VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have the required judicial temperament and work ethic for this family law judgeship, demonstrated in my over 16 years’ of on-the-bench experience as a Hearing Officer for the Third Judicial District Court – where I already hear many cases I will still handle as the next District Judge. I understand internal court operations and case management systems, without a learning curve, so I will hit the ground running my first day in office. I have over 20 years’ experience as an attorney in family law and am well-trained in domestic violence-related issues as applied to family cases. I have multi-generational, real Hispanic roots in and grew up in Doña Ana County; thus, I understand the unique needs of the many communities in this vast County.

I am the only Third Judicial District Judge candidate on the ballot with over 16 years’ judicial experience as a Hearing Officer. From 2022 to 2023, I simultaneously served the Third Judicial District Court for 15 months as its Staff Attorney Supervisor and a Hearing Officer. Thus, I am intricately aware of both the rewards and challenges awaiting me when I am elected for this office. I have a career-long history of providing pro bono legal services in Doña Ana County and statewide, and I remain dedicated to ensuring access to justice by serving on the Third Judicial District Court’s Pro Bono Committee. Finally, since high school, I have done volunteer work in Doña Ana County.

District Courts need more financial resources. More funds would allow District Courts to pay current employees higher salaries, boosting morale and promoting retention. More staff would help timely set hearings, assist in generating post-hearing orders, and ensure delivery of those orders to the people that need their directives. Family courts need money allocated to guarantee mental health care is readily available for all members of broken families to help them learn to cope with their new “normal” and move forward as co-parents. All family members need access to treatment for the underlying barriers that prevent resolution of their cases in the best interests of their children like domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.

The existing statutes, codes, and rules do not need any changes to keep the judiciary independent from public influence. Each member of the judiciary has a duty to follow the existing statutes, codes, and rules, and to ensure they continuously and consciously make the efforts to strive to keep themself free from public influence. Once elected as the next Third Judicial District Judge, I will strive to continue to be ethical, fair, and impartial.