In the Matter of Salazar

Summary

The New Mexico Supreme Court publicly censured and disciplined Stephen S. Salazar, a municipal court judge, for issuing an ex parte order directing a towing company to release a motorcycle without notice, a hearing, or jurisdiction over the matter. The Court found willful misconduct, violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct, and misconduct committed while Salazar was on probation from prior disciplinary proceedings. The discipline included a 90-day suspension without pay, probation, restitution, payment of costs, and public censure.