Supreme Court OKs Judge's Return to Bench
By Clara Garcia
Valencia County News-Bulletin
SANTA FE— Valencia County Magistrate John "Buddy" Sanchez said he's looking forward to returning to the bench after the state Supreme Court ruled he can go back to work.
Sanchez, however, must meet several conditions— such as enrolling in an alcohol-treatment program, abstaining from alcohol and complying with random urinalysis screenings.
James Noel, the executive director and general counsel for the New Mexico Judicial Standards Commission, went before the state's high court Thursday, arguing that Sanchez is unfit to perform his judicial duties.
He argued that two independent medical examinations of the magistrate determined that he is physically and psychologically unable to return to the bench.
The court had put Sanchez on administrative medical leave eight months ago.
Sanchez's attorney, Justin Pennington, told the court that his client "is ready, willing and able to return to the bench." He said Sanchez has taken steps to find an alcohol-treatment program, and his health is steadily improving.
Chief Justice Edward Chavez said the court appreciates Noel's work in the case. But justices unanimously agreed to allow Sanchez to return to his duties.
Chavez told Sanchez during Thursday's hearing that if "you don't comply with these conditions ... you will not be on the bench and the (Judicial Standards Commission) will seek removal."
Chavez also encouraged Sanchez to seek counseling, though that wasn't part of the court order.
"I'm excited to be able to return to work," Sanchez said of the ruling, "and I'm feeling a lot better. It's like night and day."
Sanchez was re-elected to a fourth term in office in November.
During Pennington's argument before the Supreme Court, he said his client had been gravely ill and, at one point, had been given his last rites while in the hospital.
He told the court that Sanchez has made a "remarkable" recovery and is ready to go back to work.
"He's gone through an electoral process ... and was overwhelmingly elected by voters in Valencia County, and he knows he can perform his judicial duties," Pennington said.
"I think it's unfortunate that we're here, for whatever reasons. There is a uniqueness to this case, that we're here in a public forum discussing some very private, medical matters."
