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Complaint Process

Complaint Process

Any person may file a complaint against a judge. The complaint must be on the Commission’s complaint form. The Commission may docket misconduct allegations against a judge on its own motion and the Executive Director may also docket complaints as General Counsel.

When a complaint is received, the Commission and/or its staff will review the complaint to decide if it falls within the Commission’s jurisdiction. Staff investigates and gathers documents to be presented to the Commission, which may dismiss unsubstantiated and/or appellate allegations and/or entire complaints after review.  Judges are not notified of unsubstantiated complaints, complaints that are beyond the Commission’s jurisdiction or complaints that are appellate in nature.

Completing the Complaint Form

  • Provide your name and contact information. You must provide your mailing address; the Commission is unable to respond by e-mail.
  • Anonymous complaints are not accepted
  • If the complaint concerns a court case, include all relevant case numbers.
  • Include the name of the judge and court (if you are filing a complaint on multiple judges please complete and submit separate on-line forms.)
  • Include the names and contact information for all witnesses.
  • Include the attorney(s) who represented you or who are related to your case.
  • Provide a concise written allegation(s) of the judge’s specific conduct you believe to have been unethical; and
  • Include any evidence you have to support the conduct you believe to have been unethical.

NOTE:  All materials that you file with the Commission will become part of the Commission’s confidential files and will not be returned or copied to you. Please only provide copies of your supporting documents.

Complaints will not be accepted by phone or in person unless special accommodation is needed due to a disability.  Please do not appear at the Commission office without a prior appointment.

How to File a Complaint

You may file a complaint by completing the fillable complaint form on the Commission’s website or by downloading the printable PDF complaint form and mailing it to:

Judicial Standards Commission
6200 Uptown Blvd., Suite 340
Albuquerque, NM 87110

If you are unable to access the website you may call the Commission at (505) 222-9353 to request that a complaint form be mailed to you.

If you are filing the complaint online:

  1. Click on the “complaint form” tab on the Commission’s home page.
  2. Complete all sections of the complaint form. Note- the * indicates mandatory fields, but all sections should be completed.
  3. Include the nature of the complaint in the allegations tab stating the specific facts and circumstances that you believe amount to judicial misconduct or disability. The allegations should be factual and specific.
  4. Upload copies of all documents supporting your allegation of misconduct. Do not submit letters, statements, histories, or personal stories as a substitute for using the complaint form as directed.
  5. Check both consent boxes. Your complaint cannot be submitted unless both consent boxes are checked.
  6. Sign the complaint form electronically
  7. Click on the “submit” button when you are ready to file your complaint.
  8. You will receive an email acknowledgment that your complaint has been submitted.

You will be advised in writing of the outcome of your complaint, subject to the limits of confidentiality.

Completing the PDF Downloadable Complaint Form

  • Provide your name and contact information. You must provide your mailing address; the Commission is unable to respond by e-mail.
  • Anonymous complaints are not accepted and will be returned.

Provide the name of court, court location and court level of the judge you are complaining about. If you are complaining about multiple judges, please fill out a separate complaint form for each judge.

  • If the complaint concerns a court case, include all relevant case letters and numbers.
  • Include the names and contact information for all witnesses.
  • Include the name(s) and contact information of your attorney and the opposing attorney.
  • Provide a concise written statement(s) in the allegations field. Use additional paper if needed.
  • Provide copies of any evidence you have to support your allegations.
  • Check both consent boxes. Your complaint cannot be submitted unless both consent boxes are checked.
  • Sign the complaint (use of an electronic signature is acceptable.)

All materials that you file with the Commission will become part of the Commission’s confidential files and will not be returned or copied to you. Please only provide copies of your supporting documents.

Complaints will not be accepted by phone or in person unless a special accommodation is approved needed due to a disability.  Please do not appear at the Commission office without a prior appointment.

Accommodations for Disabilities and Language:  If you have a disability and require an accommodation, or if you are having issues accessing our website, please contact the Commission office at (505) 222-9353.