How You Can Help – New Mexico residents’ feedback is needed. Please scan the QR code or go to www.accessforall-nmcourts.com to obtain additional information about the project and to take the survey.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in access to jobs, public accommodations, government services, public transportation, and telecommunications. The ADA requires all public entities with over 50 employees to complete an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan to find barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from participating in court activities, programs, or services or from entering or moving throughout our buildings.

The New Mexico Courts have contracted with Altura Solutions, LLC, to conduct an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, including in-person building and court services assessments. Altura Solutions will conduct site visits to assess buildings and other physical assets and seek input from people who use the courts in areas where ADA improvements are needed.

The Second Judicial District Court’s Elder and Disability Initiative (EDI) is a critical program that assists civil court judges in Bernalillo County with adult guardian-ship and conservatorship cases. Under the leadership of Judge Nancy Franchini, the EDI team provides support to adults who are unable to make important decisions regarding their safety and well-being. The team has effectively implemented comprehensive training programs for guardians and conservators, equipping them with the skills needed to manage healthcare, living arrangements, and financial matters. This training has proven invaluable in helping them navigate complex situations and make informed choices for those being cared for. With Trial Court Administrator Thomas Wilson coordinating EDI referrals from civil judges, the process for those requiring guardianship or conservatorship has become more streamlined. The EDI program fosters a collaborative atmosphere that prioritizes the needs of our community’s most vulnerable individuals. Attorneys Nataley Quintana and Wendy Basgall conduct home visits where they can engage and develop meaningful connections with protected individuals, their guardians, and other key parties. The compassion and commitment of the EDI team has made a profound im-pact on many lives, and their dedication to sup-porting the well-being of vulnerable adults continues to drive the initiative’s success.

The Court’s Felony DWI Court (DWI Court) held a graduation ceremony to honor individuals who have successfully completed the program. The event celebrated the graduates’ hard work and achievements, acknowledging their dedication throughout their journey. Judge Britt Baca and Program Manager Anthony R. Rudolfo presented certificates to the participants, and recognized them for their significant accomplishments and commitment. One graduate took the opportunity to reflect on his personal growth, sharing the transformative changes he has experienced, and how the support and structure provided by DWI Court helped him navigate recovery challenges and gave him the tools he needed to maintain sobriety. The graduated reflected on new-found stability which has allowed him to rebuild relationships and secure steady employment.

On July 12, 2024, Young Adult Court (YAC) hosted a special “Summer of Non-Violence” event, bringing together justice partners. The event featured presentations from YAC participants, who shared their personal experiences and their commitment to pledge and support nonviolence. Judge Cindy Leos and Judge Joseph Montano highlighted the program’s achievements and its essential role in enhancing safety and support. As a specialty treatment court program Young Adult Court is a collaboration among the Second Judicial District Court, the Law Offices of the Public Defender, the District Attorney’s Office, Bernalillo County, community organizations, and local law enforcement agencies. Designed for young adults aged 18-25, the program aims to improve participants’ lives through specialized supervision, treatment, access to community resources, and comprehensive support and stability which has allowed him to rebuild relationships and secure steady employment.

Second Judicial District Court Judge Alma Cristina Roberson has been appointed as the presiding judge of Children’s Court, effective May 13, 2024. Judge Roberson, who has served on the bench since 2021, brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to justice.

“I am honored to take on the role as presiding judge,” says Judge Roberson. “I am grateful to work with amazing judges and hard-working, dedicated and compassionate staff.”

Currently, Judge Roberson serves as a member of the New Mexico Supreme Court’s Children’s Court Rules Committee, New Mexico Sentencing Commission’s Juvenile Justice Committee, the Children’s Court Improvement Commission, Co-Chair of the JDAI Processing Case Committee, and oversees the Children’s Court Juvenile Drug Treatment Court and Community Gun Violence Intervention programs. She previously served as a board member for Bernalillo County’s Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities Committee.

“I would like to thank Judge Catherine Begaye for her dedication, commitment, and leadership during her tenure as the Children’s Court presiding judge,” says Chief Judge Marie Ward. “Judge Roberson will continue to lead the Children’s Court with integrity, compassion, ensure continuity, and provide a high standard of excellence.”

Diana Garcia has been appointed to the Second Judicial Court bench by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Benjamin Chavez. Ms. Garcia will be assigned to the Second Judicial District Court’s Children’s Court Division.

Ms. Garcia began her career as an Assistant Public Defender in 1996 where she defended children charged with delinquent offenses. She moved to the felony division of the Law Office of the Public Defender five years later. In 2006, Ms. Garcia began working for the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor in Children’s Court. She was a senior trial attorney until 2017 when she was promoted to Deputy District Attorney and head of the Juvenile Division. In this role, she supervised the day-to-day operations of the division while carrying a caseload.

Ms. Garcia’s passion is Children’s Court. She has 18 years of meaningful experience in Children’s Court as a practitioner of the law. During this time, she has been on numerous committees, commissions, boards, and task forces aimed at improving conditions for our youth. Ms. Garcia has trained both defense attorneys and prosecutors statewide on juvenile issues. Nationally she has been on the Juvenile Advisory Board for the National Association of District Attorneys. She has also worked with the National Council of Family and Children’s Court Judges and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention on juvenile treatment court issues with a focus on the recruitment, training, and the role of treatment court prosecutors. Ms. Garcia is also fortunate to have been selected for specialized training through the Department of Justice, the Secret Service, and Homeland Security.

Ms. Garcia graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She received her Bachelors of Arts from New Mexico State University where she majored in Philosophy with the supplemental major in Law and Society. Ms. Garcia, received her Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law and became a member of the New Mexico Bar in October of 1996.

Ms. Garcia is a native of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is a proud Latina and a 14th Generation New Mexican. With this appointment, Ms. Garcia, will continue her family’s legacy of working to improve the lives of New Mexicans through public service. Ms. Garcia will be a second generation jurist. She follows in the footsteps of her uncle and mentor, The Honorable Lorenzo F. Garcia, Chief Magistrate Emeritus of the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.

Chief Judge Ward stated “the Court is fortunate to gain a judge with such a strong and distinguished background in children’s court matters, and we look forward to her transition to the bench.” Ms. Garcia stated that she “looks forward to continuing her service to the people of Bernalillo County and the state of New Mexico in her new role.”

After nearly two decades of dedicated judicial service, the Honorable Benjamin Chavez has announced
his retirement from the bench, effective January 20, 2024. Appointed Metropolitan Court Judge in
2004, he served until December 2012. Following that, Judge Chavez was elected to the Second
Judicial District Court and sworn in on January 1, 2013. He made a lasting impact on the legal
community, demonstrating unwavering dedication to uphold the principles of justice.

Judge Chavez is a graduate of the University of New Mexico (UNM) and the UNM School of Law. His
judicial career included work in the Metropolitan Court Criminal Division, and assignments to both
the Criminal and the Civil Divisions of the District Court. Before becoming a judge, he dedicated
himself to public service as an Assistant District Attorney, an Assistant City Attorney, and had
worked in private practice. He describes his 19 years on the Bench as “a tremendous privilege,
solemn duty, and humbling responsibility.”

When asked for his thoughts on retiring from the Judiciary Judge Chavez said, “I will be forever
grateful for having the privilege of the work itself, and most especially for having the
opportunity to serve the people of New Mexico.”

The Civil Division will welcome the Honorable Marie Ward, who is transitioning from the Children’s
Court to assume responsibilities on the civil bench, filling the vacant seat.

“I deeply admire Judge Chavez’s outstanding commitment to public service and dedication to the
judiciary during his 19 years on the bench,” says Chief Judge Ward. “Judge Chavez leaves an
extraordinary legacy of fairness, compassion, integrity and judicial excellence.”

May 12 was Spring Adoption Day, and the Children’s Court Division of the Second Judicial District Court (SJDC) celebrated by setting aside a day from busy dockets to finalize adoptions for 10 children with their forever families.

The Friday before Mother’s Day holds special meaning in the SJDC, as Chief Judge Marie Ward established it as Spring Adoption Day in 2016. “Our focus continues to be on the children of our community,” says Chief Judge Marie Ward. “I can’t think of a nicer way to give these children forever homes and honor mothers and families as we approach this special weekend.”

This year, Children’s Court Presiding Judge Catherine Begaye organized the event.

This time-honored tradition in Bernalillo County brings together members of the Children’s Court community to surround and celebrate these children, many of whom may have been in foster care. In 2022, the SJDC completed 108 adoptions, of which, half were for children who had been living in foster care.

“Our Children’s Court judges look out for the best interests of children, and when we find that a child is unable to be reunified with their parents, we are encouraged when safe and loving families open their hearts and homes for these children to grow and thrive,” says Children’s Court Presiding Judge Catherine Begaye. “We are proud to see children adopted by their relatives, their dedicated foster parents, and their siblings. And, with the passage of the Indian Family Protection Act, we are happy when Native American children can remain connected to their tribe and their culture.”

The remaining adoptions accomplished in 2022 were step-parent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, adoption agency-facilitated adoptions, and recognitions of international adoptions for New Mexican families.

Albuquerque, NM, November 18, 2022. The Second Judicial District Court celebrated National Adoption Day on November 18, 2022 with nine adoptions. In total, ten children were welcomed into their new forever families during this annual celebration. Chief Judge Marie Ward and Judge Alma Roberson presided over these special court proceedings.

“Today, we are celebrating and honoring families creating forever homes,” Chief Judge Ward added. “National Adoption Day is not only a celebration of the families welcoming new children today, but is also a celebration of all the forever homes created this year. Since last year’s National Adoption Day, our Court has celebrated 111 families adopting 137 children, with 58 of those amazing children leaving foster care for their forever homes.”

National Adoption Day started in 2000 when courts in nine cities opened their doors to finalize and celebrate adoptions of children in foster care, and bring attention to the thousands of children in foster care waiting for their forever home.

“It was my privilege to be a part of this special day for our New Mexico families,” noted Judge Alma Roberson.

“Presiding over adoption hearings is one of the most rewarding things I do as a judge,” said Chief Judge Ward. “I am very grateful to be able to participate with these children and these families for such a beautiful thing as creating a forever family. The Court is also very grateful and appreciates the tremendous work by the Children, Youth and Families Department workers, community partners, attorneys and court staff that work so very hard to make this special day happen for children and families.”

Due to Covid-19 protocols, the Second Judicial District Court conducted the Adoption Day hearings virtually and prioritized these important proceedings on their dockets. The Second Judicial District Court looks forward to bringing the National Adoption Day celebrations back in full force next year in 2023.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 15, 2022 — On October 31, 2022, the Second Judicial District Court welcomed the Honorable Emeterio L. Rudolfo as the newest member of its Criminal Division bench, filling the seat of the XXI Division.
“The Second Judicial District Court is delighted and honored to welcome Judge Rudolfo,” said Second Judicial District Court Chief Judge Marie Ward. “The Court’s criminal division recently gained another judgeship thanks to the Legislature and Governor. Judge Rudolfo brings valuable experience to this division and will ensure timely and fair access to justice.”

Judge Rudolfo has approached his legal career with a “servant’s heart.” Judge Rudolfo has shown this commitment as he started his career at the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender in Bernalillo County. Judge Rudolfo later established the Rudolfo Law Offices, LLC, where he continued to primarily practice criminal law and expanded his legal expertise to include civil rights and personal injury. Judge Rudolfo, born and raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley, graduated from Rio Grande High school, obtained a B.A. as well as his Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law and was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 1995.

Judge Rudolfo has shared, “I am honored to serve our community as a Judge and am looking forward to working with such fine jurists in the Second Judicial District.”

Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 11, 2022 — The Second Judicial District Court welcomes the Honorable David Allen Murphy as the newest member of its Criminal Division bench.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Judge Murphy’s appointment on July 11, 2020. Judge Murphy is filling a newly created position in the Second Judicial District Court, which now has 30 judges.

“Our sizable caseload created an obvious need for a new judgeship,” said Second Judicial District Court Chief Judge Marie Ward. “We were extremely happy to learn of Judge Murphy’s appointment. His previous experience in Metro Court will serve him well as a member of this Court’s bench.”

Judge Murphy has served in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Criminal Division since 2019. In addition to handling a regular docket of cases, he presided over the Community Veterans Court specialty court. He previously served as a Deputy District Attorney for both the First and Second Judicial Districts, in addition to working as Assistant Attorney General and an Assistant Public Defender. Judge Murphy graduated from the University of New Mexico and the UNM School of Law and was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 2008.

Judge Murphy currently serves on the New Mexico Supreme Court’s Equity and Justice Commission. He also is an Adjunct Faculty member at the UNM School of Law, where he teaches Evidence and Trial Practice.

“It is an honor to continue to serve Bernalillo County as a member of the bench,” Judge Murphy said following his new appointment. “I am ready to get to work in the District Court.”

Second Judicial District Presiding Children’s Court Judge Catherine Begaye has been designated a 2022 “Reunification Hero” by the American Bar Association’s Center on Children and the Law.

This designation recognizes the work Judge Begaye does to facilitate the best possible outcomes for New Mexico families who encounter the state’s child welfare system.

The ABA Center on Children and the Law announces a group of Reunification Heroes each June, which it has designated National Reunification Month, a time for “recognizing the people and efforts around the country that help families to stay together.”

This year’s list includes parents, child welfare professionals and even youth from eighteen states across the country. The center published interviews with each hero on its website.

In a statement announcing Judge Begaye’s selection, the center said, “Judge Begaye works to collaborate with all stakeholders to promote the best outcomes for the cases she presides over.”

Judge Begaye confirmed that statement in her interview, in which she credits all entities in New Mexico’s child welfare system—from attorneys, to the Children’s Youth and Families Department staff, tribal representatives, and the Courts—with working together to build positive support systems for New Mexico families.

Distinguished legal career

The interview also offers details of Judge Begaye’s legal career, which began with a stint as a Public Defender, representing juveniles and adults in District and Appellate courts.

It was a talk with a Children’s Court Judge following a case involving a youth involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems that inspired Judge Begaye to go into private practice. There, she found her calling working with Native families in the abuse and neglect arena.

Judge Begaye initially joined the Second Judicial District Court as a Children’s Court Hearing Officer. As a hearing officer, Judge Begaye helped establish New Mexico’s first Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Court. She was appointed to the bench in January 2021, and was named Presiding Judge of Children’s Court in May of 2022.

“I am honored that the ABA’s Center on Children and the Law selected me as a 2022 Reunification Hero,” Judge Begaye said. “However, this award really reflects the work being done throughout New Mexico’s child welfare system. All of our partners in this system recognize that the best outcome for children is to be part of an intact, supportive family—and they work to make that happen whenever possible.”

Second Judicial District Court Chief Judge Marie Ward said, “Judge Begaye truly is a Reunification Hero. Her work in helping to build culturally sensitive support systems for families in ICWA Court certainly qualifies for that designation. However, she works just as hard at reaching positive outcomes in all her cases, for all families. Simply put, Judge Begaye cares deeply about the welfare of children and their families, and it shows in everything she does.”

Starting June 1, 2022, the dollar limit for cases referred to arbitration in the Second Judicial District Court will increase from $25,000 to $50,000. The New Mexico Supreme Court approved this change in amendments to LR2-603 NMRA of the Local Rules of the District Court of the Second Judicial District.

Under the amended rule, all civil cases shall be referred to arbitration when no party seeks relief other than a money judgment and no party seeks an amount in excess of $50,000.

The amendments to LR2-603 are effective for all cases pending or filed on or after June 1, 2022.

The amended rule and the associated Supreme Court Order are available on this page of the Supreme Court’s website.

A sample of the new Court Annexed Certificate that conforms to the amended rule is available here.

The Honorable Catherine A. Begaye is the new Presiding Judge of the Children’s Court Division of the Second Judicial District Court.

The Court’s Chief Judge, the Honorable Marie Ward, announced Judge Begaye’s appointment on May 2, 2022.

Judge Begaye was appointed to the bench in January 2021. At the time of that appointment, she was serving as a Children’s Court Hearing Officer.

During her tenure as a hearing officer Judge Begaye, a member of the Navajo Nation, helped launch the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Court. This was the sixth ICWA Court in the country, and the first in New Mexico.

“I am honored by this appointment and I take on my new role with the full support of my fellow Children’s Court judges. I will continue to champion the collaboration with and between our justice partners for a safe community and strong families,” said Judge Begaye.

Succeeding Judge Ward
Judge Begaye takes the mantle of Presiding Children’s Court Judge from Judge Ward, who had been serving in two roles since being elected Chief Judge in September 2021.

“I am very grateful for Judge Begaye’s hard work and her willingness to serve as the Presiding Judge of Children’s Court,” Chief Judge Ward said.

Judge Begaye is a graduate of UNM Law School, where she was the Editor in Chief of the New Mexico Law Review and a Dean’s Award recipient for being a student who made outstanding contributions to the law school community.

Prior to joining the Court as a hearing officer, Judge Begaye was a defense attorney representing juveniles and adults in District and Appellate courts. She also worked with children and families in abuse and neglect cases, and this was where she found her calling.

She is the Chair of the Children’s Court Rules Committee, a member of the Tribal-State Judicial Consortium, a committee member of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and serves on many other committees that are committed to improving outcomes for youth and families in New Mexico.

Please be advised that if you intend to submit exhibits for your upcoming hearing they must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled hearing. You must submit a copy to the Court and a copy to the opposing party or attorney.

You can submit your paper Exhibits to albd-dvfilings@nmcourts.gov. Please note if we print out paper exhibits (i.e. text messages, photos, etc.) they will be in black and white.

If you have electronic exhibits they must be provided on a USB flash drive or CD to the Court. You can also include any paper exhibits on the flash drive, please note these will not be returned to you. You may also deliver your exhibits to the Court Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. in room 274, or you can mail them to the DV Division, P.O. Box 488, Albuquerque, NM 87103.

If Exhibits are not submitted to the Court and the opposing party at least 48 hours in advance, they may not be allowed at the hearing.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Domestic Violence Division at 505-841-6737 or send an email to albd-dvfilings@nmcourts.gov.