State district court judges hear many types of cases, both civil and criminal. Their civil cases include private injury lawsuits, contracts, real estate, family law, and some mental health and election-related issues. The criminal cases they hear include felony and more serious misdemeanor matters.
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.
Occupation
District Judge
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.
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