ALBUQUERQUE – The nineteen Judges of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court have elected the Honorable Joshua J. Sánchez to serve a second three-year term as Chief Judge of the state’s busiest court.

“I am honored to continue leading this court and to work alongside a team of judges and staff committed to ensuring timely, fair, and equal access to justice for our community,” said Chief Judge Sánchez.

In addition to presiding over court cases, the Chief Judge serves as the administrative authority over personnel, budget, and the general operations of the Metropolitan Court, providing leadership and strategic direction. The Chief Judge also works closely with judges, staff, and justice partners to improve court processes and enhance access to justice.

Judge Michelle Castillo Dowler will continue to serve as Presiding Judge of the court’s Criminal Division, and Judge Jason M. Jaramillo will remain Presiding Judge of the Civil Division.

Chief Judge Sánchez was appointed to the Metropolitan Court in March 2021 by Governor Lujan Grisham and was later elected unopposed. He has served in both the Felony and Criminal Divisions of the court and currently presides over the Behavioral Health and Behavioral Health Resource Connections Specialty Courts.

Prior to serving on the bench, Chief Judge Sánchez worked in private practice for nearly 15 years, specializing in criminal, juvenile, domestic relations, civil and probate law. He also contracted with the Law Offices of the Public Defender, handling thousands of misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile cases.
While attending the University of New Mexico School of Law, Chief Judge Sánchez served as a law clerk for both the Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque and the Thirteenth Judicial District Court in Los Lunas.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Communications in 2002. Chief Judge Sánchez is a proud graduate of Belen High School.

The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court is a state trial court of limited jurisdiction serving Albuquerque and the greater Bernalillo County area. The Court handles a wide range of cases, including petty misdemeanors, DWI offenses, domestic violence matters, traffic violations, and civil disputes up to $10,000. In addition, it conducts felony first appearances and preliminary examination hearings.