Formal proceedings were instituted last June 27, 2017 by the NM Judicial Standards Commission against Magistrate Judge Warren Walton. Walton was accused of having improper out-of-court conversations with attorneys, defendants and their families; of improperly charging attorneys with contempt of court; and approving continuances.
After the investigation the Commission filed their findings and both parties agreed to accept the stipulation agreement and a consent to discipline.
The Supreme Court has put the judge on supervised probation, including a mentorship and ordered him to take classes on judicial conduct. If he fails to complete these, he will be suspended for three weeks without pay. Walton will also receive a public censure which will be issued at a later date.
