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
University of New Mexico
Occupation
District Court Judge
Filing County
Bernalillo
In addition to meeting the requirements of the New Mexico Constitution, I made a conscious decision not to pursue being a Judge until I had enough practical and life experience to be able to make a positive contribution to the bench. I practiced law for 28 years before serving our community as a Family Law Judge. My law practice was heavily focused on family law, but I also represented many small businesses. This provides me with a unique understanding of family law issues, particularly when it comes to addressing parties with small, family-owned businesses who find themselves in the family court. I also possess compassion, open-mindedness, a commitment to equal justice, and an ability to act decisively.
My career was built on a foundation of unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and equitable resolution of disputes. Based upon my years of experience in private practice, I have a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances inherent in family law cases. I know the people appearing before me are entering the legal system with a tremendous range of emotions – fear about financial security, worry about their children, anxiety about navigating the court system, and strong feelings toward the other party. My extensive litigation experience, ethical integrity, and devotion to ensuring that all people appearing before me are met with compassion, open-mindedness, and patience contribute to my ability to serve as a Family Law Judge.
Actively managing caseloads is important to make sure cases are steadily moving forward toward conclusion. To do this, I hold hearings at the beginning of cases to set deadlines so the finalization of the case is not delayed. There are also a high number of people representing themselves. I take time to explain and simplify the litigation process for them as much as possible and refer them to resources that are available to help them in pursuing their case.
It is important to first understand that Judges do not create policies or laws. We interpret and apply the laws in an unbiased way to the facts of a case as presented to us. However, an independent judiciary is critical to ensuring the rule of law is respected. Judges must be free to make impartial decisions based solely upon applying the existing law to the facts of a case, and not the shifting political climate. In presiding over cases, I apply six policies of my own – 1) keep an open mind; 2) be prepared; 3) treat everyone with dignity, courtesy, and respect; 4) guaranty the opportunity to be heard in a fair and impartial way, 5) be decisive; and 6) show judicial restraint by not allowing any personal agenda to influence my decisions.
Having been born and raised in Albuquerque my entire life, I have a strong commitment to the community I serve. I attended public schools here, achieved my undergraduate degree from UNM, and graduated from UNM School of Law. I have been serving the local community for over 40 years and the legal community for 30 years. I have the knowledge, experience, and ability to uphold the principles of fairness and integrity, while fostering an environment where all parties feel heard and respected. Serving our community as a Family Law Judge since December of 2024 has been a truly rewarding experience – much more than I had hoped for. I look forward to continuing in this role for many years to come.
