FAIR. FIRM. COMMITTED TO JUSTICE.
About Carmen Cabarga
Judge Carmen Cabarga has been serving our community in her role as a Miami-Dade Circuit Judge in the Criminal Division for almost six years. Judge Cabarga humbly seeks your support for re-election in the 2026.
With over 25 years of experience, pursuit of justice and access to our courts for all, has defined Judge Cabarga’s career.
Carmen Cabarga’s 25 year legal career as a stakeholder of the Miami-Dade County community has been in line with her public service calling. From the onset of her remarkable career as as a prosecutor, defense, and probate attorney, those closest to her would say her mindfulness of those around her facilitated her to give a voice to the most vulnerable of our community. As a judge, she has ensured the legal rights of victims and defendants, and the firm application of the rule of law.
Judge Cabarga is the daughter of working-class immigrants who instilled in her the value of reciprocating for what this community has provided her family. Her husband isa 25 year veteran Hialeah firefighter, and they have raised their two children in Miami-Dade County.
Judge Cabarga is companionate about the wellbeing of others. Having been a prosecutor, a defense attorney, and a judge, Carmen’s passion for justice is evident. She has a proven history of always approaching cases fairly, without prejudgment, and abiding with the rule of law.
Judge Cabarga has called Miami-Dade home from her grade-school years, her law studies at the University of Miami, and followed her calling — nothing would make her more proud than the ability to continue to serve the people of Miami-Dade County.
Committee
Alan Goldfarb, Esq
Alan Isaac Mishael, Esq.
Alan Jay Kluger, Esq.
Alejandro Brito, Esq.
Delaila Jannette Estefano, Esq.
Gloria Maria Garcia, Esq.
Israel Umberto Reyes, Esq.
Jane Whalley Muir, Esq.
Javier Asis Lopez, Esq.
Jennifer Sabin Ley-Soto, Esq.
John Arrastia Jr., Esq.
Jorge Emilio Silva, Esq.
Joseph Hyam Serota, Esq.
Joshua J. Hertz, Esq.
Julie Braman Kane, Esq.
Loreal Antwanette Arscott, Esq.
Luis Eduardo Suárez, Esq.
Mark Steven Meland, Esq.
Michael Andrew Haggard, Esq.
Michael Diaz Jr., Esq.
Noel Figgures Johnson, Esq.
Ricardo Martinez-Cid, Esq.
Robert Mayor Rubenstein, Esq.
Roberto Zarco, Esq.
Schuyler Analise Smith, Esq.
Victoria Mendez, Esq.
EDUCATION
University of Miami School of Law
Juris Doctor, 1999
Cum Laude
Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and International Business, 1996
Magna Cum Laude
Miami Dade Community College
Associate of Arts in Business Administration, 1994
Summa Cum Laude
Hialeah High School
High School Diploma, 1992
Graduating in the top 2% of her class
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Having been elected by the people of Miami-Dade County in 2020, Judge Cabarga currently works as a Circuit Judge in the Criminal Division.
Prior to 2020, Judge Cabarga worked as a defense attorney with the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Council, advocating zealously on behalf of children and parents.
As an attorney for the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency for Overtown/Omni/Midtown, Judge Cabarga represented the interests of those who live in underprivileged neighborhoods.
She worked as a prosecutor with the Department of Children and Families to protect children and the sanctity of the family unit in all forms.
At the Guardianship Program of Dade County, Judge Carmen fought for the dignity and safety of the incapacitated elderly of our community, who have lost their voice.
Early in her career, she worked as a litigation attorney in the criminal, immigration and insurance defense fields.
Judge Cabarga’s legal experience expands over 25 years.
RECOGNITIONS
Excellence in Child Welfare Award, Miami-Dade Community Based Care Alliance.
Civic Service Award, Department of Children & Families, awarded for assisting in the processing of entry into the United States of victim children of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS
- FL Bar
- Federal Bar/Southern District
- Cuban American Bar Association 2011
- Elder Law Committee for Improving the Standard of Care in FL Nursing Homes 2014
- GRACE Court (Human Trafficking of Children) Committee
- Municipios De Cuba En El Exilio, Legal Counsel 2002-2011
- Hialeah Firefighters Benevolent Association
- Educational Excellence School Advisory Council
- Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society