Twelfth Judicial District - Costilla County Court Judge
Honorable Pattie P. Swift
Retention Year: 2000
Recommendation: Retain
The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Pattie P. Swift BE RETAINED.
Judge Swift, a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law, was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in October 1989 and to the Colorado Bar in June of 1990. Judge Swift was appointed County Judge of Costilla County in 1989.
Judge Swift's caseload includes traffic-related offenses, misdemeanors, felony pretrial, and some civil matters. She has received excellent ratings from attorneys, law enforcement and the community.
In her interview she identified being fair to all parties as a high priority. She works diligently to assure that pro se litigants are informed of their legal rights and of court proceedings. Judge Swift expressed concern for the growth of the domestic violence caseload and is taking steps to address this problem.
Judge Swift has demonstrated strength in the area of legal reasoning. She strives to deliver timely decisions and when possible delivers oral instruction and rulings to expedite the process. She has adapted to the technological changes within the court system.
Judge Swift enjoys educating the community about the court system and process. She feels that it is important to be involved in the community.
Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 90% recommended retention, 5% recommended non-retention, and 5% had no option. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 90% recommended retention, 5% recommended non-retention, and 5% had no opinion.