District Court Judge 1ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT DIVISION 04
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.
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DENISE MARIE THOMAS
(Dem)
1. What qualifies you for this office?
2. What in your background would serve you best as a District Court judge?
3. In addition to hearing and deciding cases, how can you help improve the operations of District Court?
4. What policies are needed to keep the judiciary independent from political influence?
5. What other information would you like the voters to know about you?
Education
The University of Texas at Austin (B.A.), Tulane Law School (J.D.)
Occupation
First Judicial District Court Judge
Filing County
Santa Fe
I worked as an attorney for 26 years before being recommended by the bi-partisan Judicial Nominating Committee and appointed to serve as a District Judge by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in March of 2024. I have served Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos Counties as the Family Court Judge since that time. I worked as a family law attorney for 10 years before being appointed as a judge. I had the privilege of assisting families through some of the most difficult times in their lives, with the goal of helping them get through these experiences with dignity, compassion and understanding. The work I do as a judge is an extension of my work as an attorney; only now, I am able to reach and help even more people.
Before being appointed as a District Judge, I had a broad range of legal experience in civil, criminal and family law matters. I am able to draw on each of these areas of law in making decisions and assisting individuals who appear in court. Specifically, the eight years I worked with U.S. District Court Judge Martha Vazquez for the District of New Mexico, gave me invaluable experience in legal writing, analysis and in the courtroom that serves me now in my work as a judge.
The District Court serves a large number of individuals who are unfamiliar with the court system, the law and are unable to afford to hire an attorney. As such, it can be a highly stressful and intimidating place for many people, especially when they have so much at stake. Education is critical to helping people understand their rights and the court process. Taking time to help people understand how to bring a case without counsel, what to expect during their case, and answer their questions best serves the individual parties and the court as a whole to arrive at more fair and just outcomes.
In New Mexico, all judges are bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct, which serves to maintain the independence and integrity of the judiciary. There are strict limitations on what a judge can and cannot do to avoid conflicts of interest and inappropriate political influence. Every judge should strive to adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct and set aside their personal ideology when deciding a case. As a society, we should seek to have judges who make decisions based upon the applicable law and facts of a case, and nothing more. Electing judges with the strength of character to make difficult and, at times, unpopular decisions is imperative to judicial independence and our democracy.
I am committed to public service. I was raised with the belief that if you are able to help, you should. Before becoming a judge, outside of my work as a lawyer, I dedicated a substantial amount of my time volunteering with organizations that help children and support education. I have served on the board of Girls, Inc. and Partners in Education. I was an event chair and President of the PTC at my children's school. I have also volunteered for Access to Justice, the St. Elizabeth's Shelter, the Adelante Program and the Food Depot. My work as a judge is yet another form of public service where I can continue helping children and families in our community. It is an honor and privilege to be able to do this work.
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