Voters to decide fate of three judges

The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission recommended retaining all three district judges up for retention votes this November. 

Richard Jacquez, James Martin and Conrad Perea received “retain” nods from the commission, which evaluates judges in New Mexico based on legal ability, fairness, communication skills, preparation, attentiveness, temperament and control over proceedings.

District judges appear periodically on ballots to allow voters to vote for or against retention. The judge must receive more than 57 percent of the vote and if a judge loses that retention vote, they must face a candidate in the next general election to remain on the bench. 

JPEC surveys court staff, attorneys, police, volunteers, interpreters, jurors and other court personnel. The answers and responses are synthesized into reports and include recommendations on whether to retain or reject a judge. 

Jacquez receives 'retain' recommendation 

Jacquez became a district judge in 2020 after winning an election. Before that, he worked as a district attorney and magistrate judge. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1999 and obtained his law degree. He handles many of the county’s criminal cases. 

Jacquez received very high scores from court staff, resource staff and jurors. Court staff commended his respect for the courthouse workers regardless of position and said Jacquez encourages them to respect the court. 

Resource staff, such as police and parole officers, said Jacquez is attentive and promptly schedules hearings. Attorneys rated Jacquez slightly lower when it comes to scheduling. 

“Judge Jacquez recognized these slightly lower scores, discussed changes he had already made to improve these areas, and stated he is committed to improvement,” the report said. 

Martin receives ‘retain’ recommendation

Martin became a district judge in 2005 after being appointed by former Gov. Bill Richardson and held his seat in the 2006 election. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 1986 and received his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1991. Martin primarily handles civil cases. 

According to the report, Martin received high marks from all groups surveyed by JPEC. 

For example, attorneys rated him highly for being attentive to the proceedings, being punctual and ensuring his staff is professional, productive and knowledgeable of court policies and procedures.

The report did not note that Martin was censured in 2023 after the Supreme Court found he pressured prosecutors to pursue stiffer charges for a man who allegedly pointed a gun at his daughter. 

Perea receives ‘retain’ recommendation

Perea became a district judge in 2017 after former governor and Las Cruces prosecutor Susana Martinez nominated him. Before the appointment, Perea was a Doña Ana County Magistrate Court judge. He’s also an NMSU graduate and received his law degree from Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. He primarily handles criminal cases. 

The JPEC report found Perea received very positive ratings from attorneys who said Perea is “courteous to all participants, demonstrating appropriate demeanor on the bench, being attentive to the proceedings and for ruling on motions or cases in a timely manner.”

The report said court staff and jurors echoed that sentiment, adding that they gave Perea perfect scores in some categories.