Los Alamos Municipal Court staff from left, Adrienne Orozco, Sara Martinez, Monica Schwiner, Judge Elizabeth Allen, Juanita McNiel and Lauren Tomko. Courtesy/LAC
COURT News:
Los Alamos Municipal Court Judge Elizabeth Allen and her staff invite the public to an open house to celebrate Law Day, a national day set aside to honor the rule of law.
Visitors may drop in between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at the Municipal Justice Center, 2500 Trinity Drive to enjoy treats, tour the courthouse and learn about the various services and resources.
The court provides both in-person and online hearings, language interpreters and free drug tests and NARCAN at the Municipal Court window. Traffic court and weddings officiated by Judge Allen also occur at the courthouse. However, Judge Allen and her staff are most eager to showcase their services and programs designed to engage children, tweens and teens that align with this year’s Law Day theme, “Voices of Democracy”.
Teen Court
Teen Court, a peer-led diversionary court for youth to resolve traffic or criminal misdemeanor cases, is a popular program in the community. The decade-long initiative has seen more than 100 teens successfully complete the program annually. Seventh through 12th graders gather most Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. to hear actual cases, argue as attorneys, or act as jury members. They receive community service credit and valuable volunteer experience.
“Teen court has boosted my confidence and I have learned so much from it,” said Sophi, a teen attorney. “It is incredible to see all the opportunities it has given to teens.”
Hawk Hangout
The Municipal Court also collaborates with Los Alamos Public Schools, Los Alamos Social Services division and non-profits to address gaps in services. Initiatives like Hawk Hangout, a monthly activity focusing on prevention, have helped youth find social stability and connect with caring adults. The program was launched in response to increased risky behaviors among middle school students as the community emerged from pandemic-related shutdowns. Municipal Court Administrator Juanita McNiel said she has seen tweens who have attended the program blossom.
“Since starting the Hawk Hangout program, I’ve seen kids who aren’t involved in sports or other activities suddenly interacting more with others and making diverse friends,” McNiel said.
In 2023, 1,589 students attended a Hawk Hangout activity.
Field Trips
Additionally, the court facilitates educational field trips and mock trials to teach children and teens about the law. In April 2024, 180 elementary students toured the Municipal Justice Center, which includes the court and police department. These same students then participated as jurors in a mock trial of “The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf”. Judge Allen and Magistrate Judge Catherine Taylor also engage with 300 eighth graders annually in discussions and mock trials to encourage critical thinking about law and justice.
Community Conversations
Community Conversations, another court-supported program with community partners, focuses on education, support, and relationship building to address topics like Fentanyl, mental health and anxiety. Another initiative they are proud to share was a youth-led event on drug overdose prevention. These programs have engaged over 345 community adults and teens in the past year.
More Information
Judge Allen and the entire staff of the Municipal Court are looking forward to welcoming the community to the open house on Wednesday, May 1 to celebrate Law Day, explore the court’s services, and engage with the various programs designed to uphold and educate about democracy. For more information about the Municipal Court, visit losalamosnm.us/Municipal-Court or call 505.662.8025.
Local elementary school students portray jurors in the mock trial of ‘The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf’, during a field trip to the Los Alamos Municipal Court at the Justice Center. Courtesy/LAC
Community Conversation event on Fentanyl awareness and harm reduction held last June at Fuller Lodge. Courtesy/LAC
