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Taos County Magistrate Judge Division 1 Possible Recount

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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    JERRY L HOGREFE
    (Dem)

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    EDDIE A LUCERO
    (Dem)

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    ASHLEY R NESPOLI-NELSON
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    DAY G THORNTON
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

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?

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Campaign Email info@nelsonfortaos.com
Filing County Taos
As former manager for the magistrate and district court, I was required to know the written law and statutes, and also the rules and court procedures that applied to the courtroom. I worked alongside judges throughout the state and I learned the complex role that judges hold within the community. My passion for the legal system began when I was a little girl, and came full circle when I began my job at the court - working my way up from court clerk to clerk supervisor, to court manager. I am uniquely positioned with first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of the court system and will be ready to go on day 1. I only left my position when I was unable to find child care - but with my youngest entering Pre-K, I am ready to get back to work.
One of the biggest challenges a Magistrate Judge faces is balancing the fast-paced case flow with making sure each case gets the time and attention it deserves. Magistrate judges are on a timeline to move cases through the system, but cases are not one size fits all. Each case deserves attention to the details, a clear understanding of the law, and specialized attention to whatever the case brings forward. For example, what I saw during my time as court manager, was that the same individuals would often come before the court in criminal cases. I believe that is an opportunity for the court to connect those individuals with services offered within the community that might help reduce recidivism.
Based on my experience as court manager, I believe that improving access to justice by bolstering services offered to the public would reduce delays and increase efficiency, as well as renew public confidence in the legal system. I have heard many community members express dissatisfaction at the lack of resources available as it relates to civil matters in the Magistrate court such as landlord/tenant cases and small claims. I see this as an opportunity for the court system to provide additional resources to individuals as well as make connections with available support within our community.
Having the unique position of working inside the magistrate and district courts, I know the ins and outs of how things are run behind the scenes. I developed strong relationships with justice partners to address any gaps in the judicial process that could be improved on. The transition from court manager to judge is a common one - and that experience means leading from day one: my knowledge of the law, rules, and procedures, and my differentiated approach distinguish me as a candidate. As a Democrat, mother of three, and someone who spent years inside the court, I am running to integrate my professional experiences with the desire to build a safer Taos County.
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