Education
Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude - University of New Mexico School of Law
Filing County
San Juan
I have spent the last twelve years serving as a prosecutor in the Eleventh Judicial District Attorney's Office. While serving as a prosecutor I have prosecuted many cases in front of a jury. From this experience I have extensive knowledge and pracitical application with the rules of evidence, court procedure and application of case law. I strive every day to make sure that justice is carried out. This includes protecting the rights of the accused, giving victims a voice and protecting the integrity of the judicial system.
I was raised in Gallup, New Mexico where I saw the issues impaciting the 11th Judicial District: alcoholism, poverty and violence being among them. I went to law school with the intent of coming back to live in the 11th Judicial District and help address these issues.
I am a certified professional lecturer with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. I have not only the ability to know and understand the law, but the ability to explain it it ways others understand.
I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where I learned to speak Spanish and gain an even greater cultural appreciation than I had growin up in Gallup.
I have been serving as the chair of the San Juan County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council from January 2025 to the present. I oversee and direct colaborative efforts between several law enforcement agencies, treatment providers, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the courts to insure that the judicial process remains fair, non-biased, applys the law, runs smoothly and allow all involved a voice in the process.
A judge's responsibility is to uphold the law fairly and equally without bias. A judge is to uphold the constitution and be free from external influence. To accomplish this orders must be clear in both what is ordered and factual findings to provide meaningful transparency and opportunity for appelate review.
I was raised in the 11th Judicial District and chose to continue to make this my home. I live in Farmington, New Mexico with my wife, Chelsea, and my three children. I am running to serve the people of my home.
I treat people with respect and dignity as I apply the law equally to all and without bias. I give individuals the opportunity to be heard in the most difficult situations that have resulted in being involved with the judicial system. I seek to preserve and protect the rights given by the United States and New Mexico constitutions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies, Stanford University. Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude, University of New Mexico School of Law. Certificate in Navajo Cultural Arts with an Emphasis in Weaving, Summa Cum Laude, Dine College.
Filing County
San Juan
Twenty years of legal experience, with a majority in courtroom proceedings in federal, state and tribal courts, honed my understanding and practice of court process and procedure. Substantively, my experience developed my legal knowledge in the following areas: water rights, criminal law, child support establishment and enforcement, divorce, custody, domestic violence, Indian law, and complex civil cases. Two of those 20 years, led to direct judicial experience by serving as a Child Support Hearing Officer, Domestic Relations Hearing Officer, and Domestic Violence Commissioner. Since serving as district judge, I have aptly heard and resolved hundreds of cases. My experience qualifies me to handle the demands this office requires.
Growing up in a judicial district that I was born and raised in, persistent headlines of alcoholism, tragic vehicle crashes, repossessions of mobile homes, domestic violence, and missing and murdered persons captured the daily news. Witnessing this, I dedicated myself to earn an education to serve the public. After law school, I returned home to help bring water infrastructure to homes that never had running water, held drunk drivers accountable by acquiring the highest DWI conviction rate in the entire state, secured financial support for thousands of children from both parents, and worked with law enforcement and advocates to protect victims of domestic violence. This background motivates everyday to serve as judge with dignity.
Ensuring public trust and access to justice improves the operations of the District Court. I have done this by serving on the State Wide Task Force to Study Gaps in Legal Services for Domestic Violence Victims. I also serve on the Tribal-State Judicial Consortium which builds relationships and foster communication between state and tribal courts. I also participate in the local San Juan County Bar Association which allows judges and local attorneys to promote mutual respect and civility through open discussion impacting the legal system, court procedures/processes and overall improvement of the judicial process.
I took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of New Mexico.
I was born of Ta’neeszahnii clan and born for Tachii’nii clan. My maternal grandfather clan is Bit’ahnii. My paternal grandfather’s clan is Todich’ii’nii.
