NM Judicial Retention Judge of the Metropolitan Court Division 01
Metropolitan Court has jurisdiction over civil actions under $10,000, felony first appearances, misdemeanors, misdemeanor DWI/DUI; misdemeanor domestic violence, and traffic violations. Judges are elected for a four-year term, after which they must receive at least 57% of the vote in a retention election to remain on the bench.
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Asra I. Elliott
(NP)
Describe the experience and abilities that qualify you for this position.
What changes in training and support for judges in your court would you like to see implemented?
What other recommendations do you have to improve the operations of the metropolitan courts?
How do you deal with difficult people, including peers, lawyers, administrative personnel, or litigants?
What other information would you like the voters to know about you?
I was appointed to the Court by Governor Lujan Grisham in 2022 after being vetted and recommended by a bipartisan commission. In the twelve years before my appointment, I worked both as a prosecutor and a public defender. I also served as a judicial staff attorney for eight years at the Court of Appeals and the Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque. I understand both sides of the criminal justice system and have been privileged to learn from some of the best judges in the state.
I have received excellent training and professional support since being appointed to Metropolitan Court. The more senior Judges foster a collegial atmosphere and are always happy to help, and the Court also provides regular additional training sessions on various legal issues and evolving areas of law. I hope this collaborative culture continues and the Court is able to provide more regular legal updates as the law evolves.
Metropolitan Court is continually evaluating and improving its processes and delivery of services. The Court's flexibility and can-do ethos have allowed it to reliably rise to meet any challenge to keep the wheels of justice turning, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. As new challenges arise, the Court will continue to develop new and improved ways to continue serving Bernalillo County.
Whether a person is a party or a witness to a case, an attorney, or court personnel, the pressures of the legal system can, at times, lead a person to act against their better nature.
As the judge, I am responsible for setting a tone of professionalism and respect. Acknowledging and open-mindedly seeking to understand a person's position often go a long way in diffusing or at least reducing the intensity of a fraught situation.
I am extremely privileged to be entrusted with such an important job and one I also truly enjoy. Although appearing in court is not an enjoyable experience for most people, whatever their role in a case, I strive to leave each person I encounter with confidence in the legal system and the feeling they have been treated with fairness and respect.
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