18 Years of Service for First District Court Judge
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September 30, 2012
New Mexico: Judge Michael Eugene Vigil of the New Mexico First Judicial District Court has announced his retirement.[1]
He graduated in 1970 from St. Michael’s High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in political science from The University of New Mexico in 1974. He subsequently earned his law degree in 1977 and went into private practice the same year.[1]
Splitting his practice between both criminal defense and general law, which included divorce, personal injury and other civil rights cases, Judge Vigil was one of six candidates recommended for the bench to Governor Bruce King in 1994. He was elected the following November and from then on he was retained by voters.[1]
Judge Vigil's "extensive criminal knowledge" has assisted him many a time in making quick and fair decisions during trials. District Judge Stephen Pfeffer recounted how he and other judges would come to Judge Vigil's office for help. "For years I have noticed that when issues arise in the courthouse, I always see other members of our court, including me, streaming into his office asking for help.”[1]
Known for his many contributions over the years, Judge Vigil is most revered for his contributions in the court system to the Adult Drug Court and the Treatment Court in the Santa Fe area, which he created and is for the treatment of people battling mental disabilities and/or drug addictions. In his opinion, Judge Vigil feels the drug court has helped in closing, as he puts it, the "rotating door."[1]
That "rotating door" is the constant incarceration of drug addicts and was sometimes the only option that existed. "Drug addiction is the single most important factor that contributes to crime here," Judge Vigil stated. "I don’t like to give up on people, especially young people," he further commented.[1]
He knows that the drug court is not enough, and understands that the city has to do a better job in heading off the young people who get into drugs by middle school. Many of the defendants he has seen in cases, such as burglary, seemed to be getting younger, and Judge Vigil believes the root of the problem to be drug addiction.[1]
Some have found him to be perhaps a little too lenient, but his colleagues and others regard him as a fair and compassionate man. His colleague, of no relation, Chief District Judge Barbara J. Vigil, called Judge Michael Eugene Vigil, “an exceptionally compassionate person. That characteristic makes him particularly effective as a judge. He is able to bring out the best in people.”[1]
Intending to still remain active in the community after his retirement, Judge Vigil declared "I don’t think I’m done here."[1]
He was recognized in a private ceremony at the courthouse for his years of service by his friends and family and the entire court staff. Presented with a portrait painted by one of his assistants, the crowd clapped for him with red plastic clappers. Judge Vigil had long ago introduced these clappers as an exciting way to encourage success among the Drug Court participants.[1]
Judge Vigil's bailiff for the past three years was retired police officer Manny Anaya Jr., who also spoke highly of Judge Vigil, saying he had always been fair in all sides of the story in all of his cases, no matter how difficult, and that, "Nobody can fill his shoes."[1]
See also
- News: Recently retired judge wins jackpot, October 7, 2012
- New Mexico judicial news
- Restorative justice
Footnotes
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