combat Action Ribbon.

Subsequently, Joe accepted a position as a NATO Weapons Advisor and Trainer, traveling extensively through Afghanistan and working closely with U.S. and Afghan troops as well as many other international military and civilian professionals.

In 2010, Joe placed a hold on his career and began his legal education at Southern Illinois University School of Law in Carbondale, Illinois.  Joe volunteered as a legal advocate with Domestic Violence Clinic and with the Land of Lincoln in Carbondale, Illinois. After Graduation, Attorney Cervantez was hired by Charles Garnatti, as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office.

He stayed on to work for Williamson County State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti. Later, he was asked to head the juvenile docket for the Saline County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Joe is now a partner at the Law Firm of Tetzlaff, Cervantez & Associates, P.C., a general practice law firm with four attorneys. The group specializes in Criminal Law, DUI, Family, Divorce, and Municipal Law.

Joe is a certified and approved Guardian Ad Litem and Mediator in the 1st Circuit and he often does pro bono work for veterans and has been a long standing advocate for Diversion and Veteran Court programs.

My time as a juvenile shaped my life in ways that made me think about criminal justice issues since before I can remember. Later, as a prosecutor, and a defense attorney, I realized that center to true criminal justice reform is the office of the State’s Attorney.

The state’s attorney is not just a prosecutor. The State’s Attorney is a community leader and a manager, central to criminal justice policy and ultimately responsible for the safety of the community.

The system is meant to be fair and just, but often, policies of the past negatively affect the fundamental fairness of our system. We need to change outdated policies of the past, help build a safer community and advocate for victims, families, and children because they deserve a modern, efficient, and fair criminal justice system. I’d like to use my life experience to lead this discussion in our community

I can’t wait to get to work for the people of Jackson County to increase safety, support victims and their families, advocate for our children, deliver accountability to violent offenders, and ensure that our justice system is fair, efficient, and just for everyone.