Jerry A. Archuleta
AGE: 48
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (2007) and Masters in Business Administration (2008) from the University of Phoenix; Jurist Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law (2011); and PhD in Psychology candidate from Capella University.
OCCUPATION: Private attorney, solo practitioner for Jerry A. Archuleta Law P.C.; qualifying real estate broker, Archuleta Real Estate LLC; and head coach, Santa Fe Sting adult football team and assistant coach, St. Michael’s High School football team.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Pertaining specifically to civil law, my education with a Masters in Business Administration and courses that I took in law school pertaining to civil law — such as contract drafting, entertainment law and land use — will greatly assist me as a civil division judge.
My personal experience with civil law includes entertainment law, real estate law, probate, breach of contract, estate and security exchange cases. I have also handled civil cases as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator for First Judicial District Court for three years.
My well-rounded experience will not only give me great perspective on the cases before me, but will also help with efficiency on how the docket is handled. The less I have to learn about a specific area of law pertaining to the case, the more efficient I can handle the docket.
WHY I’M RUNNING: I want to make a difference in the legal community. Decisions that are made at First Judicial District Court affect my family and community. Issues affecting district court are inconsistent rulings, holding parties accountable and docket management.
In my private practice, I have seen some judges make very inconsistent rulings. As an attorney, it is extremely difficult to advise a client about their case because of these inconsistent rulings. When a party has a misconception about their position in a matter, it makes it difficult to resolve the matter before a case is filed and even after the case is filed.
I also believe that parties need to be held accountable. In my private practice, I use a lot of judicial resources to hold opposing parties accountable. Parties that are not accountable cost our community money, time and resources. When a party is not accountable, then the opposing side has to go back to court to enforce agreements and orders.
In closing, I am running for First Judicial District Court Judge, Division II because I want to serve the community in which my family lives. My mother’s family is from Española (Dollie’s Restaurant), and my father’s family is from Dixon and Los Alamos. As a judge, I would be consistent so that parties and attorneys know what to expect. I will hold parties accountable and I will utilize scheduling orders early in cases to make sure that cases are not idle. BACKGROUND QUESTIONS:
1. Have you or your business — if you are a business owner — ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens? No.
2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding? Yes. I was involved in a very bad car accident 6 years ago that required several surgeries that limited my ability to work.
3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony? No.