Valencia County Magistrate Judge Division 1
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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MILES ROSS TAFOYA
(Rep)
1. What qualifies you for this office?
2. What are the major challenges when serving as a Magistrate Judge?
3. What would be the most effective methods to improve Magistrate Court procedures and efficiency?
4. What other information would you like voters to know about you?
I am qualified because I have been in this position for the past five years. My previous court experience as a surveillance officer and my time in the army also contribute to my qualifications. I have direct experience with managing time and resources efficiently. I can listen to all sides and make unbiased decisions, which leads to a judicial system that people can trust.
The major challenge is ensuring that the parties are heard before making my decision, in accordance with established rules and statutes. I must be unbiased and not swayed by emotion or sympathy. I must be patient with people who aren't always calm or are just having a really bad time. I uphold the oath I took to the rules, statutes, and constitution of New Mexico and the United States and am not swayed by the opinions of others.
Explanation and education of court processes improve court procedures. If those involved understand what is happening and what to expect, there is less confusion and better time management. Communication with other departments that the court works with improves efficiency. This happens when anyone who works in the criminal justice system can address issues and work together toward solutions.
For the past few years, I have invited community members to sit in on court sessions and ask questions afterward about the processes, rules, and statutes. This starts the conversation by identifying areas that may need to change, such as statutes and rules, as well as procedures that can be improved. If no one outside the judge and lawyers understands how the court works, then the court is not serving the community as intended.
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