Las Cruces magistrate judge to step down

November 30, 2011

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico: Las Cruces Magistrate Court Judge Olivia N. Garcia has agreed to accept permanent retirement starting December 30, of this year so as to avoid disciplinary actions by the New Mexico Supreme Court. According to a court order unsealed on Monday, November 28, "The parties recognize that the three matters pending before the commission have not been adjudicated, and that the respondent denies the allegations contained therein." The order further states that Judge Garcia, "shall never again hold, become a candidate for, run for, or stand for election to any New Mexico judicial office in the future." Judge Garcia faced allegations of preventing a defendant in one case from having the help of attorney, advising another defendant during plea negotiations, and misapplying landlord-tenant law.