Socorro County Magistrate Judge
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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JUDITH A HOLCOMB
(Rep)
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FELIX WILLIAM SAAVEDRA
(Dem)
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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I am qualified for this office because I have served three consecutive terms as the Magistrate Judge and have taken numerous classes through New Mexico Court Education Institute, as well as the National Judicial College. I feel that I am well qualified and have proven my ability to handle the Magistrate Judge position, making decisions that affect the lives of individuals with respect and fairness while applying court rules and State statutes.
One of the major challenges is staying up to date with court rules and constantly changing laws, while also continuing to pursue further education through the National Judicial College. Additionally, it is a very busy court, adjudicating close to three thousand cases in a single year.
Public defenders are overwhelmed, and the state would need to address this issue by hiring more attorneys to ensure cases are handled more efficiently and without delays. Also, courts could improve overall efficiency by transitioning to paperless systems, following the example of jurisdictions that have already adopted digital processes to handle case management.
I am 64 years old, born in Belen, NM, and raised by my grandparents, Martin and Clarita Lopez, in Manzano, NM. In 1978 I enlisted in the Army National Guard and served for six years. I began my law enforcement career in 1983 as a detention officer, later becoming a deputy with the Socorro County Sheriff's Department. I was elected Socorro County Sheriff and served four terms before becoming Undersheriff in Cibola County, where I retired after 25 years in law enforcement. I have since served as a Magistrate Judge for 11 years. I will continue to serve the public to best of my ability and remain fair, firm and consistent.
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