Inquiry Concerning a Judge No. 2011-035 in the Matter of Stephen S. Salazar

Summary

The New Mexico Supreme Court disciplined municipal judge Stephen S. Salazar, imposing a 90‑day unpaid suspension, public censure, probation, restitution and costs, finding his ex parte communications, issuance of an unauthorized release order, and repeat misconduct while on probation constituted willful misconduct. The Court affirmed the Judicial Standards Commission’s recommendation and warned that further violations could lead to removal.