Central Defense Initiative

Protecting the constitutional rights of our neighbors, strengthening our community, and providing exceptional advocacy for our clients.

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About Our Office

We all deserve a fair shake in court.

The Central Defense Initiative is a landmark effort to bring meaningful, constitutionally grounded representation to our community. Launched through a one-year, state-funded investment, our office provides exceptional legal counsel from the moment charges are first filed.

What We Do
Our attorneys safeguard the right to counsel and prevent unnecessary pretrial detention. We are strengthening the public defense infrastructure in our community and supporting fairer, more efficient justice outcomes by preserving evidence, reducing jail costs, and improving case resolution from the earliest stages.

Who We Serve
CDI represents people with cases in Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Grenada, Montgomery, Webster, and Winston Counties.

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Our Team

Richard Carter III
^Director

Richard Carter is a highly experienced attorney and the Executive Director of Central Defense Initiative. A lifelong advocate for justice, Richard's career is defined by his deep commitment to effective criminal defense.A graduate of Kosciusko High School and Mississippi State University (B.A., History, 2003), Richard earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi (J.D., 2006). His passion for public defense began early, solidified by an internship with the Hinds County Public Defender’s Office. In 2007, he founded Carter Law Office in Kosciusko, MS.Richard spent years simultaneously managing his private firm and serving as a Public Defender across multiple Central Mississippi counties, gaining extensive courtroom experience and providing essential services to those in need. In 2019, he transitioned to strictly private practice to dedicate more thorough attention to his clients. He returned to his public defense roots in the fall of 2025 when he accepted the leadership role with the Central Defense Initiative.

Hunter Salamone
^Attorney

Charles “Hunter” Salamone is a veteran of the United States Army, where he served as a paratrooper and a paralegal in the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (ABN) and the 20th Special Forces Group (ABN). During military service, Hunter attended the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating Cum Laude in 2022 with a concentration in criminal law. In law school, Hunter interned for the United States Attorney’s Office in Oxford, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and two Federal Judges (Magistrate Judge Michael T. Parker in Hattiesburg, and District Judge Mark S. Norris in Memphis). After graduation, Hunter entered private practice at several Mississippi law firms, where he specialized in personal injury and insurance defense litigation. Hunter now brings his wealth of civil litigation experience to the 5th District, where he utilizes his faith in God and his servant’s heart to assist defendants with their respective legal matters. Hunter is married to the former Darrah Marie Stong of Vicksburg, and they have two children, Sadie and Alison. They are members of Pinelake Church of Starkville.

Stephen Wozencraft
^Attorney

Stephen Wozencraft is a long-time resident of Attala County. He earned his GED after attending classes at the Attala Education Center in Kosciusko in 2011 and an associate degree from Holmes Community College in Goodman in 2016. Wozencraft graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of Mississippi in 2018. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in December 2021. After completing Law School, Stephen served as the Judicial Law Clerk for the 8th Circuit Court District. Stephen accepted a position as staff attorney for the Central Defense Initiative in the fall of 2025 and is thrilled at the opportunity to return to his community to serve the public. Stephen married his wife, Miranda in 2023 and he is an amateur baker.

Victoria S. Lacey

Paralegal, Office Administrator

Victoria Swinney Lacey joined the Central Defense Initiative from Carter Law Office, where she worked since 2015. Victoria received an associates degree in education and paralegal studies that same year. Victoria most recently served as Carter Law Office’s chief paralegal and office administrator.

Marlee McBride

Data Coordinator

Marlee McBride came to CDI from Carter Law Office, where she worked as a legal assistant since July 2023. Marlee recently received a paralegal studies degree from Holmes Community College.

Kimm Watson
^Investigator

Kimm Watson is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a two-time graduate from Jackson State University. Kimm received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in social work. In graduate school, Kimm interned with Hinds Behavioral Heath Services and the Office of the State Public Defender’s Capital Division. Kimm brings a holistic perspective to the team, evaluating more than the alleged crime, but searches for the best possible outcome for each client.