Santa Fe County Magistrate Judge Division 3
Magistrates are judges in limited jurisdiction courts. They hold the initial hearings in many types of serious criminal cases, and try criminal cases, including many first-time DUI/DWI and other misdemeanor cases which carry relatively less serious penalties. They also have jurisdiction over some types of civil cases (e.g., landlord/tenant and contracts) in which the amount sought is less than $10,000. Term: Four years; no term limits.
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MARIA M SANCHEZ
(Dem)
What are the qualifications and experience that have prepared you to be a County Magistrate Judge?
Why do you want to serve as a County Magistrate Judge?
What is your view on the balance between the rights of tenants vs. landlords in disputes?
What factors would you consider in making sentencing decisions?
In my 15 years with the SF Magistrate Court, I have had the unique opportunity to be able to work within a courtroom setting alongside many Judges and gained experience in courtroom management which will allow me the ability to manage a court docket efficiently. During the time I have been in court management positions, I have developed an intimate knowledge of the Rules of Criminal and Civil Procedure for the Magistrate Court and state statues. I have also developed knowledge in the processes of moving a case from inception to a final conclusion. In addition, I have also been selected by the AOC to serve on various committees designed to implement best practices/standards and assigned to assist with training and mentoring of other staff
At the beginning of my career with the Judiciary, I aspired to work my way through the levels of supervision and management of the court. It was during this time that I developed an appreciation for the judiciary and its purpose. Serving as a Magistrate Judge will provide me with the ability to grow professionally while using the knowledge that I have obtained to make good fact based decisions while using my best judgment. I will remain fair and impartial to all who appear before me. Serving as a Magistrate Judge will allow me to continue to serve our community in a professional and positive manner.
The Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act regulates and determines the responsibilities and obligations a landlord has towards a tenant as well as the responsibilities and obligations a tenant has towards a landlord. The Act ensures that each party will be able to present their case in a full and impartial hearing where a decision will be made based on the evidence presented as well as the testimony in support of the evidence. The court's judgment will then be entered in accordance with the requirements of the Act.
As a court of limited jurisdiction, the magistrate courts ability to sentence in misdemeanor cases is, at times, affected by legislative mandates. DUI/DWI and domestic violence cases have specific sentencing requirements that are required by statue and shall be implemented.
In cases where more discretion is permitted, the nature of the crime, prior criminal history and the impact on the greater community are all factors that would be considered when imposing penalties as allowed for by law.
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